Whaia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.
Pursue that which is precious, and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty mountain.

As we reflect on the meaning of Matariki, a time for remembrance, renewal, and looking to the future, we’re proud to launch Māori Matters, a new online resource for construction and infrastructure employers.

This dedicated space shares insights, tools, case studies and practical guidance to help businesses attract, grow and retain Māori talent. It’s built on the understanding that Māori are a growing part of our national workforce and that iwi and hapū enterprises are a vital and expanding force in Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.

Waihanga Ara Rau Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge, says, “We believe every workplace can play a role in creating an environment where Māori talent is recognised, supported and empowered to thrive. Our commitment is to support employers to grow inclusive, culturally capable workforces that value the unique strengths Māori bring to the job.

“We acknowledge that Māori success is industry success. By working together to understand what matters to Māori, iwi, hapū and whānau, we can help design a vocational education and workforce system that works for everyone.”