PoutamaTrust

21/01/2026

A new pilot programme has launched to help small businesses overcome barriers in accessing artificial intelligence tools that boost productivity and unlock growth, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced.

“Artificial intelligence is becoming part of how Kiwis work every day across many industries. It can quickly sort information, answer simple customer questions at any hour, draft and check documents and handle repetitive digital tasks that normally eat into the day,” Mr Penk says.

Read more here:

A new pilot programme has launched to help small businesses overcome barriers in accessing artificial intelligence tools that boost productivity and unlock growth, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced. "Artificial intelligence is becoming part of how Kiwis work every da...

20/01/2026

In the heart of Kaikohe, a kaupapa Māori apparel business is weaving together whakapapa, identity, and sustainability — one garment at a time.

Founded in January 2022 by Tāmati Rākena, My Taiao is more than a clothing label. It’s a movement grounded in the values of rangatiratanga, kaitiakitanga, and whānau.

Read more here:

Tāmati Rākena - Te Rarawa In the heart of Kaikohe, a kaupapa Māori apparel business is weaving together whakapapa, identity, and sustainability — one garment at a time. Founded in January 2022 by Tāmati Rākena, My Taiao is more than a clothing label. It’s a movement grounded in the values o...

19/01/2026

Amotai is proud to lead a series of offshore delegations that strengthen Māori and Pasifika participation in global supply chains.

Delegations are designed to maximise opportunities and will include conference attendance plus additional pre and post event activities and business meetings.

Read more here:

Amotai is proud to lead a series of offshore delegations that strengthen Māori and Pasifika participation in global supply chains. Delegations are designed to maximise opportunities and will include conference attendance plus additional pre and post event activities and business meetings. All inter...

17/01/2026

Entries are now open for the Māori Hi-Tech Company of the Year at the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards – Aotearoa’s premier celebration of technology-led innovation, impact and commercial success.

Māori tech businesses — this is your moment. Step forward.

If your company is Māori-owned, Māori-led, or grounded in Māori values — and you made a commercial sale in 2025 — this category exists to recognise your kaupapa, your growth, and your contribution to the tech economy.

More info here:

Entries are now open for the Māori Hi-Tech Company of the Year at the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards - Aotearoa’s premier celebration of technology-led innovation, impact and commercial success. Māori tech businesses — this is your moment. Step forward. If your company is Māori-owned, Māori-led, or ...

16/01/2026

Innovation support is still here – and Poutama can help you access it!

If you’re looking to get a head start on 2026 and accelerate your innovation, there’s good news.

Poutama can work with you to explore whether Innovation Services support is right for your business, and help you understand:

-Which innovation programmes align to your kaupapa and growth goals
-What funding or support you may be eligible for
-How innovation support could sit alongside other Poutama or RBP support

Read more here:

Innovation support is still here - and Poutama can help you access it! If you’re looking to get a head start on 2026 and accelerate your innovation, there’s good news. The grants and support previously delivered by Callaghan Innovation are now provided through Innovation Services, administered b...

15/01/2026

The Regional Business Partner (RBP) Programme helps businesses build capability and prepare for growth. Pakihi Māori can choose to work with Poutama to explore what RBP support may be available for their business.

Working with Poutama starts with a kōrero. We take time to understand your business, your goals and challenges, and help identify whether RBP support is the right fit — from strategy and financial capability to digital, marketing and leadership development.

Read more here:

The Regional Business Partner (RBP) Programme helps businesses build capability and prepare for growth. Pakihi Māori can choose to work with Poutama to explore what RBP support may be available for their business. Working with Poutama starts with a kōrero. We take time to understand your business,...

14/01/2026

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Pānui o Poutama – welcome to the first Poutama Pānui for 2026.

As we move into 2026, Poutama remains focused on what matters most: backing Māori-owned businesses with practical support, targeted pūtea and capability-building that delivers real value.

Alongside our investment grants, Poutama can also explore facilitating access to Regional Business Partner (RBP) support, where appropriate, to help strengthen business capability and support growth.

Read more in this pānui to learn how you could access RBP support.

https://poutama.co.nz/our-stories/poutama-panui-hanuere-january-2026/

07/01/2026

Celebrate New Zealand’s tech excellence

Entries are now open for the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards – New Zealand’s premier celebration of innovation and achievement in the technology sector.

Calling all Māori tech trailblazers!

If your company lives and breathes Māori heritage, ownership, or values – and has made a commercial sale in 2025 – this award is for you. The GreenMount and Poutama Trust Hi-Tech Kamupene Māori o te Tau celebrates innovation rooted in culture. Tell your story, showcase your success, and inspire others.

More here:

Celebrate New Zealand's tech excellence Entries are now open for the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards - New Zealand's premier celebration

05/01/2026

Innovation support is still here – and Poutama can help you access it!

If you’re looking to get a head start on 2026 and accelerate your innovation, there’s good news.

The grants and support previously delivered by Callaghan Innovation are now provided through Innovation Services, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

More here:

Innovation support is still here - and Poutama can help you access it! If you’re looking to get a head start on 2026 and accelerate your innovation, there’s good news. The grants and support previously delivered by Callaghan Innovation are now provided through Innovation Services, administered b...

04/01/2026

The Regional Business Partner (RBP) Programme helps businesses build capability and prepare for growth. Pakihi Māori can choose to work with Poutama to explore what RBP support may be available for their business.

Working with Poutama starts with a kōrero. We take time to understand your business, your goals and challenges, and help identify whether RBP support is the right fit — from strategy and financial capability to digital, marketing and leadership development.

More here:

The Regional Business Partner (RBP) Programme helps businesses build capability and prepare for growth. Pakihi Māori can choose to work with Poutama to explore what RBP support may be available for their business. Working with Poutama starts with a kōrero. We take time to understand your business,...

23/12/2025

Win a FREE registration to receive support from an experienced Business Mentor.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Business Mentors NZ has empowered over 85,000 Kiwi business owners, and now it’s your turn to shine!

Business Mentors NZ understands the unique challenges Kiwi business owners face. Whether you need support navigating skills shortages, managing staff or expanding your business skills and knowledge, an experienced Mentor can guide you every step of the way.

More here:

WIN a Business Mentor! Win a FREE registration to receive support from an experienced Business Mentor. Ready to take your business to the next level? Business Mentors NZ has empowered over 85,000 Kiwi business owners, and now it's your turn to shine! Business Mentors NZ understands the unique challe...

22/12/2025

AgriSea NZ Seaweed Ltd unveiled the world’s first Commercial Seaweed Nanocellulose Biorefinery in Paeroa—a launch that drew ministers, dignitaries, industry leaders, partners, and plenty of proud whānau.

The day had all the makings of a celebration, complete with a rockstar champagne‑bottle moment from Minister Chris Penk. If you missed it, check out their 7 Sharp feature.

The multi-million-dollar biorefinery, owned by family company AgriSea, will convert seaweed left over from the bio stimulant production process into nanocellulose hydrogel that can be used for medical, agricultural, manufacturing and cosmetic purposes.

More here:

From Seaweed to World‑First Innovation: AgriSea’s Big Day in Paeroa AgriSea unveiled the world’s first Commercial Seaweed Nanocellulose Biorefinery in Paeroa—a launch that drew ministers, dignitaries, industry leaders, partners, and plenty of proud whānau. The day had all the makings of a c...