Growing Our People

Pou Whakamana
Empowering Our People

Pou Whakamana is about putting whānau at the centre of our economic future – creating real pathways for whānau to build wealth, grow businesses, access support, and thrive on their own terms.

We're building the platforms and systems that make it easier for you to succeed – whether that's starting a business, accessing scholarships and grants, connecting with procurement opportunities, or saving for your mokopuna's future.

Why We're Doing This

For too long, our whānau have faced barriers to building wealth and growing businesses. Pou Whakamana removes those barriers and creates genuine opportunities for Ngāti Toa to lead our own economic future – on our terms, guided by our values.

This is about more than money. It's about mana Motuhake – the ability to make choices for your whānau based on what matters to you, not what you're forced into by circumstances.

Some of our kaupapa are live now, others are being co-designed with whānau and businesses. Click through to see what's available, register your interest in what's coming, or get in touch if you want to be part of shaping these initiatives.

An older woman with gray hair and glasses shopping at a craft fair booth featuring colorful earrings and jewelry. The vendor, a woman with long dark hair, is behind the table organizing the items.
Three women and two girls standing behind a table filled with baked goods and desserts at a bake sale, with signs displaying prices and flavors, including cupcakes, cookies, and cheesecake.
BizHub Porirua

CONNECT. GROW. THRIVE.

BizHub

BizHub Porirua is a pop-up initiative designed to bring the Porirua business community together to connect, grow and thrive. It provides a physical space for business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to access business support, celebrate success, and build local networks.

BizHub is brought to you by Porirua City Council, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, WellingtonNZ, Wellington Pacific Business Network, Te Matarau a Māui and Kai Tahi.

Learn more
Pink stylized text spelling out 'AWATOA' with black supporting design elements in the background.

THE FLOW OF CREATIVITY

AWATOA

AWATOA is our creative hub where the flow of creativity meets whakapapa. Made up of four awa; Awatoa Creatives, The Studio, Enterprise and Collections, all designed to foster creativity.

Awatoa Creatives - Blends creativity with technology and taiao-based design to build and develop products.

The Studio - Is a digital media hub for storytelling, production and tech innovations.

Enterprise - The bridge between creativity and commerce, turning ideas in to ventures.

Collections - A cultural immersive experience celebraring the journey of Ngāti Toa.

Get in touch

Whanonga Whakamana

  • People gathered outside a traditional Maori meeting house with carved wooden entrance symbols, flags with Maori motifs, and a grassy area.

    Te Kete Hāpai

    Removing barriers to wellbeing and prosperity through grants and support that strengthen our Ngāti Toatanga – from kaumātua care to te reo revitalisation, marae investment, and assistance for whānau with tamariki.

    Explore Te Kete Hāpai
  • Flowchart sketch on a white dotted paper with black marker pen outlining the user journey for a creative app, placed on a wooden surface alongside printed documents titled 'Product Brief' and 'User Goals'.

    Toa Procurement

    We're co-designing a procurement system with uri businesses that opens doors to contracts and opportunities across the Toa Economy – keeping wealth circulating within our whānau. This includes a relaunch of Te Kuaha - our iwi business directory. Help us shape this programme by registering your interest below!

    Register Your Interest
  • A modern building with wood paneling on the front, large glass window, and mountain backdrop, with two people visible inside.

    Whai Toa - Growing Wealth

    We're working with whānau to design tools and support for saving, investing, and building financial confidence – creating security today and wealth for future generations. We want to hear from you on how we can shape this together. Get in touch!

    Express Your Interest