TE ARA PAKIHI

Building the capability of Māori entrepreneurs

in partnership with Te Puna Creative Hub

REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN

EOI extended to Monday 18 May 2026, 11:59pm. Apply now! Space is limited.

Te Ara Pakihi means “the pathway for business” reflecting a focus on clarity, direction, and forward momentum. It is a kaupapa Māori business programme that strengthens pakihi Māori to achieve success. It offers focused growth support, delivered in a way that is mana‑enhancing, practical, and future‑focused. 

It is a partnership between Tū Ātea, Te Puna Creative Hub, Te Kawerau ā Maki, me Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Council, and is designed for pakihi who are ready to grow their business and networks to take the next step.  

The programme was formed with Te Puna Creative Hub and is built on five pou gifted by our mana whenua partner, Te Kawerau ā Maki: Whānau, Mātauranga Māori, Kaitiakitanga, Auaha, and Mana Motuhake. Everything we deliver sits within these pou. 

Learn more
Learn more

ELIGIBILITY

Do you meet the criteria?

We’re looking for Māori entrepreneurs across the creative, digital and tech sectors who are ready to build and take their pakihi to the next level. 

Developed with Te Puna Creative Hub, the programme is delivered in three phases:  

  • Phase one: Masterclasses - expert-led masterclasses across the topics that matter most to growing pakihi Māori. 

  • Phase two: 1:1 Mentoring - personalised support to develop your strategy and take action. 

  • Phase three: Capital Grants - pitch for pūtea to be directed to selected services of your choosing.  

Registering your interest takes less than ten minutes. Tell us a little about your pakihi and what you're looking for - then leave the rest to us. 

Register
Register

EXPERIENCE

The Programme

Te Ara Pakihi is designed for those that meet the following criteria: 

  • pakihi is at least 50% Māori‑owned; 

  • pakihi operates in tech, digital, or creative industries; 

  • pakihi operations are mostly based in Auckland; 

  • pakihi is NZBN‑registered. 

Not sure if your pakihi fits? Register anyway - we’d rather hear from you than miss you. 

Register
Register

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Success for Māori

Te Ara Pakihi is delivered in three connected phases, designed to meet pakihi where they are, and challenge them to go further. 

Phase one - Masterclasses 

A series of expert‑led, in‑person masterclasses focused on the areas Māori founders consistently identify as critical to growth. These may include: 

  • Brand and market positioning 

  • Legal structures and IP 

  • Financial foundations and managing cashflow 

  • Operations and new technologies 

  • Investment readiness 

The masterclass programme is shaped by insights from your EOI, so the support reflects what pakihi in this cohort needs. 

Phase two - 1:1 Mentoring 

A selected group moves into tailored, one‑to‑one mentoring with experienced practitioners focused on applying what you’ve learned directly to your business. 

Phase three - Capital Grants 

Pitch for capital grants to help unlock your next stage of growth aligned to clear business outcomes and readiness. 

Register
Register

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A free, structured programme designed to strengthen pakihi Māori through expert-led masterclasses, 1:1 specialist support, and capital grants. The programme is grounded in te ao Māori and delivered by leading service providers. In previous cohorts, this has included Māori experts in brand, legal and IP, finance, investment, and AI. 

  • Any business that is at least 50% Māori-owned. There are no sector, stage, or location restrictions - whether you’re a sole trader in Te Tai Tokerau or a growing team in Tāmaki Makaurau, you’re welcome to put your name forward if most of your operations take place in Tāmaki Makarau, Auckland.  

  • No. This is an Expression of Interest - not a formal application. We’re keeping it simple. Tell us about your pakihi, what support you’re looking for, and we’ll take it from there. 

  • The programme runs in three phases: 

    Phase 1 - Masterclasses (May–June): Expert-led group sessions across five key areas of business growth. Open to approximately 50 pakihi. 

    Phase 2 - Deep Dives (July–August): Funded 1:1 sessions with specialist Māori providers, tailored to your pakihi needs. Selected from the Phase 1 cohort. 

    Phase 3 - Capital Grants (August): Grants to support your next stage of growth, awarded through a pitch process. 

    You don’t need to commit to all three phases upfront. Phase 2 and 3 are offered to pakihi who progress through the programme. 

  • No. The programme is fully funded by the Māori Outcomes Fund of Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau and Tū Ātea Ltd. There are no fees, repayment requirements, or equity expectations. 

  • The EOI is open from Friday 17 April to Monday 4 May 2026. 

  • Sessions are held at Te Puna Creative Hub in Te Kōpua, Henderson, West Auckland. Some sessions may be offered online, but we encourage kanohi ki te kanohi where possible. 

  • We’ll review all expressions of interest after the EOI closes on 4 May. You’ll hear back from us with next steps, including confirmation of your place in the Phase 1 masterclass cohort. Even if you’re not selected for this round, your details stay with us for future opportunities. 

  • All kinds. If you’re in creative industries, digital or tech - if you’re Māori-owned and looking to grow, this programme is designed for you. 

  • Te Ara Pakihi is delivered through Tū Ātea in partnership with Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office, under the guidance of mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki with the support of Te Puna Creative Hub.  

  • Yes. All information provided through the EOI is used solely for programme purposes and handled with strict confidentiality. 

  • Email tearapakihi@tuatea.nz - we’re happy to answer any questions. 

  • The Terms of Reference can be found here.

The programme is built on five pou gifted by our partner, Te Kawerau ā Maki, the mana whenua of West Auckland. The programme is shaped and delivered by all five pou: 

Whānau - People and relationships  

Growth doesn't happen alone. Whānau recognises the fundamental importance of people and the connections between us - our families, friendships, networks, and communities. Through this programme, you'll build relationships that extend beyond the final session. 

Mātauranga Māori - Māori knowledge  

We are guided by taonga tuku iho. Te reo, tikanga, and kaupapa Māori are not additions to this programme. They are the foundation. We seek to uplift and inspire through the sharing and celebration of knowledge and culture. 

Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship and stewardship  

Sustainability of knowledge, stories, culture, and our environment. Kaitiakitanga is our commitment to protect, preserve, and enhance what we have - to ensure a better future for all. In business, this means building in ways that are responsible, enduring, and connected to the whenua. 

Auaha - Innovation and creativity  

Auaha speaks to the importance of innovation and creativity in navigating our future - drawing inspiration and learning from those who have enabled today. This pou values reflection, process, and outcome equally. It's about experimenting, adapting, and building something new. 

Mana Motuhake - Self-determination  

Mana Motuhake is self-determination. This pou acknowledges our responsibility to those we serve - and your right as a pakihi Māori to define your own path, on your own terms, grounded in who you are. 

Contact us
Contact us