Te Awe Wellington Māori Business Network

Kia ora koutou,

The Inclusive Research Centre is recruiting Youth Ambassadors for the research project, Young People’s Understandings of Gender Equity and Pay Equity in Aotearoa, commissioned by Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission.

We are looking for young people aged 18–34 from across Aotearoa who are interested in gender equity, pay equity, fairness at work and ensuring diverse youth voices are represented in research. No previous experience or specialist knowledge of gender or pay equity is required. We are looking for young people who can bring their lived experiences, community connections and willingness to learn.

Youth Ambassadors will:
Connect the project with young people in their communities and networks.
Support local pop-ups and research recruitment activities.
Encourage diverse young people to participate in the research.
Participate in the co-design of the project.
Help ensure the project’s engagement approaches are accessible and relevant to young people.

This is a flexible, short-term opportunity involving approximately 15 hours during September and October 2026. Appreciation for each Ambassador’s time and contribution will be provided, along with support for approved research-related expenses.

We particularly welcome applications from young people whose communities and experiences are often underrepresented in research, including rangatahi Māori, Pacific, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, Pākehā, migrant and refugee-background, disabled, neurodivergent and rainbow young people. Applications from young people living in regional or rural communities or working in low-paid, casual or insecure employment are also encouraged.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and recruitment may close early once all positions have been filled.
Further information and applications:
https://jobs.dogoodjobs.co.nz/job/22055/youth-ambassador-gender-and-pay-equity-research/

The recruitment flyer is attached. Please share this opportunity with eligible young people and through any relevant community, youth, workplace or professional networks.

If you have any questions, please contact the Inclusive Research Centre at [email protected].

Ngā mihi,
Dr Rachel Mukwezwa Tapera
Inclusive Research Centre

Many thanks to Awarua Te Pākihi Māori o Porirua supported by Te Matarau a Māui and our regional business networks who hosted a beautifully curated Pākihi and Politics event today at the Homestead in Aotea.

Some really good kōrero from Minister Shane Jones, Tamatha Paul and Te Puoho Katene.

All speakers acknowled the role Māori and Pasifika businesses contribute to the economy.

Stand out reflection from Tamatha:

"I want Wellington to be a place where young people want to set down their roots, start their families, buy their first home".

We do too, we want to see our young people employed, our businesses making money and reinvesting that money into their whānau and community.

Let's see how their manifestos reflect what that looks like for election time.

Pakihi and Politics

Our friends from the Awarua Business Network in Porirua are hosting this important economic and business event this Wednesday.

Our Te Awe members are welcome

11.30am–2pm at Gear Homestead.

Guest speakers are:

✅Hon Tama Potaka – New Zealand National Party
Cabinet Minister and MP for Hamilton West, holding the portfolios of Conservation, Māori Development and Whānau Ora, as well as Associate Housing.

✅Tamatha Paul – Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
MP and spokesperson for Justice, Housing, Police, Courts, Corrections, Youth and Wellington Issues.

✅Hon Shane Jones – New Zealand First Party
Cabinet Minister and Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Regional Development and Resources, as well as Associate Minister of Finance and Energy.

✅Te Pūoho Katene – New Zealand Labour Party
Candidate for the Te Tai Hauāuru electorate in the 2026 General Election

This is an opportunity to put your questions directly to our speakers and have your voice heard on the issues affecting Māori businesses across our region. If you’ve got something to say about funding, market access, opportunities for growth, or what your business needs to succeed, this is the room to say it in.

RSVP today: [email protected]

Brought to you by:

Awarua Te Pākihi Māori o Porirua • Te Awe Wellington Māori Business Network • The Kapiti-Horowhenua Māori Business Network: Te Rōpū Pakihi • Te Matarau a Māui

Kia ora e te whānau,

We're proud to share this kaupapa from our whanaunga at Awarua - Te Pākihi Māori o Porirua.

On 26 August, MPs from every major party will sit down with Māori business owners from right across the Greater Wellington region for one morning of direct, honest kōrero. No long speeches; just your questions on funding, market access and government support, answered kanohi ki te kanohi.

📍 Gear Homestead 🕦 Arrive from 11.30am lunch and time to connect with other business owners before we begin 🕛 Questioning with MPs starts promptly at 12.00pm

If funding decisions, market access, or government support have been on your mind, this is your chance to put them to the people who can answer.

Spaces are limited. Please RSVP by 21 August to [email protected].

Nau mai, haere mai and bring your questions.

Here is an incredible opportunity to connect with buyers who would love to meet you and your business.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Ara mai te tau hou māori

Matariki mā Puanga 2026

Watch: Thousands gather in Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate rise of Matariki Thousands have gathered at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point in Tāmaki Makaurau before dawn to celebrate the rise of Matariki and welcome the Māori New Year.

Matariki Haerenga Waka

A time to remember, reflect and prepare for the year ahead.

We hope you received our latest communication about our evolving memberships, this we hope will be a great way for us to better serve you all as our members.

Take good care out there and spare a thought for whānaunga in Kaikoura and Wairoa who have/are being battered by the elements.

Check out these incredible events hosted by Wellington City Council.

Congratulations Vicky, representing Te Upoko o Te Ika powerfully with the Federation of Maori Authorities

Vicky Hollywell • Te Upoko o Te Ika Representative
Ruia Te Pākerekere Kahikatea | FOMA Māori Leadership Programme
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Vicki has worked with the Trusts since 2007, building extensive experience across a range of roles. She is General Manager of Hīkoikoi Management Limited, leading operations and providing strategic direction on behalf of Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Māori Trust. Her role includes oversight of commercial activities and cultural assets such as Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Te Raukura.

She manages an asset base of approximately $270 million across both ahu whenua trusts, ensuring sustainable returns that support long-term outcomes. Her work is grounded in the quadruple bottom line — social, cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing.

Vicki is committed to delivering value for her iwi and whānau, while ensuring mana whenua history and significance are recognised. She is married to Roger and a proud mother of three sons. Outside work, she enjoys Cuban dancing, hockey, supporting her tamariki, and spending time at her Wairarapa olive grove.

We are proud to welcome Vicky to Ruia Te Pākerekere, FOMA’s Māori leadership programme designed to recognise, activate, and grow leadership within Aotearoa’s Māori Economy.

See more about the programme at: https://foma.org.nz/ruia-te-pakerekere-kahikatea/