Whāriki6: Success on Our Terms – It’s Who We Are

Success isn’t just about what we do — it’s about who we are and the legacy we leave. In this inspiring kōrero, Meg Smith shares her journey from employee to entrepreneur

Rangatahi Tech Pathways Scholarships

We’re excited to share two incredible scholarship opportunities for rangatahi Māori who are ready to explore the worlds of tech, digital innovation, and creativity.

Standing Strong in Hauora: The Story of Rongomai Ora

Rongomai Ora, led by māmā and practitioner Jodeci, is empowering whānau to reconnect with themselves through traditional Māori bodywork, grounded in whakapapa, wairua and aroha.

MWDI Māori Businesswomen's Awards 2025

Māori Businesswomen’s Awards have announced their Tai Tokerau finalists. These wāhine toa are not only leading thriving businesses, but also uplifting their communities and embodying the true spirit of Māori enterprise.

Event Wrap Up: He Wānanga mō Te Tiriti i Te Hiku

He Wānanga mō Te Tiriti i Te Hiku – Kaitāia was a meaningful and engaging gathering of pakihi Māori from across Te Hiku o Te Ika.

Standing Strong in the Land of Giants: The Acon Industries Story

From a ute, a tandem trailer, and a homemade asphalt hot box to standing strong in the “land of giants,” Acon Industries is proof that pakihi Māori can not only survive, but lead.

Whāriki6 Series | Session 1: RMA Reform & Impacts on Pākihi Māori

Our environment and our economy are deeply connected. Understanding these reforms is critical for any pākihi seeking to operate sustainably, uphold tikanga, and protect the taiao for future generations.

Whāriki6: Online Pakihi Inspiration Series

Six Sessions. Countless Insights. 100% Māori-Led. July – September 2025 | Fortnightly | Online & Free

He Wānanga mō Te Tiriti i Te Hiku

Next Thursday, join us in Kaitāia for a working lunch and kōrero with Tukaha Milne and Te Hiwi Preston, exploring what Te Tiriti in Practice looks like for Māori businesses today — with a special focus on sustainability woven throughout the kaupapa.

Building a Village, Building a Future: The Story of Stryder Eco Village

Every thriving pakihi Māori is grounded in whakapapa, purpose, and aroha. For Tainui Harris of StryderHQ, business isn’t just about homes, it’s about building people, healing whenua, and uplifting the collective.

Northland Business Excellence Awards

The 2025 Northland Business Excellence Awards are officially open for entries and nominations! If you’re a business, entrepreneur, employer, or community leader making an impact in Te Tai Tokerau, now’s your time to shine.

Weaving Whakapapa, Wai and Whānau into a Living Legacy

What began as rangahau into whakapapa became a return to te ūkaipo. Te Hokinga Tuna is more than a business. It’s a movement.

Pakihi Māori Prove Their Power at The Pick 2025

Māori ingenuity, courage and cultural pride took centre stage at The Pick 2025, as pakihi Māori made up more than 60% of this year’s participants.

Owning Our Space: Karen Hattaway on Culture, Courage, and Kaupapa in Business

“It’s not just important, it’s powerful. When Māori entrepreneurs weave cultural identity into their businesses, they’re reclaiming space, telling stories, and redefining what success looks like through an indigenous lens.”

Pūtea for Pakihi Crowdfunding Event

Whāriki is proud to partner once again with PledgeMe to help launch the next wave of incredible pakihi Māori crowdfunding campaigns.

BOOST with Meta Registrations of Interest

Following the huge success of our March 2025 Boost with Meta event, Whāriki Māori Business Network is excited to announce we’re planning the next instalment this October!

Ngā Manga Atawhai – Restoring Land, Rebuilding Community

Born from the recovery efforts of Cyclone Gabrielle, Ngā Manga Atawhai has grown into a kaupapa-driven contracting service combining skilled labour with tikanga Māori. Their mahi is restoring the land and the spirit of the people connected

Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau June Update

It’s been a full and exciting month at Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau. Read about our key highlights below.

Celebrating the Journey of The Pick Participants

Tēnei te mihi manahau ki ngā kaiuru katoa o The Pick 2025!

Tai Tokerau Dominates at Ahuwhenua Trophy 2025

With immense pride from Te Tai Tokerau, both top honours at the esteemed Ahuwhenua Trophy 2025 were awarded to our local heroes.

