Te Kotahi Research Institute
Te Kotahi brings expertise in Indigenous business, Indigenous law and policy, Indigenous and trade economics, and Indigenous data sovereignty, with Indigenous business scholars from the Alaska Native, Native Hawai’ian, and Saami peoples.
This research will support and grow a highly skilled workforce of policymakers, Indigenous traders, entrepreneurs, and researchers as they increasingly focus on Indigenous trade. Tauhokohoko brings new knowledge, frameworks, education, and immersive professional development. It encompasses exchanges, secondments, visits, and collaborative problem-solving, as well as increasing Indigenous employment.
Te Taumata Māori Trade Advisory
Te Taumata chairs the governance group, ensuring that the research is driven by Māori aspirations through engagement with Māori and Indigenous communities, and Indigenous organisations in trade policy and international trade.
Engagement with Māori, advancing Māori interests in free trade agreements, and diverse Māori enterprise representation are strengths of Te Taumata. Recent research and engagement with MFAT, NZTE, OECD, United Nations, and European Union on Indigenous trade has provided insight and connections to these institutions. They represent key end users of this research by including Indigenous trade in policy and practice.
The core outcomes Te Taumata seeks to achieve through this kaupapa (research project) are aligned with the Te Taumata four Pou strategic framework. These outcomes not only anchor our contribution to this partnership but also reflect our broader role in reshaping Māori engagement with the global trade system through Indigenous-led design, evidence, and influence.
Pou 01
Inclusive Trade Negotiations
Te Taumata will play a direct leadership role in the co-design of Indigenous trade policy frameworks, rooted in mātauranga Māori, to shape future trade agreements both within Aotearoa and on the international stage.
Pou 02
Supporting Effective FTA Implementation
We will test and refine Māori-led trade mechanisms, including trade missions, study tours, inter-Indigenous trade arrangements, and cultural procurement strategies, and scale up Māori enterprise capability, reach, and resilience.
Pou 03
Research and Policy
The Tauhokohoko partnership enables us to co-develop Indigenous impact and wellbeing metrics, quantifying the relationship between Indigenous trade and waiora (wellbeing), huanga (economic return), and mana motuhake (autonomy). These tools will provide the evidence base for more equitable, inclusive policies.
Pou 04
Strengthening Relationships
Tauhokohoko will also support cultural exchange and joint Indigenous research with global networks, including those of the Sámi, Pacific, Indigenous North American Native, and other communities, helping to elevate Māori leadership in Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade diplomacy.
Our commitment is to deliver lasting intergenerational outcomes for Māori. We welcome your support and insights to enrich this initiative.
People
Chair: Teresa Tepania-Ashton
Teresa Tepania-Ashton (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāpuhi) is a respected leader in Māori economic development and governance. She serves as a Director on the board of Te Taumata, where she contributes to advancing Māori interests in international trade. With extensive experience in corporate and community sectors, Teresa previously held executive roles, including CEO of Te Rūnanga-a-Iwi o Ngāpuhi and Māori Women’s Development Incorporated (MWDI).
During her career, Teresa has focused on empowering wāhine Māori and supporting the growth of Indigenous enterprises. Recognised for her leadership, she was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Māori and business.
Hone McGregor
Hone McGregor (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Te Ātiawa, Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Kere, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Rārua, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kuia) is a highly experienced leader and consultant. He currently serves as the Chair of Te Taumata, where he provides strategic oversight for Māori trade initiatives and advocates for Indigenous interests in international trade negotiations. His work spans multiple sectors, promoting sustainable development and collaboration between Māori enterprises and global partners.
With a governance and environmental management background, McGregor has held prominent roles, including Chair of Wakatū Incorporation and Chief Executive of Forest & Bird. His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing Māori economic growth, cultural sustainability, and intergenerational wellbeing through innovative policy and trade frameworks.
Rawson Wright
Rawson Wright (Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Porou) is the Deputy Chair of Te Taumata, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing Māori interests in trade negotiations and economic development. He also serves as the Managing Director of Wright Partners Ltd and chairs Taitokerau Forests Ltd, contributing to sustainable forestry practices and Indigenous enterprise growth. With extensive governance experience, Wright has held leadership roles within forestry, agriculture, and advisory bodies, including Te Uru Rākau and the New Zealand Treasury.
Rawson’s career reflects a deep commitment to promoting Māori economic development and self-determination through innovative business and governance models.
Dr Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai
Dr Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai (Te Rarawa ki Hokianga, Waikato ki Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao) serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Waikato. She provides strategic leadership for Māori initiatives across the university, focusing on developing Indigenous education, research, and student success. With a background in Māori Studies, her research explores the intersections between Indigenous knowledge systems and educational development, advocating for culturally grounded approaches in higher education.
Dr Tiakiwai’s work reflects her commitment to uplifting Māori communities and fostering collaborative partnerships that promote Māori achievement within academia and beyond. She plays a key role in shaping policies that integrate Indigenous knowledge into research and teaching practices at Waikato.
Secretary: Natalie Smith
Natalie Smith is a dedicated navigator and business consultant working with Te Taumata, focusing on advancing Māori economic development through trade partnerships. She is vital in fostering collaboration between Māori enterprises and international trade networks. With extensive experience in business mentoring and development, Natalie actively supports the growth of Indigenous-led businesses and promotes sustainable practices within the Māori economy.
Project Science Leader: Hon. Nanaia Mahuta
Honorary Professor
Hon. Nanaia Mahuta (Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Maniapoto) is a prominent leader in New Zealand’s political and Māori landscape. She became the first woman to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2020 to 2023. Mahuta has been a Member of Parliament since 1996, representing several Māori electorates, including Hauraki-Waikato. Her career reflects a deep commitment to Māori development and public service, and she promotes Indigenous rights and sustainable governance.
Nanaia’s work is closely tied to the Kīngitanga movement, advocating for social and economic transformation for Māori.
We prioritise Māori perspectives, foster future leaders through mentorship, shape trade policy, and promote cultural integrity while strengthening global Indigenous networks.