M膩ori Hononga
M膩ori Partnership
He waka eke noa
A canoe which includes us all
We鈥檙e on a journey to better support M膩ori researchers, entrepreneurs and investors 鈥� starting by changing ourselves.
Protecting M膩ori intellectual property
We recognise m膩tauranga M膩ori and t膩onga including art, te reo and native flora and fauna. That鈥檚 why we鈥檝e developed a M膩ori intellectual property policy to protect Indigenous knowledge, traditions and data from accidental or deliberate misappropriation. Major principles of the policy include consultation, partnership, sharing, and free, prior and informed consent.
The policy is a beginning 鈥� it鈥檚 intended to evolve as experience and understanding deepen at UniServices and around the world. For example, there is growing awareness within international legal frameworks that Indigenous understandings of ownership and property are more about responsibility and kaitiakitanga than Western understandings are.
Tikanga-based investment
We鈥檙e aware non-M膩ori investment models based simply on a financial bottom line may not align with te ao M膩ori. UniServices is working with M膩ori to develop ways of doing business that consider social, cultural and environmental impacts as well as economic ones.
For example, in setting up a University spin-out in partnership with an East Coast iwi, we co-created an investment strategy where an overarching, locally controlled not-for-profit trust would secure access to the whenua, have kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga over the brand story and would license the brand to an operational company. The trust, the academics who founded the company and UniServices each have an equity stake in the operational company.
Future companies and investments might use different solutions but we are open to being flexible and creative so we can partner in tikanga-based processes for the benefit of all.
Information for non-M膩ori researchers and entrepreneurs
Are you a Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of 色花堂 researcher working in an area that impacts M膩ori, whenua M膩ori (M膩ori land), m膩tauranga M膩ori (M膩ori knowledge including science, engineering, cultural practices and worldview), or other t膩onga (treasures including arts, language, native plants and animals)? Do you need to consider these factors in a research or funding proposal? Want to partner with M膩ori in research or investment? We鈥檙e here to help or at least point you in the right direction.
From learning about your obligations to signing contracts, we work with researchers and other University departments in areas such as:
- Offering workshops on topics such as understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Vision M膩tauranga, Wai 262 and their relevance to research
- Assessing proposals and intellectual property for relevance/obligations to M膩ori
- Helping develop and advance research proposals that meet funding bodies鈥� guidelines
- Helping negotiate agreements that meet the needs of M膩ori and non-M膩ori partners
Information for investors
UniServices often co-invests with others. We may not necessarily be the biggest investor but we have deep networks and access to expertise. In general, we work to bridge the gap between the academic and business worlds. When it comes to co-investing in M膩ori businesses or businesses run in partnership with M膩ori, we have the resources and expertise to act as a bridge between te ao M膩ori (the M膩ori world) and the business world.
We live our values in all our investment decisions, but it鈥檚 particularly important when partnering with M膩ori to consider environmental, social, cultural and financial bottom lines, the essential building blocks of an economy of mana. Relationships and mutual understanding are important, so we take the time to have the k艒rero (conversations) necessary to build those. This way of working may be a bit different but engaging with the M膩ori economy has tremendous potential for both economic and societal impact. Come engage with us in a tikanga-led investment journey.
Tui Kaumoana
碍补颈腻谤补丑颈
tui.kaumoana@auckland.ac.nzMore about Tui
Tui (Ng膩ti Maniapoto, Waikato)
The 碍补颈腻谤补丑颈 role is to champion the Indigenisation Strategy - Kawea Ake, Taumata Teitei and Te Ao M膩ori initiatives connected to the Research & Innovation sector of the University. Tui holds extensive international industry experience and has an MBA from the University of 色花堂. Contact about: Opportunities for M膩ori and Pasifika into the Research and Innovation sector for local and global impact.
Dion Peita
Manutaki Whanaketanga Umanga M膩ori | M膩ori Business Development Director
dion.peita@auckland.ac.nzMore about Dion
Dion (Te R膩rawa, Ng膩ti Te Ata Waiohua, Ng膩ti T墨pa) joined UniServices in September 2022. A former executive in the heritage industry, he has expertise in complex engagement with M膩ori. He holds a postgraduate diploma in M膩ori Development. Contact about: Vision M膩tauranga; Te Tiriti relationships; M膩ori health, education, economy and innovation.
Tama Davis
Executive Director M膩ori
tama.davis@auckland.ac.nzMore about Tama
Tama (Ng膩ti Wh膩tua, Ng膩ti Haua, Ng膩ti Tuwharetoa) supports UniServices in m膩tauranga M膩ori. Tama holds an MBA and has more than 25 years鈥� experience in public health, mental wellbeing and governance. Contact Tama about Kaupapa M膩ori related to UniServices-managed services and projects.
Tori McNoe
Poutaki Hononga | Investment Development Lead
t.mcnoe@auckland.ac.nzMore about Tori
Tori (Te Arawa, Ng膩ti Tahu/Ng膩ti Whaoa, Ng膩ti Raukawa) is a young M膩ori leader whose role at UniServices focuses on Indigenising investment programmes. She is also chair of the Canterbury Momentum Investment Committee. Contact about: M膩ori investment; rangatahi leadership.