Toi Hangarau 2024: Māori Tech Sector Reaches New Milestone

Māori-owned technology businesses are making significant strides in New Zealand’s innovation economy, according to the 2024 Toi Hangarau report. The latest edition identifies 85 Māori tech enterprises employing 1,300 full-time equivalent staff, with the top 12 earners collectively generating $160.5 million in revenue.

Compiled by Pāua Interface CEO and Toi Hangarau founder Robyn Kamira, the report highlights both growth and opportunity in the Māori tech sector. Kamira says that while Māori tech companies are expanding their economic footprint, the overall underrepresentation of Māori in the national tech workforce needs urgent attention.

“Currently, just 4.8% of the tech workforce in Aotearoa is Māori,” Kamira notes. “Given that Māori make up approximately 17% of the population, we would expect a much higher level of representation. This is no longer just an issue—it’s a risk.”

However, among the 24 enterprises examined in more depth for the report, Māori representation in technical roles such as developers, architects, cybersecurity specialists, and IT project managers sits at an encouraging 24%—up from 22% last year and over five times the national average.

Craig Young, CEO of the Tech Users Association of New Zealand, described Toi Hangarau as an “incredibly important taonga” that helps highlight Māori engagement in tech and guide the wider sector.

“Understanding and supporting the organisations featured in the report is key to building a vibrant, inclusive, and uniquely Aotearoa technology sector,” he said.

The report aims to increase the visibility, success, and economic impact of Māori-owned tech businesses by providing in-depth data and actionable insights. Its findings are intended to empower both enterprises and their supporters to grow sustainably and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s economy.

Elle Archer, Executive Chair of Te Ao Matihiko, underscored the broader significance of the sector’s growth: “These businesses are not only expanding their economic reach—they are also driving innovation and fostering intergenerational ownership and prosperity across Aotearoa.”

NZTech CEO Graeme Muller added that the Māori tech sector is one of the fastest-growing parts of the industry. “This important annual study offers further evidence of the energy and opportunity in the Māori tech ecosystem. These companies are building tech that benefits both Aotearoa and the world.”

According to the report, Māori-owned tech companies are setting bold goals for future growth while excelling in areas such as international market expansion, workforce development, and the fusion of traditional knowledge with emerging technologies.

Key 2024 Toi Hangarau Insights:

The number of Māori-owned tech enterprises grew from 72 in 2023 to 85 in 2024
The oldest company has been operating for 51 years
Combined, the businesses represent 909 years of operational experience
The sector employs approximately 1,300 FTE staff and contractors
35% of the enterprises operate internationally
Among the top 12 revenue-generating companies (earning over $5 million), 42% are involved in global markets
These 12 companies collectively earned $160.5 million—up from $120.4 million in 2023

The report also explores how Māori tech companies are navigating rapid advancements in areas like generative AI, offering strategic guidance, trend analysis, and future-focused recommendations.

Marissa Brindley, Head of Tech & Innovation at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the report helps her organisation focus its support: “Toi Hangarau empowers us to identify strategic areas where we can help drive sustainable economic growth and foster innovation, ultimately enriching our communities.”

Many of the enterprises featured pursue both commercial and non-commercial objectives, with a strong emphasis on long-term economic impact and intergenerational wellbeing.

The 2024 Toi Hangarau report was made possible through support from key sponsors and funders, including: