A landmark agreement between Auckland Council and the University of Auckland Business School has been signed with the intent of supporting Māori through Haere Whakamua, a jointly developed indigenous social enterprise programme.

"Māori enterprise has a collective rather than individual focus and is motivated by people and environmental outcomes," says Associate Professor Mānuka Hēnare, Director of the Business School’s Mira Szászy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development.

"Through closer collaboration and cooperation with council in research and capacity building we believe we can achieve better outcomes."

Haere Whakamua will focus on developing governance, financial control systems and business planning within a Māori and marae based context. It will support participant groups to unlock potential business opportunities in both the public and private sector.

"Lifting Māori social and economic well-being is a key commitment for Council and Haere Whakamua will enhance the capacity of Māori to drive economic growth, and improve the living standards and social well-being of Māori", says Gael Surgenor, Auckland Council Manager Community Development and Safety.

Research undertaken throughout Haere Whakamua will further inform development and international opportunities to share the New Zealand experience of indigenous social enterprise and learn from similar international projects.