Māori research to drive economic growth

This is the first of the 2 funding mechanisms in the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund announced earlier this year. This fund aims to support economic growth by investing in and growing Māori science, innovation and technology (SI&T) and Māori economy participation by strengthening the capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori and the science system.

"Ara Whaihua funds research programmes with clear pathways to commercialisation and economic growth, while creating better connections and networks between Māori and the science, innovation and technology system," Dr Willy-John Martin, Director of Māori Science, Innovation and Technology, says.

"He whakatauira ēnei kaupapa i te mana o te ōhanga Māori ki te whakatipu mahi, pakihi, me te whaihua mā te rangahau pūtaiao - these projects show the potential of Māori economy to create jobs, grow businesses, and deliver science with impact," he says.

A total of $1.9 million will be invested in the projects over 12 months. Funded projects span wearable tech, creating health products from invasive species, and a safe, low-cost smoking cessation tool. Among them:

• AgriSea’s Te Ara Hono project is turning seaweed waste into world-first renewable biomaterials, building Māori capability and driving sustainable innovation for Aotearoa New Zealand’s blue economy.
• Te Riu O Waikato Limited are developing a collagen product from invasive and destructive koi carp threatening the health of Waikato’s freshwater ecosystems.
• NZ Undaria is transforming invasive seaweed into a gut-health superdrink, taking Aotearoa New Zealand’s bioactive science to the world under an indigenous innovation brand.

Dr Martin says He Ara Whakahihiko supports the broader agenda to reform and refocus the science, innovation and technology sector and by growing Māori research and entrepreneurial capacity and unlocking the full potential of the Māori economy within the system.

"The funding of these promising projects shows He Ara Whakahihiko is working as intended, building capacity within our science system, delivering real value to New Zealanders and contributing to our economy," he says.

"Backing Māori participating in science and innovation isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart investment that drives stronger economic outcomes for New Zealand," Dr Martin says.

The second component of the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund, Rangapū Rangahau – Research Partnerships, will be announced in March 2026.

Find the full list of the funded projects here:

Ara Whaihua successful proposals