On 7 February 2023, Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall, Minister of Research, Science and Innovation, announced two new contestable funds in support of Māori research and innovation: He tipu ka hua and He aka ka toro. The funds aim to provide up to $10 million per year to Māori organisations to build Māori research capacity, capability, and aspirations within organisations and to connect with the research, science, and innovation systems over the next five years. The funds are set to open in April and July 2023 respectively.

Minister Verrall also launched Ngā Puanga Pūtaiao, which is a fellowship programme for Māori and Pasifika scholars, and Te Ara Pōtiki, which is an internship programme for Māori innovators.

James & Wells is pleased to see the government continue to take active steps to support Māori and Pasifika led research and innovation. As a firm specialising in servicing the innovation sector, we are proud to support Māori and Pasifika businesses, organisations, and entrepreneurs. Please reach out to us to discuss how we can help.