Applications and nominations for the 2025 KUMA Māori Business Awards 2025 are now CLOSED!!

Thank you to the record number of businesses that have sent in your business story. The judges for 2025 are: Antony Deaker (Ngāi Tahu), Jeffrey Broughton (Ngāi Tahu), and Rachel Butler (Tangata Tiriti) with Karen Roos (Ngā Puhi) as advisor. We are grateful for the time and expertise they are committing to our community - ngā mihi nui ki ngā rangatira mā.

The timeline for judging and announcements is:

• 21-31 August: series of meetings of the judging panel

• 3 September: Judges’ decisions advised to the Board

• 12 September: Finalists and other applicants contacted

• 15 September: Finalists announced

• 20 September: People’s Choice Award votes open (all Finalists eligible)

• 10 October, 5pm: Finalists and Sponsors’ Event

• 11 October, 5.30pm: 2025 Awards Gala and Dinner

We so look forward to this opportunity to celebrate and showcase Māori businesses across the Otago/Southland takiwā. These awards recognise excellence in innovation, sustainability, and leadership within our Māori business community. 

Whether you’re a startup, a whānau-owned enterprise, or an established industry leader, we encourage you to join us on Saturday 11 October for a celebration of southern Māori business.

Applications closed 20 August 2025, 5pm