Amotai will continue their partnership in 2022 with Te Waka, the business-led and governed organisation established to drive economic growth in the Waikato, with the common goal of development for Māori and Pasifika businesses in the Waikato region.

Amotai’s Waikato Relationship Manager Stuart Lawrence is excited about the value the partnership will bring to Māori and Pasifika businesses in the Waikato region, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 economic recovery.

“Now more than ever, we need Māori and Pasifika businesses to be part of the economic recovery solution for our region. It is a highly competitive market right now, and government and corporates will need to work hard to attract Māori and Pasifika businesses who want to work with them,” says Lawrence.

“Likewise, we will be working hard with Te Waka to ensure that there are equitable opportunities for Māori and Pasifika businesses.”

Similarly, a priority for Te Waka is fostering the development of Māori and Pasifika businesses for a more inclusive and sustainable Waikato economy.

“Te Waka has worked with Amotai in the past and looks forward to continuing this relationship to further support whānau and their businesses into future opportunities to help build and develop all mahi across the Waikato region,” says Hemi Ruru, Te Waka Māori Economic Development Manager.

Te Waka will support the partnership by planning and promoting social procurement. The team will also work through facilitating industry initiatives, attracting investment to the region, and coordinating collective requests and responses to central government on behalf of the region.

“Working alongside Amotai creates opportunities for stronger success stories to inspire more businesses to strive for success.”

Amotai is Aotearoa’s supplier diversity provider that works to proactively engage businesses owned by Māori and Pasifika with buyers wanting to purchase goods, services and works with the goal of levelling the playing field in the business market.