A statement of intent
Grounded in kaupapa tuku iho and over two decades of informal collaboration, this kawenata (relationship agreement) formalises our shared commitment to growing Māori enterprise, building collective prosperity, and supporting the aspirations of Māori businesses across the region.
This is not a contract—it’s a statement of intent founded on whakapapa, trust, and shared values. It affirms our belief that by working together, we can create greater impact for our pakihi Māori, strengthen regional collaboration, and grow a future grounded in mana motuhake and Māori economic leadership. Together, we are focused on strengthening the Māori business ecosystem. That means:
- Supporting Māori businesses to thrive and innovate,
- Sharing opportunities, resources, and insights across our networks,
- Championing Māori business success and leadership in local and national forums,
- Acting with integrity, manaakitanga, and a deep commitment to kaupapa Māori values.
Our Maori business networks
Each network maintains its own autonomy and identity, while contributing to a collective vision
for Māori economic development in Te Ūpoko o Te Ika.
The Role of Te Matarau a Māui
As a regional enabler and connector, Te Matarau a Māui plays a vital support role for the networks. This includes:
- Coordinating shared initiatives and offering administrative and strategic support,
- Sourcing and distributing funding and resourcing in ways that strengthen network capacity,
- Supporting the networks as primary delivery partners in regional and national
programmes, - Ensuring all collaboration is mana-enhancing, grounded in tikanga, and aligned with our values.
What We’ve Delivered Together
In the last year, Ngā Whatunga Pakihi Māori has co-delivered a range of initiatives that
demonstrate the power of collaboration:
- Matarau Rautaki Events: Future-focused wānanga on kaupapa like climate innovation, Māori procurement, and kaupapa capital—hosted across the region by Te Awe, Māori in Business Wairarapa, and Te Rōpū Pakihi.
- Māori Business Mentoring Programme: Te Rōpū Pakihi led the development of a new mentoring guide, engaged mentors, and completed key reporting to help grow business capability in the region.
- Māori Business Data Project: Te Awe partnered with Victoria University to co-design a regional Māori business survey—laying the groundwork for better data and insight.
- Local Government Wānanga: Awarua Māori Business Network hosted information sessions to support Māori considering standing in the 2025 local elections.
- Tipu Pakihi 2025: All four networks are actively involved in shaping Tipu Pakihi 2025, from programme design and speaker nominations to promoting participation and selecting regional award recipients.
- Kaipakihi Māori Support: Te Matarau a Māui has partnered with Māori in Business Wairarapa, Te Awe, and the Ngāti Toa Business Hub in Porirua to expand support services, mentorship, and capability building for Māori businesses across the rohe.
Our Guiding Values
Ngā Whatunga Pakihi Māori is underpinned by kaupapa tuku iho including:
- Whakapapa – valuing connection and the relationships that bind us;
- Kotahitanga – working collectively for the greater good;
- Rangatiratanga – respecting the autonomy and mana of each network;
- Manaakitanga – creating spaces of support, generosity, and respect;
- Kaitiakitanga – ensuring the sustainable growth of Māori business for future generations;
- Pūkengatanga – growing excellence, innovation, and leadership;
- Te Reo me ōna Tikanga – honouring the central role of te ao Māori in business.
Looking Ahead
Ngā Whatunga Pakihi Māori is a long-term commitment to collective uplift. Together, the networks and Te Matarau a Māui will continue to identify and grow opportunities, host region-wide kaupapa, and serve as the backbone of Māori enterprise in Te Ūpoko o Te Ika.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini! Our strength is in our unity. Our future is one we will build together.