ConCOVE Tūhura, Amotai, and Poutama Trust have released research identifying four key growth opportunities for Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses in the construction sector.
The report, titled “Future focussed skills: growth opportunities for Māori and Pasifika owned businesses in greener construction”, highlights significant potential for businesses to upskill in emerging technologies including trenchless technologies, Building Information Modelling, commercial building energy retrofits, and installation of renewable consumer energy resources.
These sectors were shortlisted based on their alignment with current capabilities, barriers to entry, demand/growth potential, and the ability to support high-skill, high-paying jobs as well as their suitability for vocational training.
“Each of these focus areas presents a real opportunity for Māori and Pasifika businesses to expand their capabilities, access higher-value work, and lead the sector’s transition to a sustainable future,” says Anna-Jane Edwards, Manukura at Amotai. “By targeting industries with clear growth potential and strong links to existing capabilities, we’re creating pathways for businesses to thrive in the construction economy.”
The report, produced by Height PM dives deep into the current state of demand, benefits and barriers of each focus area. The research highlights that all four pathways allow for incremental adoption. Business can build capability over time, making this a realistic and sustainable transition.
“We know Māori and Pasifika businesses tend to employ more Māori and Pasifika workers and maintain smaller ethnic pay gaps,” says Koro Dickinson, Chief Executive at Poutama Trust. “Supporting these businesses to upskill and access higher-value work creates wide-ranging benefits, from improved financial outcomes to greater community wellbeing.”
Katherine Hall, Executive Director of ConCOVE added, “This research is about unlocking potential. By identifying where the real growth and educational opportunities lie, we are showcasing a practical road map for Māori and Pasifika businesses to lead industry towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Industry leaders have welcomed the findings, noting its practical applications for businesses seeking to diversify.
Nick Leggett of Infrastructure NZ says: “We are proud to support important kaupapa. With the right partnership and training, business can evolve, start small and grow to become leaders in emerging parts of the sector. The research gives us a clear view of how Māori and Pasifika businesses can help lead it there.”
A free webinar will be held on 22 July to provide further detail about the report.
Future focussed skills: growth opportunities for Māori and Pasifika owned businesses in greener construction
Date: 22 July 2025
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Panellists:
• Anna-Jane Edwards, Manukura, Amotai
• Koro Dickinson, Chief Executive at Poutama Trust
• Nick Leggett, Chief Executive, Infrastructure NZ
• Katherine Hall, Executive Director of ConCOVE (host)
Register here to be part of this crucial discussion.
For more information, visit the Amotai website here.
