A guide to starting a Māori business and the realities.
In Aotearoa, it is no secret that it is difficult to find a job, so might as well make your own!
I have always thought of becoming an entrepreneur myself but felt out of place with my passion for fibre arts (crocheting and knitting) as a Māori woman. However, I found support and inspiration to start my own business by myself through the ways I discuss below.
Māori businesses are growing, but not all Māori businesses are run by Māori people. Many local businesses get sold off to tangata tiriti or get bought by international companies that demolish the original business. Support and motivation for young local businesses are crucial for them to survive and thrive. Māori businesses build positive work environments due to the values and communities they create and carry for Māori. However, out of 3,920 Māori businesses 282 are in tourism alone (Stats NZ, 2022). With this in mind, we need to push for more local and more Māori.
As I have seen, starting an original business is a hard task. Finding the products and sponsors can be even harder, but I hope this guide will help you get your local business up.
Solutions
First thing is first, find an issue that needs to be tackled and work around it in your way. Think about your whakapapa, and imagine the issues they may have faced. Maybe there is a solution right in front of you, or maybe think about what kaumātua would have wanted!
Starting out
Make sure to use your resources! The uni and outside companies are willing to provide resources and sponsorships to the right causes. Clubs like Te Mana Pakihi are a great way to be welcomed into the business world as a student. They provide opportunities to build interpersonal and organisational skills within their workshops and presentation events. All students are welcomed into this club regardless of degree. Another support is the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. They offer programmes and events that can give you an advantage in your field of business.
Teamwork
Work with others that share your ideas and visions. Confine support in your Iwi and whānau where you can. Whānau love is the best love! Or maybe find a supportive friend who also wants some cash. You never know until you ask.
Finding your clients
Market, Advertise, and Promote! Ensure that you have a catchy slogan and posters covering every inch of the Engineering Building. A social media presence is also very important in our modern age for showing your products to the whole of Aotearoa!
Getting out there
Finally, put your business out there. Go to other local businesses, work together, and exchange business cards. Join markets and try to sell your products there too! For example, the night markets across Auckland; I love going to them and shopping locally. Maybe I will see you there.
Overall, if it does not work out, just try again.
Do the mahi and get the treats.
That’s what kaumātua would want.
Glossary
Aotearoa = New Zealand
Tangata tiriti =Non–Māori
Whakapapa = Genealogy, lineage, kinship
Kaumātua = Tribal elder
Iwi = Tribe
Whānau = Extended family
Mahi = Work