Your Next Whānau Feast Sorted with MeatHeads

From backyard BBQs to supermarket shelves, MeatHeads is the bold, proudly Māori-owned meat rub range shaking up Aotearoa’s food scene. Founder Reweti Montgomery is on a mission to deliver big flavour with no nasties.

MEDIA RELEASE: Rising star Wai Mānuka set to shine in Matariki media campaign

Premium Māori beverage takes centre stage as first Te Whakatairanga Grant recipient, backed by an oOh!media national media package.

From Barber Chair to Haircare Brand: The Story of Micky Day

When Hohepa “Hops” Rutene created Micky Day, it wasn’t about chasing trends, it was about whakapapa, values, and purpose. Backed by barbering experience and old-school mahi, Micky Day is a tribute to his Koro and a brand built to uplift others.

Te Pūtaketanga o Haratua

Prepare for the Māori New Year with our local experts and build a future grounded in tradition, sustainability and strategic excellence. 

Matariki Mākete

Celebrate Matariki with us in the heart of Te Tai Tokerau!

The Reo-Fuelled Business Journey of Jamal Peeni

This month’s Member Spotlight features Jamal Peeni of Te Kōpū Māori, a Tai Tokerau pakihi grounded in reo, tikanga, and whakapapa. Jamal’s journey shows how embracing Te Ao Māori can inspire a bold, authentic path in business and in life.

Te Kahukura Boynton and the Māori Millionaire Movement

At 18, Te Kahukura Boynton launched Māori Millionaire to transform financial literacy. Now a six-figure entrepreneur, author, and award-winner, she’s helping Māori and Pasifika change their money mindset and bridge the wealth gap.

Pūtea for Pakihi 2025 - Registrations of Interest

New $50K Media Grant to Boost Māori Business Visibility

A $50,000 opportunity for Māori businesses.

Coverfy - Empowering Whānau Through Financial Protection

Coverfy is a Māori-led insurance advisory business empowering whānau through financial protection. Founded by Rob Williams and Luke Wainui, their kaupapa blends cultural values with expert advice to build long-term financial resilience.

Webinar: 5 Content Pieces Every Pakihi Needs to Grow on Instagram

Looking for fresh ways to elevate your brand on Instagram? Whāriki is thrilled to partner with social media expert and director of Done By Agency, Olivia McIver, to bring you the ultimate Instagram growth session.

Waiata Mai: Helping Aotearoa Find Its Voice, One Note At A Time

Hinekoia Tomlinson (Ngāti Hine, Whakatōhea, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti Awa) is a vocal coach, kapa haka kaiako, and founder of Waiata Mai – a pakihi that’s helping Aotearoa find its voice through Te Ao Māori.

Jade Kake's Business Journey with 'The Pick'

For Māori entrepreneurs looking to turn their dreams into reality, Jade Kake’s experience with Northland’s The Pick program offers a powerful example of how the right support and knowledge can help pakihi Māori thrive.

Jade Kake Becomes First Registered Architect in Te Reo Māori

In an incredible first for Aotearoa, Jade Kake has achieved her registration as an architect entirely in Te Reo Māori.

M9 to Amplify the Power of The Māori Economy

On 10 April 2025, at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau, M9 will kick-start its season with the powerful iteration: Te Ōhanga Māori – A Pathway to Prosperity.

Insights from the AI in Action Webinar: ChatGPT & Google Suite

Whāriki Māori Business Network recently hosted the AI in Action: ChatGPT & Google Suite webinar, led by Shae Parsons, AI Experience Lead at Callaghan Innovation.

A Māori Entrepreneur’s Journey to Kai & Community

In the ever-evolving world of pakihi Māori, success often comes not from a meticulously laid plan but from answering the karanga of opportunity. Nikita Hook is a passionate māmā who turned her own health journey into a thriving pakihi.

The Māori Economy Continues to Grow and Diversify

Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 report findings confirm that Māori businesses are not only contributing significantly to Aotearoa’s economic landscape but are also moving beyond primary industries into high-growth sectors.

Wāhine Māori Driving Economic Growth and Shaping the Future

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s a great time to reflect on the incredible contributions of wāhine Māori to Aotearoa’s economic and social fabric.

Nurturing Tamariki Through Sustainable and Cultural Play

Founded by Casey Maera, Mahana Play Things offers handcrafted, sustainable, and culturally rich resources that inspire learning through play. 

