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Finalists for the annual Matihiko Awards which recognise and honour Māori excellence in the digital and tech industry have been revealed by Māori tech incubator and community, Te Hapori Matihiko.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for July 7, 2023, at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
“We are blown away by the tremendous response and the remarkable talent showcased in the nominations,” says Katie Brown, co-founder of Te Hapori Matihiko.
“The digital and tech industry has seen an incredible surge of innovation both within Aotearoa and on the global stage.”
The Matihiko Awards provide a platform to celebrate and honour Māori innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have achieved success in the digital and tech sectors.
Lee Timutimu and Katie Brown, co-founders of Te Hapori Matihiko, a community for Māori working in digital and tech roles. Photo / Supplied
Eleven categories span individual change-makers, to kaupapa-centric awards like hauora. Philanthropy and global impact has two winners, a Totara (rangatira) and a Tipu (emergent leader).
“These awards aim to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by Māori in this field,” said Brown.
Toi Hangarau, a comprehensive state sector report on Māori-owned technology companies says there are around 72 Māori-owned technology companies in Aotearoa employing some 1300 people.
Sixteen of the companies employ an average of 32 per cent Māori staff, compared to just 4 per cent Māori in the country’s overall IT workforce.
In 2021, the tech sector contributed $7 billion towards New Zealand’s GDP and, since 2016 it has grown at twice the annual rate of the wider economy.
Lee Timutimu, co-founder of Te Hapori Matihiko, says the diverse range of accomplishments and innovations shown by the Matihiko Awards finalists show there is depth of talent within the Māori digital and tech sector.
“The Matihiko Awards serve as a testament to the incredible talent and ingenuity within the Māori community.” Timutimu says.
“It’s an opportunity to recognise their valuable contributions, inspire rangatahi, and encourage growth of Māori in the digital and tech industry,”
