New Zealand Maori companies to launch on China's e-commerce platform

WELLINGTON - The first Maori business collective will have a presence on one of China's main e-commerce platforms, Tmall Global, which is part of the Alibaba Group, New Zealand Minister for Maori Development Nanaia Mahuta said on Thursday.

The Hui Maori Collective comprises 13 companies which together sell a range of premium products, including wine, Manuka honey, dairy (milk powder), fruit bars, and Kawakawa soft drink.

Their Maori-branded product suite will be hosted on NZ Post's flagship store on Tmall Global. Chinese customers can order online, NZ Post will then package the order from its airport warehouse and send directly to Chinese consumers in a partnership with China Post, Mahuta said in a statement.

"It is exciting to see Maori companies combine their products in such an innovative manner for an important export market," she said.

In an additional innovation, the Modern Maori Quartet has joined the coalition to support their aim of becoming one of New Zealand's global cultural ambassadors.

"This blending of world-class Maori entertainment together with premium food and beverage products will provide Chinese consumers with a unique shopping experience and help the coalition to stand out on Tmall Global," the minister said.