Meta Masterclasses Available Now

These Masterclasses were created exclusively for Whāriki Māori Business Network members and are available to view anytime in Te Hapori o Whāriki.

Webinar: AI in Action: ChatGPT & Google Suite

Join us for AI in Action, an insightful 1-hour webinar in partnership with Callaghan Innovation, designed to help you harness the power of AI for your business.

Demystifying AI – What Pakihi Māori Need to Know

At the recent Whāriki webinar “Demystifying AI with Callaghan Innovation,” Kin Lung (KL) Chan, AI+ Team Leader at Callaghan Innovation, provided valuable insights into the practical applications of AI and how pakihi Māori can harness its power.

EVENT: Boost with Meta Te Tai Tokerau

After the success of our 2023 event, we’re excited to welcome you back for Boost with Meta, proudly hosted by Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau in collaboration with Meta.

Whānau Supporting Whānau: The Story of Mīharo Maintenance Services

Rooted in te Ao Māori business practices, Mīharo Maintenance Services' work goes beyond maintenance - it provides vital support to whānau facing life’s toughest challenges, proving that through manaakitanga, there is nothing we cannot overcome.

Workshop: Boost with Meta 2025

Whāriki Māori Business Network, in collaboration with Meta, is proud to present Boost with Meta—a day of workshops designed to empower pakihi Māori and Māori professionals to excel in the digital world.

Demystifying AI with Callaghan Innovation

With AI becoming an integral part of business operations, we’ve partnered with Callaghan Innovation to bring you Demystifying AI with CI

Celebrating Culture, Community, and Couture

From humble beginnings in Heretaunga and Waipukurau to carving her niche in Aotearoa’s bridal couture industry, Ivonn’s business journey is all about resilience, celebrating Māori culture, and chasing her dreams. 

3 Easy Ways to Refocus Your Pakihi After the Holiday Break

Burnt Sugar Steamed Pudding Recipe

Our Marketing Manager, Matt (MKR runner-up 2023) shares his steamed pudding recipe that he reckons is just as good as his Nan used to cook in the Christmas hāngī - perfect for your Kirihimete feast!

Elevating Your Personal Brand

As we head into the new year, many will be looking to secure new opportunities or may be experiencing restructures or redundancy. In such a climate, a strong personal brand is more than just helpful — it’s essential.

Webinar: Elevating Your Personal Brand With Mana Mahi

Redefining Luxury Skincare with a Māori Touch

Āe Botanicals is redefining luxury skincare with a focus on mindful beauty that honours people, the planet, and heritage. Rooted in te ao Māori, powered by native botanicals.

Weaving Legacy and Empowerment

Hiria Aorangi founded KOROWAI by Hiria to blend Māori tradition with modern style. Inspired by her grandmother, she creates korowai that symbolise protection and cultural pride, empowering whānau to wear their heritage with mana.

Bringing Te Reo Māori to Life Through Play

In 2018, three friends created a game to celebrate te reo Māori. By 2020, Kura Rēhia was born, sharing the joy of learning te reo through play. Today, it continues to connect communities and inspire fun.

Introducing Indigenous Tourism Aotearoa

AU in partnership with Native Nations presents the digital interactive learning experience Indigenous Tourism Aotearoa.

Foundation North Seeks Business Owners’ Insights on Proposed Microloan Initiative

Foundation North is exploring the demand for a new microloan initiative offering up to $50,000 with affordable interest rates to support microbusinesses across Aotearoa, particularly those facing challenges accessing mainstream lending.

Construction Kōrero: Utilising AI in Civil Design with Ruru

Whāriki have teamed up with Ruru to present a 1 hour webinar which will dive into the advances of AI in Civil Design and the integration of AI with tikanga and Mātauranga Māori in the civil space.

GovGPT Tool to Navigate Government Services – Pilot is Now Live

We’re excited to announce that GovGPT, a powerful AI-driven tool designed to help small businesses navigate the complexities of government services, is now live.

Practical Steps You Can Take to Deal With Online Racism

At Whāriki, we’re hearing more and more stories of online harassment and hateful comments on social media. It’s important to know you’re not alone – and there are ways to combat this negativity.

How TTM Consultancy Shapes Collective Success Through Blending Te Ao Māori & Te Ao Pakihi

TTM specialises in strategic planning, learning and development, and communications services through a distinctly Māori lens. Despite challenging times, they’ve achieved impressive growth while staying true to their values.

