Whiua ki te Ao

Be inspired by the journeys of Māori innovators and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world through embracing and creating opportunities. Whiua ki te Ao offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how values, heritage, and culture have shaped these leaders’ paths while highlighting the cultural significance of innovation.

Whiua ki te Ao is brought to you by Velocity and Te Mana Pakihi, the Māori Commerce Association.

CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Connect with leaders: Meet Māori entrepreneurs and innovators who are creating meaningful impact globally.
Access inspiring stories: Learn how their cultural values and heritage have guided their success.
Expand your horizons: Gain insights that will ignite your passion for learning and innovation.

This event is for aspiring Māori innovators and entrepreneurs from the University of Auckland and the wider community.

All welcome - Nau Mai, Haere Mai! Join us and explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture.

• Hear career insights from Māori innovators about their journeys and the impact they’re creating in the world.
• Learn how to navigate innovative and entrepreneurial careers while staying true to your cultural values.

Date: Tuesday 31 March, 5–7pm
Venue: Kura Matahuna | Unleash Space
Refreshments provided 

Keren Phillips – Startup Programme Manager, Auckland Council

Keren Phillips is Auckland Council’s Startup Programme Manager. Designing and delivering support initiatives like Startup Aotearoa, Auckland Startup Week and other incubators, accelerators based around Auckland. Previously, she was the co-founder and VP Marketing of HRTech software, Weirdly. Her experience spanning SME and start-up leadership, brand, and business strategy development across a range of industry sectors helps inform her work supporting New Zealand’s emerging new founders.

Manawa Udy – Founder and Kaihautū of Ngahere Communities 

Manawa Udy (Te Arawa, Mataatua, Tainui, Pākeha) is the Founder and Kaihautū of Ngahere Communities, a Manukau-based social enterprise supporting Māori and Moana creators and entrepreneurs through platforms like Konei, Te Ngahere, and Tukua. Her work brings together culture, community, and enterprise to help people grow their ideas and thrive.

She also hosts the Ngahere Talks podcast, has over 25 years’ experience in photography, and is a sought-after speaker and advisor. Manawa serves on the Mayor of Auckland’s Small Business Advisory Panel and the MIT School of Business Industry Advisory Panel.

Tam Roberts – Head of Business Development, BlinkPay NZ

BlinkPay NZ is a Māori-founded fintech, pioneering open banking in Aotearoa. With extensive experience in business development across the IT and SaaS sectors, Tam has a proven track record in sales, business planning, and people management.

He leads BlinkPay’s growth strategy, building partnerships with banks, enterprises, and councils to expand adoption of secure, bank-approved payment solutions.

Tam combines commercial expertise with a strong commitment to trust, inclusion, and innovation, helping make payments easier, safer, and more accessible for all New Zealanders.

Te Ariki Te Puni – Managing Director and Co-founder, Kōtui

Kōtui is an education technology business specialising in culture; determined to develop conscientious and innovative technology that upholds the mana of the mātauranga it hosts. Te Ariki also sits as a trustee on the Multiethnic Young Leaders Network charity and a Director on the Rangitāne o Manawatū Investment trust.

If you have questions about the programme, please contact cie_programmes@auckland.ac.nz

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand-out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.

CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 14 international awards since 2020.