💡 Big News for Small Biz: New Zealand’s AI Strategy Opens Doors to Smarter Growth Calling all Kiwi business owners, hustlers, and innovators! The New Zealand Government recently launched the New Zealand AI Strategy, and it’s packed with opportunities for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs ready to take their business to the next level. [...]
John Anderson - Tūhourangi From Rotorua Roots to Regional Recognition In the heart of Rotorua, where geothermal wonders meet rich Māori heritage, a local business is making waves in the construction and electrical industry. Meet John Anderson, the founder of JAM Group, whose journey from solo tradesman to leading a thriving team is as inspiring [...]
Laureen Waimarino Andrews - Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa Nestled in the heart of Whakatāne, where the land breathes life into tradition, Laureen and her whānau are cultivating more than just native botanicals — they’re growing a legacy. Laureen's deep connection to the whenua and whakapapa is the heartbeat of Native Tree Farm NZ, a [...]
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 [...]
Douglas Williams - Ngāti Maru From humble beginnings in Pukekohe to becoming a trusted name across the North Island, Williams Drainage and Civil Limited is a story of grit, growth, and giving back. Douglas Williams, the driving force behind the business, hails from the beautiful Thames/Coromandel region and proudly affiliates with Ngāti Maru (Hauraki). Now [...]
Trey Ryder - Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi, Ngāpuhi Trey Ryder is not just building homes—he’s building a movement. As the Director of Niwa Projects, a Wellington-based construction company, Trey is on a mission to revolutionise the way we think about housing in Aotearoa. Rooted in kaupapa Māori and driven by a deep sense of kaitiakitanga, [...]
This Mother’s Day, give a gift that gives twice — once to your māmā, and again to support a pakihi Māori. Whether it’s kai, kākahu, taonga or homeware, every Māori Made purchase supports whānau, whakapapa, and kaupapa Māori enterprise. Our partners at Whāriki have pulled together a few thoughtful ideas to help you celebrate your [...]
Tristan Vine - Tūhoe, Ngāti Kuri In 2019 Tristan co-founded Mānuka Performance alongside his business partner, Jeremy Gardiner, of Ngati Awa descent. Their venture into the world of nutraceutical manufacturing has been a journey of passion and dedication. Mānuka Performance specialises in creating high-value sports energy, recovery, and lifestyle products for both humans and animals. [...]
Māori Economy Levels Up (Again) Te Ōhanga Māori has just been released and confirms what we already knew — Māori are levelling up. The economy is growing, diversifying, and holding it down across more industries than ever before. Some highlights include: 💸 Since 2018, the Māori economy has nearly doubled — from $17B to $32B, [...]
Andrew Osgood - Ngāi Tahu Nestled in the heart of Tuahiwi, Andrews of Canterbury Contracting Ltd, also known as Andrews Fencing, has been a cornerstone of the North Canterbury community for a decade. Proudly founded by Andrew, the business has grown from strength to strength recently celebrating it's 10th birthday last month. The company has [...]