Engineering the Future Through Mātauranga Māori and Innovation

Ruru is a pakihi that demonstrates how Māori innovation can lead the way in creating a future that honours the past while serving generations to come.

AI-Powered Innovation in Construction

Callaghan Innovation and Engineering New Zealand are hosting AI Powered Innovation in Construction - an opportunity to explore how to apply and leverage AI for your construction business.

How to Kickstart your Innovation / R&D Journey with Callaghan Innovation

We've partnered with Callaghan Innovation to offer a one-hour workshop that explores the funding support available to help you kickoff your innovation journey.

GovGPT pilot promises faster access to Government business support

Callaghan Innovation, in partnership with Whāriki, will pilot GovGPT, an AI conversational companion, to help businesses get the information they need from Government websites much faster.

A Kawhe Shop with Mana, Mātauranga, and a Love for the Taiao

Sioux-Dana Pureau (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Tuwharetoa) is the Director of Kawhe Coffee Shop, where she brings her passion for sustainability, te Reo Māori, and community connection to the forefront of the business.

Celebrating Māori Culture Through Design

Owned by mother and daughter duo Lynette Kutia and Shivonne Tufuga (Ngāti Porou), Whenua is a pakihi born out of a desire to celebrate beauty of Māori and Polynesian culture.

Inspiring Wellness

Sisters Amy and Erana were driven by a passion for holistic wellness and access to nutritional kai after struggling through their own personal and generational family health issues. Puku Ora was born six years ago.

Chat AI

If you are a Māori business owner and want to learn more about how AI can support your mahi then anei he kaupapa mōu!

Building a Fitness Community Where Wāhine Thrive

True Women’s Fitness has a goal of creating a supportive and inspiring environment where wāhine from all walks of life can come together, connect, and achieve their fitness goals.

Air New Zealand's Ka Rere Programme Brings Sustainability Success to Tūāpae Vineyard

Nestled in the heart of a region known for its exceptional wines, Tūāpae Vineyard recently celebrated a significant milestone by completing the inaugural Air New Zealand Ka Rere programme.

NETWORKING EVENT: Pūtea Pūkōrero

The team at Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau invites you to BNZ Bank Whangārei on Thursday, August 22nd, for a valuable opportunity to talk money.

Te Tai Tokerau Pakihi Shout Out: Whitirau Cross100

This month's Te Tai Tokerau pakihi shout out is Kaitaia's unique functional fitness business, Whitirau Cross100.

Google My Pakihi - Pōneke or Virtual

Following a successful event in Tāmaki Makaurau, we're excited to bring 'Google My Pakihi' to our Pōneke whānau! This is a fantastic opportunity for small business owners to learn how to leverage free Google tools to grow your business online.

Webinar: Let's Talk About Tax

With upcoming GST returns and provisional taxes due at the end of August, Whāriki have teamed up with Hnry to present “Let’s Talk about Tax with Hnry: GST, Provisional Tax & ACC Levies.”

Igniting Potential by Working Toward a Shared Purpose and Dream

On Thursday 4 July 2024, Whāriki and TOA Architects had the pleasure of co-hosting An Evening of Kotahitanga: Unity and Vision Under Ngā Whetū o Matariki in the stunning Taumata o Kupe building at Te Māhurehure Marae.

Kūmara Soup for Your Matariki Feast

To help with your Matariki feast, we thought you might like an easy recipe you can make this Matariki and share with your friends and Whānau. Our Marketing Manager Matt (runner up My Kitchen Rules 2023) has created this delicious soup recipe for you.

TikTok for Pakihi Masterclass

Tiktok is the fastest growing social media platform in Aotearoa and a great place for pakihi Māori to get brand awareness and new customers.

Navigating the Government Funding and Support Ecosystem

Whāriki and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have teamed up to run a one-hour online webinar to gain a better understanding of what they do and how they can support your pakihi

Unity and Vision under Ngā Whetū o Matariki

At this event, we will honour the past, celebrate the present, and cast our gaze towards the future with a special presentation by TOA Architects.

Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship

The Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship is an all-inclusive training programme that accelerates the journey to becoming a commercial pilot from the typical 24-36 months to approximately 14 months.

Pūtea for Pakihi

Whāriki and PledgeMe have joined forces to support a small group of pakihi Māori to launch crowdfunding campaigns on Thursday 18th July at 1:00pm in Tāmaki Makaurau

Art, tikanga, sustainability, and aroha in the tangihanga industry

Mahora Massey (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau-a-Apanui), founder of Korowai Caskets, is on a mission. With a keen eye for design and a passion for environmental sustainability, Mahora has carved out a unique space in the tangihanga industry.

