Māori businesses have a dedicated 0800 helpline to coordinate direct access to specialist advisors who can provide business owners and employers during these difficult times.

The 0800 4 POUTAMA (0800 476 882) COVID-19 Māori Business support line for Māori businesses was launched last week to give you direct access to specialist advisors who can provide the support you require as business owners and employers during these difficult times.

The Government is doing everything it can to cushion the impact on businesses through the many support packages that have been announced to date.  However, we know from the feedback we are getting that understanding and accessing this information as well as navigating through the system can be difficult for some people.

NZ Māori Tourism (NZMT), FOMA, POUTAMA and the Māori Women’s Development Inc. (MWDI) have united to fully utilise our collective resources, expertise and networks to support you as COVID-19 continues to impact on us all.

The 0800 line will be open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and we will continue to check voicemail throughout the weekend.  The 0800 will be operated by the all hands-on-deck whānau from Poutama as well as our extended whānau of NZMT, MWDI, TPK & FOMA.

You can also find the number on our Facebook page and website.  This service is available to all Māori businesses adversely affected by COVID-19.  Even if you aren’t adversely affected give us a call for a catch up and korero, we’d love to hear how you’re doing in these uncertain times!!

Kia haumaru te noho.