Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
This edition features three stories of Māori innovation in tech. First, we share TRM Training’s marae-based approach to building cultural and digital skills. Then, we look back at Startup Weekend Ōtaki 2025, where new entrepreneurs turned bold ideas into powerful pitches. Finally, we highlight scholarship opportunities from Mission Ready HQ, supporting Māori, Pasifika, and future talent to step into the AI-powered tech industry.
Tech meets mātauranga Māori
Every week, we share a case study from Matihiko Ora – Ka Eke – Ka Toro Final Report. These kaupapa show how Māori-led initiatives shape digital pathways.
“Our mahi helps rangatahi honour their identity as Māori while building the skills to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the world.” - Aroha Puketapu , Pouwhakahaere at TRM Training
Led by Aroha Puketapu (Te Atiawa and Ngāti Ruapani), TRM Training runs marae-based programmes in raranga, whakairo, and iwi storytelling. Their micro-credentials are guided by tohunga and iwi leaders.
Key Insights from their case study:
- Learning on marae links skills with whakapapa.
- TRM ensures cultural knowledge is passed authentically, building rangatahi confidence and leadership.
Read more about TRM Trainings’s story:
Explore the Kaupapa
Want to dive deeper?
Download the full Matihiko Ora – Ka Eke – Ka Toro report and explore all the case studies here:
Startup Weekend Ōtaki 2025
Kaye-Maree joined Startup Weekend Ōtaki 2025 at Te Wānanga o Raukawa on 19–21 September.
Across 60 hours, new entrepreneurs turned fresh ideas into startup pitches. With support from mentors and judges, teams worked through research, planning, and presentations.
Winners included:
🥇 Pou-tential – A kaupapa Māori STEM kit for schools.
🥈 Koru Wai – Tōrea, a carved native wood Waka Ama paddle.
🥉 Mano – A youth job-matching platform to boost futures.
🎖️ Sign Me In – A game teaching sign language through play.
Other highlights:
- Te Kōpihi Hauora, a wellbeing app for whānau leaving prison, and Team Whai Rawa, a blockchain ecosystem tool.
- Kaye-Maree enjoyed mentoring alongside industry leaders and reconnecting with friends. She was inspired by the teamwork, courage, and creativity shown by all participants.
- Big thanks to Te Wānanga o Raukawa for hosting, the kitchen crew for amazing kai, and everyone who made this event happen.
MEA is proud to see Māori-led innovation growing stronger every year.
Future-Ready Scholarships with Mission Ready HQ
Mission Ready HQ is helping launch the next generation of Māori, Pasifika, and future talent into tech with fully supported scholarship opportunities. Their scholarships give learners access to career pathways like:
- AI Powered Full Stack Developer (Cloud & AI)
- AI Powered Data Analyst
- AI Powered UX Designer
- AI Powered Business Analyst
- Tech Career Launchpad (for school leavers & beginners)
These programmes are delivered as stackable micro-credentials that lead to a Diploma—building flexible, future-proof skills in a growing industry.
Got any questions?
Click the link below or email hello@missionreadyhq.com
.png)
.png)