Summer Brons' Journey from Sun-Kissed Glow to Entrepreneurship

In the safe tanning industry, Summer Brons stands out as an example of natural beauty and skin health. Summer entered the industry with a personal quest for confidence and wellness. Despite her love for a sun-kissed glow, Summer's skin was prone to b

Tūpuna Maunga Authority presented recreation award

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority was thrilled to announce winning the 2023 Recreation Aotearoa award, Whāiao Māori, announced early 2024.

Spotlight: WHĀRIKIx2024 Mākete Stallholders

Celebrating our Local Pakihi Māori: WHĀRIKIx2024 Mākete Stallholders

Reflecting on WHĀRIKIx 2024: A Gathering of Minds, Wairua, and Aspirations

Explore the wairua of WHĀRIKIx: A celebration of kōrero, katakata, and community, beautifully captured in our latest blog

Navigating Entrepreneurship and Māori Marketing: Insights from ATA

Kiriana Eparaima-Hautapu, co-founder of ATA, a Māori social media agency, shares her experiences, challenges, and wins in carving a niche in the dynamic world of marketing while championing te reo Māori.

Nature's Koha: From Forest to Face with Hana Botanicals

In the beautiful rohe of Te Tai Tokerau, nestled in Awanui, lives Zhanae, one of the passionate co-owners of Hana Botanicals - blending tradition with a modern twist.

The Pick: Unleashing Business Potential in Te Tai Tokerau

Join 'The Pick', a dynamic business accelerator by Northland Inc and Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau. A 10-week journey to transform ideas into viable business models, culminating in a pitch event with exciting prizes. Start your entrepreneurial journey today

Naturally Āio: Embracing Rongoā Māori in Modern Skincare

Discover Amika Kruger's journey with 'Naturally Āio', blending traditional rongoā Māori with modern skincare. From nurturing her whānau's wellbeing to inspiring natural remedies, explore her inspiring story in our latest feature.

Welcoming New Horizons: Introducing Our Newest Kaimahi at Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau

In this latest update from Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau, we warmly welcome our new Kai Urungi / Project Lead, Stuart Selkirk. Stuart brings a wealth of experience in hauora and business, ready to uphold our network

WHĀRIKIx 2024: A Celebration of Māori Entrepreneurship & Inspiration

Join WHĀRIKIx 2024 for a day of Māori entrepreneurship, inspiring talks, and an exclusive networking dinner. #WHĀRIKIx2024

Tūāpae Vineyard: Cultivating Tradition, Sustainability, and Unique Māori Flavours on Waiheke Island

In the heart of Waiheke Island, nestled within the lands of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, lies Tūāpae Vineyard, a Māori-owned gem producing exquisite wines with a deep connection to the whenua and the rich history of Aotearoa.

Ka Rere - Air New Zealand's Diverse Supplier Accelerator Programme

Applications are now open for Ka Rere - the Air New Zealand Diverse Supplier Accelerator programme. The programme provides pakihi Māori with an opportunity to access a range of skills and experience within Air New Zealand as well as a $20k cash grant

Tips for Resetting As We Head Into a New Year

Whether your focus is on your pakihi, whānau, or relationships, insights from our network of pakihi Māori offer guidance to help you end 2023 on a high note and set the stage for an incredible 2024.

Christmas Pavlova Recipe

This Kirihimete, why not give Nan and your Aunties a break and whip up your very own Christmas Pavlova? Skip the expenny store-bought ones – trust me, homemade is tastier and way easier on the wallet.

How to Make Parāoa Parai Like an MKR Cook

Kia ora, everyone! I'm Matt, runner up cook from MKR New Zealand 2023 and the Marketing Manager at Whāriki. The Whāriki team love my Parāoa Parai recipe and thought it would be a good idea to share just in time for Kirihimete!

Turning a vision into a reality with PledgeMe

The journey of turning a vision into a reality is often paved with challenges and moments of inspiration. For Natalie, the founder of Seasick Sunscreen, this journey was marked by a significant milestone: a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Maximising Your Business Visibility with the Whāriki Business Directory

The Whāriki Business Directory is prime real estate for hunting down Māori-owned businesses. Being here amps up your visibility, potentially bringing more digital foot traffic your way.