A record number of Māori businesses throughout the southern region have been selected as finalists in the 2023 Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Āraiteuru (KUMA) Southern Māori Business Awards.

They include Wānaka companies WanaHaka Tours, which offers a range of experiences combining Māori culture and local tourism, and EASI NZ, a human resources business. 

Judging panel convenor Jeff Broughton said judges were impressed with the high calibre and number of quality candidates and applications received.

“The applications came from a diverse range of industries, and it is clear that Māori business is continuing to expand across Otago and Southland,” he said. 

“It was an honour and a privilege to be part of the judging process and we congratulate all those that gave us an insight into the amazing mahi that is undertaken by pakihi Māori (Māori enterprise).”

“We have seen the scope of what pakihi Māori are achieving in our takiwā and couldn’t be more proud of and excited by their achievements. Now it’s time to celebrate their successes.”

An awards evening will celebrate these businesses.

The awards gala dinner takes place this Saturday, September 30 at community cultural and art space Te Atamira in Tahuna (Queenstown).

This year’s awards theme centres on mātauranga, which embodies the significance of Māori knowledge, wisdom, and culture in the world of business.

Victoria Campbell, the awards dinner’s keynote speaker. PHOTO: KUMA

Keynote speaker at the event will be Kāi Tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell, who is currently leading a new research project at Tūhura Otago Museum to explore the southern cosmos from a Kāi Tahu perspective.