New Zealand’s Indigenous ties with Malaysia is the strongest in Sabah as the Polynesian people were here before, and many words in language like “mata” for eye are similar.
Through Anzac and the Colombo plan, many Sabahans also opted to study in New Zealand instead of Australia, noted its Minister for Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell.
Speaking at a NZ High commission reception at the Hilton, he said both are close in education, culture, economy and tourism bilateral ties and could work together for the benefit of indigenous people.
State Tourism culture and Envoiroment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun noted the similarities between indigenous people in Sabah and New Zealand where, according to, the Maori constituted only 15 per cent of the population, but they are resourceful.
This is an excerpt from an article first published by The Daily Express. Read the original article here: Learning from Kiwis on Indigenous Tourism.Â
