Toi Kai Rawa understands there is a mismatch between the business support ecosystem that currently exists and the needs, preferences, capacity, and structure of our Māori businesses. Through evidence-based research and working with partners across the sector, we are working to remove barriers and ensure the right programmes and initiatives are development in our region to support our Māori business development aspirations.

From a Māori Business survey undertaken in 2021 by our team, the data suggests that the following areas are key areas of focus for our Māori Businesses in terms of capability support.

The Waiariki Business Support Services Forum is a governance and strategic advisory group whose cores functions are to:

• Identify challenges and opportunities that require cross-sector conversations.
• Provide a valuable link between key stakeholders, local government, community organisations and the private sector to create a shared understanding of regional and sub-regional Māori business support priorities.
• Actively lead a change in thinking to support better cross-sector decision making on matters of Māori business support.

If this is a rōpū your organisation would like to be a part of please register below.