Engaging Māori culture in business events - Business Events Wellington

Person on stage speaking into a podium microphone out to many people in the background seated at tables. Dim mood lighting surrounds the area with spotlight on the speaker.

Aotearoa continues to embrace Māori language and culture. Many sectors including business conference organisers now face a new challenge. That is, ensuring their engagement with Māori culture is genuine. It also needs to align with their own cultural development journey.

The concept of manaakitanga is often incorporated into business sector events. Manaakitanga is the practice of hospitality, respect, and care for others. There are many ways to include cultural practices. It could be through pōwhiri or mihi whakatau . Using te reo Māori and acknowledging the local iwi are also encouraged. These are important elements, but authentic engagement demands more than ticking checklists. It requires a thoughtful understanding of your organisation’s cultural competency and development plan.

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata — What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.”

Whakataukī (Māori proverb)

If your organisation is at the beginning of this journey, consultation with Māori advisors or kaumātua is key. This enables you to use appropriate and meaningful tikanga and cultural practices. Aligning your organisation’s current level of competency with cultural elements is the goal. It creates an authentic connection with Māori values. You end up creating richer, more engaging event experiences as a result.

This approach helps build conferences that provide culturally enriching experiences for attendees. It also shows a genuine commitment to Māori engagement, reflecting Aotearoa’s broader journey.

Sandra Julian

Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Toa | Senior Business Development Manager, Arinex and Founder of Auaha

Arinex New Zealand can provide guidance on the steps to take to further your organisation’s cultural development.

Arinex New Zealand

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