Whilst Māori are big players in both the ownership and workforce in the food and fibre industries, they are underrepresented in leadership and management roles at organisational, regional and national levels. We want to achieve Māori representation that is proportionate to the ownership and value of Māori within the food and fibre sector.

We have heard significant demand from Māori agribusinesses for a pathway that develops leaders of people, in a way that aligns with Māori values and needs.

We want to develop clear pathways where kaimahi Māori are enabled and empowered to progress from entry-level workers into team leadership, organisational leadership, regional and national leadership and beyond. 

Developing a Māori leadership development framework will be the first phase of a tangible progression mechanism for Māori workers into leadership roles within their industries. 

The framework will provide an outline of values and skills for emerging leaders and highlight pathways to develop these. Future phases will focus on the delivery and credentialisation of these leadership values and practices.

Key steps:

  • May 2024: Project initiation
  • August: Literature Review published
  • October - December: Consultation on draft operational manual
  • February 2025: Draft publication of handbook/operational manual
  • June 2025: Tautoko Toolkit launched.

Latest update:

The Tautoko Toolkit has been launched online to inspire and support our future Māori leaders on their learning journey. 

The Tautoko Toolkit is freely available to use online where the participants will be guided through an online programme.  It is backed up with a downloadable pocketbook and a guidebook for facilitators and mentors who may be supporting the learner.

Explore the toolkit: Tautoko Toolkit.