About Kōkiri

E mihi ana ki a Pou Temara mōna i whakaingoa i te kaupapa nei a Kōkiri

We’d like to thank Professor Pou Temara for his expert advice, and for naming Kōkiri.

Kaupapa Mātua | Vision

Whānau transformation through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Aronganui | Mission

Kōkiri is a Māori business acceleration programme, based on kaupapa Māori values, focused on accelerating early stage Māori led start-ups who have bold ambitions, are impact positive and technology based.

Our mission is to support Māori-led start-ups that have high-growth potential to develop their business capability and wellbeing, through tailored experiential based learning, supported by mentors, coaches, and experts in a safe and culturally responsive learning environment

We aim to build a strong, connected, and valuable community that is investable, who are enriched through Te Ao Māori, and make positive economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts in Aotearoa and Te Ao.

What is Kōkiri?

It’s a first of its kind – a business accelerator dedicated to speeding up the development of early stage Māori businesses.

How will Kōkiri help my business?

Support Māori-led start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative products and businesses that will drive growth in New Zealand’s economy

Develop the capability of emerging Māori entrepreneurs through mentoring and specialised training to accelerate their readiness for market entry, investment and growth

Build capability in the Māori entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem.

What does Kōkiri provide?

Kōkiri provides start-up businesses with:

Business startup workshops
Access to a cash grant for the development of your product or innovation
Opportunity to identify and obtain the resources you need to grow your business
Access to mentors with industry and technical expertise
World class business training and mentoring
Access to national investor groups
Business exposure

Kōkiri | Partners for 2023

Callaghan Innovation is a New Zealand government agency that supports businesses in developing and commercializing technology, including Māori entrepreneurs. The agency has specific programs, such as “Innovate with Māori”, that aim to assist Māori businesses and entrepreneurs in accessing funding, technical expertise, and networks to help them succeed in the technology and innovation sectors. Callaghan Innovation recognizes the unique cultural values and perspectives of Māori entrepreneurs and aims to incorporate these into its services and support.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a Maori-led institution in New Zealand that provides tertiary education and training opportunities for all New Zealanders. It is committed to promoting Maori language, culture, and values while also providing a wide range of qualifications and courses in various fields.

Te Puni Kōkiri is the government agency responsible for supporting Māori development and advancement across New Zealand. They support Māori entrepreneurs by providing advice, funding, and resources to help start and grow successful Māori businesses, as well as by facilitating connections between Māori entrepreneurs and potential partners or customers.

Spark NZ is dedicated to fostering Māori entrepreneurship and economic development by offering a range of initiatives such as the Kōkiri programme and Spark Lab. These programs provide tailored support, resources, mentoring, and workshops to budding Māori businesses. The company understands the significance of empowering Māori entrepreneurs and is committed to promoting their success in New Zealand.

Xero is a leading provider of cloud-based accounting software that streamlines financial management for businesses. In addition to their software, Xero provides dedicated support for Māori entrepreneurs through their Māori business advisory team, offering expert guidance on financial planning, growth strategies, and more to help Māori-led businesses succeed.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is an organization focused on economic development and promoting Auckland as a destination for business and investment. They support Māori entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, networks, and resources, and by helping to connect them with potential customers and partners.

ASB is a leading New Zealand bank that provides financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and communities. ASB supports Māori entrepreneurs through their Māori Business team, which offers tailored financial solutions, business support, and networking opportunities to help Māori businesses succeed and grow.