Engaging with Māori business - Annual Report 2025

23 May, 2026

In 2025 we advanced a strategic priority: building an enduring relationship with Māori businesses. This year we attended the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) Business Summit. Deputy Director Professor Pauline Harris, Strategic Manager Māori Kirsty Doyle, Deputy Director Associate Professor Natalie Plank and Board Chair Hēmi Rolleston attended the summit, meeting kanohi ki te kanohi with Māori business leaders across a variety of sectors. Our kōrero that we had at the summit with attendees focused on capability pipelines (rangatahi to internships to employment) and innovation opportunities.

Left (from left): Pauline Harris, Hēmi Rolleston, Natalie Plank and Kirsty Doyle at FOMA. Right: Pauline Harris and Hēmi Rolleston at the Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated Export Hui in Dubai.

Pauline and Hēmi also attended the Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated Export Partnership with Zespri and Mr Apple in Dubai, to better understand Māori business aims and aspirations with science, technology and innovation. The kaupapa was attended and supported by Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po (the Māori Queen), who led a delegation to meet with international dignitaries, including UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

We continue to discuss and explore the opportunities that the science and innovation sector can offer Māori businesses.

Read next

Māori capacity and capability