The New Zealand government said on Tuesday it was stepping up support for exports by Maori businesses with a particular focus on developing the China market.

    Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell said the government's New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) agency was committing an extra 1.6 million NZ dollars (1.04 million U.S. dollars) to support Maori businesses wanting to grow internationally.

    The funding would see five new positions dedicated to Maori business created across the NZTE international network over the next six to 12 months, including a new business development manager in China.

    "I've just returned from leading a Maori trade mission to China that included businesses spanning tourism, dairy, seafood, wine, kiwifruit, horticulture, professional services and manufacturing," Flavell said in a statement.

    The Maori economy totals around 42 billion NZ dollars (27.45 billion U.S. dollars) a year.