Nau Mai Haere Mai
Welcome to Poutama Trust
Poutama is an independent charitable trust established in 1988 to provide business development services to Māori. Poutama strives to create an environment for successful business ventures and economic growth for Māori. Income generated from its investments enables Poutama to engage in activities and provide services that support and facilitate Māori business development.
Tā Mātou Kawepūrongo – Our Latest News
AgriSea Grand Opening
From Seaweed to World‑First Innovation: AgriSea’s Big Day in Paeroa AgriSea unveiled the world’s first Commercial Seaweed Nanocellulose Biorefinery in Paeroa—a launch that drew ministers, dignitaries, industry leaders, partners, and plenty of proud whānau. [...]
Buy Māori Made This Christmas – Give Gifts with Heart!
Still hunting for the perfect Christmas gift? Why not make this holiday season extra special by supporting Māori businesses? When you Buy Māori Made, you’re not just giving a present—you’re backing creativity, culture, and [...]
Regional Business Partner Programme: Work with Poutama
The Regional Business Partner (RBP) Programme helps businesses build capability and prepare for growth. Pakihi Māori can choose to work with Poutama to explore what RBP support may be available for their business. Working [...]
Innovation Services Update
Innovation support is still here - and Poutama can help you access it! If you’re looking to get a head start on 2026 and accelerate your innovation, there’s good news. The grants and support [...]
Provincial Growth Fund Programme
Poutama was proud to partner with MBIE to deliver the Poutama ki te taumata: Accelerating Māori enterprise development programme
The programme utilised $5 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and made this pūtea/funding available to existing regional Pakihi Māori/Māori business across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The funding support was for capital investment to increase productivity, increase job numbers and allow businesses to invest in regional economic development initiatives like construction and infrastructure.
Given the economic impacts of COVID-19, the programme had a strong focus on supporting enterprises that created new jobs, and in turn positively contributed to local and regional community resilience.
Manaakitanga | Supporting Māori Business Projects
Clusters, Coalitions and Collectives
Te Pūtea Pakihi Māori | Māori Business Funding
The Business Development Investment (BDI) enables businesses to investigate innovative ideas to help consolidate and grow. The BDI can assist with the purchase of products and/or services that will help strengthen a business. BDI can also support business owners/employees to upskill.
Apply Online
Investment assistance for investigation, growth and trainingConditions and Criteria
To apply for Poutama investment you must meet the following conditions and tick the check box next to each.E-Newsletter
Keep updated with the latest news and events related to Māori businessRead our e-newsletter
View the February 2018 – E-Newsletter