MĀORI LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2025

Pre-Conference Workshop | 11th March

09:00 Māori Leadership Journey

• This one-day interactive workshop invites Māori leaders and aspiring changemakers to embark on a transformative journey of growth and empowerment, guided by the enduring wisdom of Māori philosophies, values, and practices combined with modern day leadership concepts.
• A space for safe self-reflection, where participants can connect with their cultural identity, embrace the essence of tino rangatiratanga, and identify the limitless potential within whānau, hapū, and iwi contexts.
• Through thoughtful and interactive dialogue, this program empowers participants to explore the profound connection between self-awareness, behavioural patterns, and the quality of relationships that define effective leadership. By embracing these insights, attendees will learn to navigate the challenges of leadership with greater vision, shaping decisions that honour both their cultural heritage and the aspirations of those they serve.
• Above all, this workshop aspires to nurture cultural confidence and inspire participants to lead authentically from a place of humility and higher consciousness. By drawing strength from their heritage and fostering collective growth, participants will not only transform their own leadership journeys but realise the foundation for empowering the next generation of leaders.

Conference Day 1 | 12th March

09:30 Opening Remarks and Introduction from Emcee

• As Chair of the Māori Leadership Summit 2025, Ria Apiata brings her extensive leadership expertise and deep cultural connection to set the tone for an inspiring event. The powerhouse behind Whakaaro Leaders, Ria has transformed leadership for Māori across industries like infrastructure, logistics, and education. With an MBA from the University of Auckland and a passion for empowering others, she blends strategic vision with her Ngāpuhi and Croatian heritage to create meaningful, lasting change for whānau and communities.

09:50 How Harnessing My Heritage is My Superpower of Leadership

• Lil delves into the profound impact her Maori heritage has on shaping her personal leadership approaches. She will share personal stories of how her traditional upbringing, values, community focus, and a deep respect for tupuna (ancestors) and leaders have influenced her pathway and decisions, fostered resilience, and worked to inspire others. By weaving together ancient wisdom and modern leadership, Lil will share how she are creating pathways that not only celebrate cultural identity but also drive meaningful change across Government and into the communities she serves.

10:40 It’s Time.....for Networking!

11:00 MORNING TEA

11:25 Building an Inclusive Workplace That is Fit for the Future

• In this session Nadine Tereora will showcase how she is shaping one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands into an organisation that attracts and retains Māori staff by fostering an inclusive environment that respects and honours Māori culture, values, and perspectives. Nadine will speak to her own journey of discovery and how it has influenced her desire to create a culture of belonging at the AA

12:15 Representation, Story Telling and Connection: a Career in Reflection

• Award-winning journalist Mike McRoberts reflects on his decades-long career and the critical role of representation in television. With his Māori heritage deeply informing his approach, Mike has dedicated himself to telling stories that challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives. In this session, he’ll explore the power of diverse voices on screen and why it’s essential for media to reflect the rich tapestry of society. He’ll also share personal insights on how his cultural background has shaped his storytelling, driving home the message that authentic representation matters now more than ever.

13:05 Lunch

14:05 Harnessing Cultural Understanding for Inclusivity and Cohesion

• In this insightful session, Kiritina will explore how fostering cultural understanding within an organisation can create a more unified and cohesive work environment. By embracing diversity and promoting awareness of different cultural backgrounds, organisations can break down barriers, enhance collaboration, and build stronger teams. Kiritina will also share her own personal journey and share insights of how her experience as a Māori have given her an in depth understanding of the barriers to inclusivity. Delegates will leave with strategies that encourage inclusivity and how this, in turn, leads to a more engaged workforce, where differences are celebrated, and unity is achieved through mutual respect and understanding.

15:05 Creating Long Term Partnerships That Benefit All

• In this session, Ariana will share insights on how organizations can create genuine, sustainable partnerships with Māori communities that respect and integrate Māori values. She will explore how these collaborations can unlock economic opportunities for both parties by leveraging Māori cultural knowledge, resources, and networks, while promoting the development of Māori enterprises. By aligning business goals with Māori aspirations and ensuring shared benefits, these partnerships can lead to stronger economic outcomes, greater social impact, and long-term success for all involved.

15:55 AFTERNOON TEA

16:15 From the Kitchen to the World Stage: Celebrating Māori Culture Through Food and Storytelling

• Join Karena and Kasey Bird, MasterChef 2014 champions, as they take you on a journey of culinary excellence, storytelling, and cultural pride. Known for their award-winning books and popular television shows, these inspiring sisters are passionate about using food to honor and share their Māori heritage. In this engaging session, they’ll share their insights on balancing tradition with innovation, the role of food in cultural preservation, and their mission to put Māori cuisine on the global map. Get ready to be inspired by their unique approach to leadership through creativity, resilience, and a love for whānau.

