Maori offer Temaru advice

Maori fisheries experts are offering to help French Polynesia grow its fishing industry following the visit to New Zealand of its President, Oscar Temaru.

Mr Temaru yesterday met Te Ohu Kaimoana chairman Shane Jones in Auckland to discuss how New Zealand could help French Polynesians develop export seafood markets.

Mr Temaru said his country's economy ran at a huge deficit so needed to further develop its natural resources.

Mr Jones said Maori could offer their experience in managing fisheries and developing commercial partnerships outside iwi structures.

He was willing to help with sending a group to French Polynesia to give advice on accessing overseas markets, developing niche fisheries and providing research advice.