Amidst the incredible buzz of Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival in Tāmaki Makaurau last week, Te Taumata signed an MOU with Callaghan Innovation that will help enable greater success for Māori businesses in Aotearoa and globally.

The MOU with Aotearoa New Zealand’s technology and innovation agency is a direct result of the kōrero that took place at Te Taumata’s successful Global Māori Trade Strategy hui at Parliament in October last year. A common thread emerging from that hui was that technology and innovation is a critical enabler of Māori Global Trade aspirations.

Callaghan Innovation’s role is to support businesses and organisations that can have the largest impact on Aotearoa New Zealand, acknowledging that partnership with Māori is a key part of making this happen.

“Māori organisations are especially keen to capitalise on opportunities presented by the recent signings of Free Trade Agreements with the United Kingdom and European Union,” Callaghan Innovation Chief Executive Stefan Korn said.

Te Taumata Chairman Chris Karamea Insley said this is yet another ‘implementation action’ alongside the many Māori-led Trade Missions Te Taumata is party to right now.

“Te Taumata will enable Callaghan Innovation to connect with Māori exporters via our trusted relationships with the Māori community. In turn, we are particularly keen to foster a network of collaboration by connecting research, science and technology innovators across indigenous communities.

“We acknowledge the fundamental role technology and innovation have in Māori development and trade outcomes, and this strategic alliance will ensure we grow the next generation of Māori leaders in innovation, sciences, technology, research and development (RS&T) to achieve this.

“The Māori economy is estimated to be worth $70 billion, expected to grow to $100 billion by 2030, and exports make up a significant portion of that. This MOU brings together all areas of Māoridom to celebrate Māori success and is indicative of the huge potential and creativity inherent in the Māori business community.

“Our partnership with Callaghan Innovation will maximise that potential and, in turn, drive better outcomes for our whānau and communities,” Mr Insley said.

The MOU includes activities such as developing a partnered mentorship programme that will grow rangatahi Māori engagement in RS&T and exploring opportunities to support Māori engagement with a global Indigenous Innovation Community.

“Te Taumata is confident Callaghan Innovation will be a great partner to help us achieve some of our goals and we are looking forward to working closely together over the coming months,” Mr. Insley said.

Nā to rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.