Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai
Welcome to your Otago/Southland Māori Business Network.

Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Āraiteuru

A proudly southern Māori Business Network, supporting Māori business growth since 2005. Our kaupapa is to build connections between whānau to enhance their individual professional and business success through our collective support.

Kia tipua tahi ai | Let us grow strong together

Kia tipua tahi ai | Let us grow strong together

Upcoming Hui

Featured
Pakihi Māori Hui, Ōtepoti
Jul 16
Pakihi Māori Hui, Ōtepoti
Pakihi Māori Hui, Murihiku
Jul 17
Pakihi Māori Hui, Murihiku
Pakihi Māori Hui, Tāhuna / Wānaka
Jul 18
Pakihi Māori Hui, Tāhuna / Wānaka
KUMA 20th Anniversary
Oct 10
KUMA 20th Anniversary
KUMA 20th Anniversary Business Expo
Oct 11
KUMA 20th Anniversary Business Expo
KUMA 20th Anniversary Business Awards
Oct 11
KUMA 20th Anniversary Business Awards

  • KUMA has been a constant source of support for Encore Events, identifying opportunities for training, upskilling, financial contributions, and ensuring we allocate resources effectively for business growth. The ongoing support from KUMA has been comprehensive, touching on day-to-day operations, long-term planning, and even the social connections that make working with them so rewarding. Their guidance has been essential in shaping our business and staying true to the principles of manaakitanga.

    Encore Events I Ōtepoti

  • "Initially when it started, many years ago, it brought Māori businesses ‘out of the woodwork’ and made us aware of each other and started the networks, which I think is still the most beneficial aspect, and therefore my favourite aspect."

    Engage Safety I Tāhuna

  • “Connections, connections, connections - KUMA continues to open doors to connections within the Māori community and to business and personal growth opportunities.”

    KUMA Business Workshop Participant

  • We joined KUMA during a growth phase for our business, we were gearing up to implement a diversification project and needed to connect and share our story with Māori organisations that could support us on our journey. We had a conversation with the KUMA team at a hui and the very next morning we were sitting around a table with extraordinary people who have not stopped opening doors for us. Four years later we are so very grateful for the guidance, connections and opportunities that come from being a part of the KUMA whānau.

    Quality Home Services | Tāhuna, Queenstown

  • Launching a business in the middle of a global health crisis was an interesting move but we’ve worked extremely hard to bring our vision to fruition and that drive was recognised at the KUMA - Southern Māori Business Awards in July 2021 where we were the recipient of the Collaboration & Innovation Award. For us KUMA represents visibility as a Māori business owner and it also represents a safe space in which we as a Māori business can thrive.

    Check-in | Tāhuna, Queenstown

  • My relationship with KUMA began in 2019 when I unexpectedly attended a board meeting and have been involved ever since. The support I’ve received, both personally and professionally, has been incredible. The board members’ expertise, as successful business owners themselves, is invaluable—they bring practical insights and a strong cultural focus.

    Leah Stevens I Ōtepoti

  • KUMA has been instrumental to the development of our business and helping our company prepare for tenders and government funding. We have been grateful to run Mana Wāhine workshops for local Dunedin Businesses and partner with KUMA on marketing projects.

    Inspiring Design | Ōtepoti, Dunedin

  • KUMA’s ability to nurture connections and reinforce our confidence as a business has been invaluable. Their role has not only been about offering resources and opportunities but also about fostering a sense of belonging within a community of like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations and challenges. This partnership with KUMA has been an essential part of Kauati’s development and success.

    Kauati Ltd I Tāhuna

  • “Searching for answers, my belief that we need to give and receive, to make a contribution to, and benefit from, the collective wisdom and energy of our community, led me to connect with KUMA. I was so fortunate to receive coaching through KUMA's Mana Wahine initiative, and with C. as my Coach, I discovered the answers I needed. Through this programme, we brought to life the professional clarity I was searching for while dealing with what has turned out to be a time of massive change for my whānau."

    KUMA Mana Wahine Coaching Participant

  • "The benefits we have experienced by being a member of KUMA is focused around connections, exposure and feeling supported by like minded people. We’ve enjoyed meeting other KUMA members, understanding who they are and what they do and discovering ways we could work together, we also appreciate the sharing of knowledge between businesses and have particularly enjoy being able to spend time with other business owners who have had similar business successes and struggles to us in this area."

    Niche Design & Construction I Wānaka

  • "Being a KUMA member has given me the confidence to take my business to the next level. I love the whanaungatanga and connection that KUMA provides, giving us opportunities to collaborate and support one another to grow.””

    Te Huna Ora I Otago

  • “Thanks to my KUMA Coach, and her insight, the transition to self-employed while still honouring the needs of my whanau has been a success. Business is growing from strength to strength, built on a solid foundation."

    LS Consultants I Murihiku

  • "Being a member of KUMA has increased my business visibility and connections within the Māori business community and to business associations and service providers like Regional Business Partners. The power of association is an important part of doing business and through KUMA this has come to life for me and I have witnessed it for many others and therefore I see KUMA as being a key support to driving long term sustainability for Māori in business in our region."

    KUMA Business Workshop participant

Podcast

  • Brendan McIntosh | Episode 10

    This episode introduces Brendan McIntosh, owner of Māori business, Kia Kaha Chemist based in the Queenstown region.

    Full Interview

  • Julian Noel | Episode 11

    This episode introduces Julian Noel, founder of Shine Global, and business mentor through Te Puni Kōkiri.

    Full Interview

  • Kyle Pauro | Episode 12

    This episode introduces Kyle Pauro, founder of Holistic Performance. An integrative approach to health, combining physical, mental, and spiritual practices.

    Full Interview

Join Us

Become a KUMA member and be part of a thriving network where you can grow, share knowledge, and build meaningful relationships. From mentorship to business opportunities, we’re all about uplifting Māori businesses—together.

    • You can be nominated for one of the categories in the annual KUMA Māori Business Awards

    • List your services in the KUMA Māori Business Directory

    • Connect with a coach or business mentor

    • Learn about national and local opportunities for Māori businesses

    • Take part in business courses

    • Attend our annual KUMA business awards and other events

    • Get to know other Māori business people

    • Attend networking events – you’ll make new contacts, exchange ideas and expand your support network.

    • Connect with business organisations in the region