Papakura Marae has formalised a new partnership aimed at strengthening ties with India, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the New Zealand Bharat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Guests were welcomed onto the South Auckland marae with a formal pōwhiri before the agreement was signed, marking a new relationship between Papakura Marae and Indian business leaders in Aotearoa.
The signing comes as New Zealand and India continue formal free trade agreement negotiations. But this Memorandum sits outside of those government-led talks, creating a direct relationship between Māori and Indian business communities.
Papakura Marae chief executive Tony Kake said the signing marked the beginning of a significant connection between Māori and India.
“Today is a really important day for us here at Papakura Marae. It’s the beginning of a really strong connection in trade between the New Zealand economy, the Māori economy and India,” he said.
New Zealand Bharat Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Mahesh Bindra also described the signing as historic.
“This is the first time somebody from the New Zealand-India business space has actually come together with Māori-owned businesses and come to an understanding where we will help each other,” he said.
Bindra said there were strong cultural similarities between Māori and Indian communities, particularly through shared values around ancestors, whānau and community.
“There are similarities between how the two cultures work,” he said.
“The Hindus are very similar to Māori in terms of paying respect to their ancestors, family values and the ethics of business.”
The Memorandum sets out a shared commitment to explore opportunities between Māori and Indian communities across business, trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange.
Areas outlined in the agreement include supporting Māori business connections into Indian markets, student exchange opportunities, tourism initiatives and collaboration through arts and sport.
Papakura Marae has long served as an important urban marae in South Auckland, supporting whānau across the region and playing an instrumental role during the Covid-19 lockdowns through community response efforts and support for local families.
Kake said the marae’s focus was not simply on growing its own economy, but helping open doors for Māori more widely.
“It’s more important for me that we grow the Māori economy. And if we’re the conduit to open those doors, then that’s fine. That’s what we’re all about.”
While the Memorandum itself is non-binding, it provides a framework for future collaboration between both communities.