New Zealand's only Maori owned and controlled dairy company is signing a deal with Shanghai Pengxin on Tuesday to process milk from the former Crafar Farms into UHT products for export to China.
Miraka Ltd, which operates a big factory near Mokai northwest of Taupo, is in Shanghai with iwi who historically affiliate with the Crafar Farms to initial the lucrative venture.
Chairperson Kingi Smiler said it's important to build good relationships with the Chinese because it supports the emerging Maori economy and the bilateral agreement the Government has set up.
He said it's very pleasing to go straight to the market which Miraka Limited will be supplying and see how keen the Chinese are to develop these kinds of business relationships and to invest directly both in New Zealand and China.
Mr Smiler said it's a significant step for Miraka and bodes well for future Maori partnerships with China.
