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
Māori Tech Businesses: It’s Time to Be Recognised
Entries are now open for the Māori Hi-Tech Company of the Year at the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards - Aotearoa’s premier celebration of technology-led innovation, impact and commercial success. Māori tech businesses — this [...]
Innovation Services Update – Work with Poutama
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 [...]
New pilot helps small businesses harness AI
A new pilot programme has launched to help small businesses overcome barriers in accessing artificial intelligence tools that boost productivity and unlock growth, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced. "Artificial intelligence [...]
Amotai 2026 International Programme
Amotai is proud to lead a series of offshore delegations that strengthen Māori and Pasifika participation in global supply chains. Delegations are designed to maximise opportunities and will include conference attendance plus additional pre [...]
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