Government investing $5 million into Māori-owned businesses

The Government is investing over $5 million into Māori-owned businesses in an effort to support economic growth, jobs and bolster exports.

By Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira of RNZ

More than $5.3 million has been set aside from the Māori Development Fund – administered by Te Puni Kōkiri – and is part of the Government's Tōnui Māori, Going for Growth with Māori scheme.

Hineuru Orchards in Hawke's Bay – one of the latest cherry growers in the North Island – will get $1.5 million to build precautions against harsh weather and birds.

Another $2.6 million will go to South Island fish farm Akaroa King Salmon for infrastructure upgrades to help the business scale up production. The business is a partnership between Ōnuku Rūnanga and Ngāti Porou, with the investment expected to create around 50 jobs and increase export revenue over the next three years.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said Akaroa King Salmon had a world-class reputation for premium products and sustainable production.

"This investment will help unlock further growth and strengthen New Zealand's export economy."

"When Māori businesses succeed, local communities benefit through new jobs, increased incomes, stronger regional economies and greater opportunities for future generations," Potaka said.

Taranaki-based Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation will also see a boost to its renewable energy infrastructure, which Potaka said had created "enduring" value for the business' shareholders following the oil and gas ban imposed by the previous government.

"Contributing to this energy initiative will support the business to unlock further potential of the whenua and open opportunities for the region to boost infrastructure, creating opportunities for reconnection, learning and skills development."

"The Government is investing in various renewables projects and this initiative has the potential to generate enough electricity each year to power more than 8500 homes. It also opens the door for a transition to clean energy for regional manufacturing businesses, while creating job opportunities in the construction and maintenance of the facility," Potaka said.

The investment follows a $48 million boost to Māori media funding and a $23.6 million cut to Te Puni Kōkiri announced in Budget 2026.