A memorandum of understanding between Miraka Ltd and its Malaysian distribution partner, Storiiu, was witnessed by Maori Development Minister and Associate Minister for Economic Development Te Ururoa Flavell in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Miraka is New Zealand's first Maori-owned dairy processor and the agreement meant the company would start exporting itsfirst own-branded consumer product.
Mr Flavell said the agreement was evidence of Maori innovating and moving products and services up the value chain, forming long-term international partnerships, and building economic value for the future.
"This is an example of Maori leading with the principle of kaitiakitanga [guardianship of the land, its people and environment] and shows the positive response this approach is receiving in international markets.
"It also shows the power of whanau collaboration and commitment. Investing in relationships and playing a long game is fundamental to Maori core values and this is an important part of any export strategy.
"I congratulate Miraka on their progress and on the contribution it is making towards lifting incomes and providing aspirational role models for other Maori exporters."
Mr Flavell is visiting Malaysia with a delegation of seven Maori companies to raise the profile of New Zealand's food and beverage sector.
Malaysia's total food and beverage sales are forecast to grow to around US$21 billion in the next three years.
Miraka is located in Mokai, 30km northwest of Taupo, and uses renewable geothermal steam from the Mokai geothermal field to run its processing operations - a world first for the whole milk powder processing industry.
