On 16 November 2009, the Taskforce and the Minister of Māori Affairs launched a new Māori Business Network Association, Kōtuitui Inc.

This work stream is currently implementing five projects that will enhance Māori regional networks and support Māori businesses:

1. Bringing together regional Māori Business Networks to form a national association to provide support and services that will build capacity and capability in regional networks.
    
2. Local partnership support programme that brings together providers of services to Māori enterprises and communities, providing support and advancement of business growth, employment and sustainability. This approach provides targeted support to Māori SMEs from start-up at a local level, to national delivery and where appropriate – export.
    
3. Launching an information portal for Māori SMEs by identifying and supporting an appropriate portal that will provide online support to the Māori SME community, giving them access to quality content and information including existing government online tools and resources.
    
4. Hā hapori whakatupu mātauranga: A Māori framework for research that identifies community needs and development opportunities.
    
5. Developing and implementing a national strategy that ensures Māori SMEs are aware of and can maximise opportunities presented by the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

This work stream will benefit Māori businesses, regional Māori business networks, regional tourism groups and a number of Māori sector networks.

Benefits will arise from enhanced business services targeted to meet the needs of Māori enterprises nationally.

Last modified: 5/01/2011