In a celebration of resilience and economic contributions, the Māori Women’s Development Inc (MWDI) is set to host the prestigious Māori Businesswomen’s Awards 2024. This event, scheduled for October 25 at the Pōneke Tākina Convention Centre, will honor the exemplary achievements of wāhine Māori in business. Recognized as the premier indigenous businesswomen’s awards globally, the event underscores the significant role of Māori women in driving economic growth and fostering community development.
The MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards aim to highlight the outstanding contributions of Māori women entrepreneurs. These awards are a testament to the vision, resilience, and determination of wāhine Māori who have excelled in various business sectors. The event will feature 17 awards across eight regions and nine categories, recognizing achievements in innovation, social enterprise, and overall business excellence.
Linda Clay, General Manager of MWDI, emphasizes the importance of these awards in promoting economic empowerment. By celebrating the best in Māori business, the awards foster a sense of pride and motivation among the recipients. The recognition also serves as an inspiration for other Māori women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to the economy.
The awards ceremony will not only honor individual achievements but also highlight the collective impact of Māori women in business. The event will bring together business leaders, community members, and stakeholders to celebrate the success stories and share insights on fostering economic development. This gathering is expected to strengthen networks and encourage collaboration among Māori entrepreneurs.
Economic Impact and Research Findings
The economic contributions of wāhine Māori have been significant, as highlighted in the recent research study, Te Ōhanga Wāhine Māori, The Māori Women’s Economy (2024). Conducted by the Ministry for Women and BERL, the study values the wāhine Māori economy at $12.5 billion, equivalent to 3.2% of Aotearoa’s GDP. This research underscores the vital role of Māori women in the national economy and their potential for further growth.
The study provides valuable insights into the economic activities and contributions of Māori women. It highlights the diverse sectors in which wāhine Māori are making an impact, from traditional crafts and agriculture to modern technology and services. The findings also emphasize the importance of supporting Māori women entrepreneurs through policies and initiatives that promote access to resources, training, and markets.
The MWDI awards play a crucial role in recognizing and amplifying these contributions. By shining a spotlight on successful Māori women in business, the awards help to raise awareness of their economic impact and encourage further investment in their ventures. This recognition is essential for fostering a supportive environment where Māori women can thrive and continue to drive economic growth.
Inspiring Future Generations
The MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards are not just about celebrating current achievements but also about inspiring future generations of Māori women entrepreneurs. The stories of resilience and success showcased at the awards serve as powerful examples for young Māori women aspiring to enter the business world. These role models demonstrate that with determination, innovation, and community support, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve great success.
Andrea Rongonui, a previous award winner, reflects on the impact of receiving the Innovation, Social Enterprise, and Supreme award categories. She describes the honor as a source of immense pride and motivation, reigniting her perseverance and resilience in her entrepreneurial journey. Her story, along with those of other award recipients, provides valuable lessons and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The awards also highlight the importance of community and cultural values in business. Māori women entrepreneurs often draw on their cultural heritage and community connections to build successful enterprises. This integration of cultural values with business practices not only strengthens their ventures but also enriches the broader community. The MWDI awards celebrate this unique approach to entrepreneurship and encourage others to embrace their cultural identity in their business endeavors.
