Our founding story

KUMA – Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Araiteuru – was founded in 2005 by Otago based Māori professionals and business people. They knew that the historical achievements and future potential of Māori to contribute to whānau, hapū and iwi could be enriched by creating a network that fostered prosperity by Māori and for Māori.

The Māori business (umanga, or umaka in Kāi Tahu dialect) network (kupenga, or kupeka in Kāi Tahu dialect) was established as an incorporated society and charitable trust, guided by a Constitution, implemented by a volunteer Board elected from the Māori business community, and run effectively with strategies and policies that supported Māori business and whānau success.