More than a single place or programme
Te Hīhiri is a regionally distributedecosystem that weaves together physical infrastructure, cultural values, digital capability, and whānau aspirations for pūāwaitanga – thriving Māori futures.
Grounded in kaupapa tuku iho and aligned with Te Matarau’s four strategic pou – Whai Pūkenga, Whai Kaha Hapori, Whai Rawa, and Whai Mana – Te Hīhiri supports Māori entrepreneurs, technologists, and innovators to lead transformation in their communities and industries.
Purpose and Vision
Te Hīhiri exists to uplift Māori innovation and enterprise. It fosters the next generation of Māori entrepreneurs, embeds mātauranga Māori in digital futures, and strengthens regional innovation ecosystems. Our hybrid delivery model includes a digital platform and five regionally hosted innovation nodes – ensuring equitable access, local relevance, and long-
term sustainability.
Regional Nodes and Infrastructure
Te Hīhiri operates through five regional innovation nodes hosted by trusted Māori business
networks and iwi partners, supported by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Te Puni
Kōkiri. These nodes provide local hubs for enterprise support, mentoring, wānanga, and
innovation programming.
Pōneke
Porirua
Kāpiti–Horowhenua
Wairarapa
Hutt Valley
Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
Te Hīhiri is co-designed and delivered in partnership with:
- Iwi: Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa ki Te
Whanganui-a-Tara, Ngāti Rangitāne, and Kahungunu ki Wairarapa - Māori Business Networks: Te Rōpū Pakihi Inc, Te Awarua, Business Hub Porirua, Māori in Business Wairarapa, Te Awe
- Education Providers: Te Herenga Waka and Te Wānanga o Raukawa
- Government and Sector Partners: MBIE, Te Puni Kōkiri, DIA, NZTE, MSD, Te Hapori Matahiko and more
These relationships bring depth, sustainability, and alignment with broader regional and national goals.
Impact – Growing Māori in Tech
Te Hīhiri is a catalyst for Māori leadership in the future economy. We are building digital confidence, lifting enterprise capability, and embedding kaupapa Māori in tech and innovation.
Our impact includes:
- Culturally relevant pathways for rangatahi into tech and enterprise
- Stronger Māori-led businesses in digital and climate spaces
- Locally hosted innovation centres and wānanga
- Access to capital, data, infrastructure and networks
- Māori solutions to regional challenges such as digital equity, climate resilience, and economic inclusion
Join us!
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a potential partner, or a rangatahi ready to explore innovation, we invite you to connect with Te Hīhiri and be part of this transformative kaupapa.