Conference Day 2 | 13th March

09:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction from Emcee

• As Chair of the Māori Leadership Summit 2025, Ria Apiata brings her extensive leadership expertise and deep cultural connection to set the tone for an inspiring event. The powerhouse behind Whakaaro Leaders, Ria has transformed leadership for Māori across industries like infrastructure, logistics, and education. With an MBA from the University of Auckland and a passion for empowering others, she blends strategic vision with her Ngāpuhi and Croatian heritage to create meaningful, lasting change for whānau and communities.

09:10 Building a Welcoming and Supportive Workplace Where Achieving Success Feels Effortless

• In this session our speaker showcases how they created an organisation that attracts and retains Māori staff requires a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that honours Māori culture, values, and perspectives. This includes offering meaningful opportunities for Māori leadership and career development, ensuring cultural competence in the workplace through Te Tiriti o Waitangi training, and providing spaces for Māori staff to feel safe and valued. By embedding Māori traditions and values such as whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (support) into workplace practices, organisations can enhance a sense of belonging.

10:00 Q&A Fireside Chat

• In this session, leaders will explore strategies for fostering career growth and representation for Māori professionals through intentional and culturally aware metrics. This session delves into how to develop meaningful measures of success that align with both organisational goals and Māori values. Participants will learn how to track progress, provide support through tailored development pathways, and ensure that success metrics reflect the unique contributions and perspectives of Māori professionals. Gain insights into building an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity while driving equitable career advancement and leadership opportunities for Māori.

10:50 MORNING TEA

11:20 Integrating Māori Practices for Inclusion

• This key session focuses on integrating Māori voices into its company culture to foster genuine inclusion and drive shared success. By prioritising Māori perspectives and practices, Beca is creating a workplace where diverse insights shape decisions and contribute to long-term growth. Attendees will learn about strategies Beca has implemented to ensure Māori voices are actively involved in shaping projects, policies, and leadership practices, highlighting the impact of cultural inclusivity on innovation, employee engagement, and community connections. This session offers valuable insights for companies seeking to embed cultural competency and inclusiveness at the heart of their organisational strategy

12:10 How Harnessing Cultural Identity Propelled This Designer to the Forefront of Fashion

• Fashion designer Kiri Nathan has leveraged her Māori heritage to forge a distinctive path in the competitive world of fashion, creating a brand that reflects cultural authenticity and purpose. In this session, Kiri will share how the values and traditions of her culture guide her business decisions, inspiring resilience and creativity. She’ll reveal how embracing her roots has not only set her apart in a cutthroat industry but also enabled her to build meaningful connections and a brand that resonates on a global scale.

13:00 LUNCH

14:10 Driving a Wholistic Approach to Raising Māori Profile in the Workplace

• Nikita will share insights into a holistic approach designed to elevate the presence and influence of Māori within the workplace. Drawing on her experience leading a recent pilot program at Fisher & Paykel, Nikita will provide a compelling case study on how integrating Te Ao Māori principles has fostered greater cultural representation, inclusivity, and understanding across the origination. This approach not only highlights the importance of Māori perspectives in workplace dynamics but also illustrates practical steps companies can take to support and amplify Māori voices, creating a more diverse and culturally enriched environment for all employees

15:00 Harnessing Heritage as a Leadership Superpower

• Join Riana Manuel, CEO of the Māori Health Authority, as she explores the powerful role of heritage in leadership. Riana will share her journey, highlighting how Māori values, a strong sense of community, and respect for ancestral wisdom shape her approach to leadership. Through personal stories, she will reveal how these guiding principles not only strengthen her resilience and decision-making but also inspire others to lead with authenticity. Discover how Riana’s unique blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary leadership is paving the way for meaningful change and empowering her community.

15:50 AFTERNOON TEA

16:10 Te Mana o te Mōhio Ko Wai Koe – The Power in Knowing Who You Are

• For Tāme Iti, identity is more than just whakapapa—it is a living, breathing force that shapes how we move through the world. In this compelling session, Tāme explores mōhio ko wai koe—the deep understanding of who you are—and how this knowledge fuels leadership, activism, and creative expression. Through the lens of his artistic journey, he will share how his work challenges narratives, reclaims spaces, and serves as a vehicle for Māori sovereignty. From galleries to political forums, Tāme operates in worlds that often collide, yet he remains steadfast in his tūrangawaewae. Join him for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of art, identity, and mana motuhake, and discover how knowing yourself can empower you to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.

Post-conference Workshop | 14th March