Innovation Wānanga
Your opportunity to explore mahi that is meaningful
About the Programme:
Join our monthly Innovative Wānanga, a space to foster whakawhanaungatanga, networking, and manaakitanga.
Featuring a range of inspiring guest speakers, the wānanga is designed for students of all faculties to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship through a Te Ao Māori lens. Open to Māori students and others eager to grow. Be part of this exciting journey, plant your feet, and connect with the CIE whānau. Nau mai, haere mai!
CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.
Your Opportunity:
- Learning from experts: Gain inspiration and practical knowledge from guest speakers who share their entrepreneurial journeys and expertise.
- Networking & whakawhanaungatanga: Build meaningful connections with other Māori students and like-minded individuals interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Cultural insights: Explore the I&E ecosystem through a Te Ao Māori lens.
- Explore CIE Offerings: Discover CIE programmes, resources, and opportunities to further your entrepreneurial journey.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explore the Māori innovation ecosystem: Gain insights into Aotearoa’s entrepreneurial landscape through real-world examples and kōrero with experienced Māori innovators.
- Understand key entrepreneurial concepts: Engage in informal, discussion-based activities that introduce fundamental ideas in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Grow your confidence in idea generation: Develop your capability to create, exchange, and refine ideas, fostering collective learning and growth.
Timing and Commitment:
One-off monthly sessions. Register for each session.
- March 5 – 5:30pm-7pm
- March 26 – 5:30-7pm
- April 16 – 5:30-7pm
- May 21 – 5:30-7pm
- August 12 – Kurutao Showcase
- September 17 – Pō Whakanui (Wrap-up celebration for the year)
Facilitators:
Maru Maxwell
Maru is CIE’s Māori Connections Coordinator. She is passionate about encouraging growth and fostering enduring connections, especially among rangatahi Māori. Te Ao Māori is the foundation of all her mahi, grounding her work in cultural values and practices. In 2024, she led CIE’s inaugural Māori entrepreneurial study tour, Kurutao, a transformative experience that continues to propel her to new heights. Now in her second year at CIE, Maru brings a wealth of insight, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to supporting tauira on their journey in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speakers:
Natalie Saunders (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga)
Session Date: March 26
Natalie Saunders is a confident wahine Māori deeply rooted in her Māoritanga. She weaves mātauranga Māori and pūtaiao (science) to shape Aotearoa’s innovation landscape. Natalie holds a Conjoint Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies from Waipapa Taumata Rau.
Currently, she is a Kaitātari Hōtaka (Programme Analyst) with Return on Science and Momentum, Te Māori Investment Roopū, where she ensures Māori perspectives, tikanga, and aspirations are embedded in science, innovation, and enterprise.
As a Kurutao alumna, Natalie gained invaluable insights into investment and research commercialisation. Her kōrero offers future tauira a glimpse into how this kaupapa can uplift skills, grow networks, and empower Māori-led innovation.
“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi” – by learning, sharing, and supporting each other, we can shape a future where Māori innovation thrives.
Professor Jason Mika (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu)
Session Date: May 21
Professor Jason Mika is a leading expert in Māori business and management, renowned for his work in Indigenous entrepreneurship, economic development, and enterprise leadership.
Currently, he serves as Professor of Māori Management and Associate Dean Māori at the University of Auckland Business School, where he specialises in Māori and Indigenous business philosophy across key sectors such as trade, tourism, agribusiness, and the marine economy.
Professor Mika holds a PhD in Māori entrepreneurship from Massey University and has been internationally recognised through the Fulbright-Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga Senior Scholar Award, which saw him undertake research at Stanford University and the University of Arizona.
His expertise extends beyond academia, having previously worked as a management consultant and policy analyst, influencing public policy in trade, environmental management, and economic development.
Contact Information:
If you have questions about the programme, please contact: Maru Maxwell – maru.maxwell@auckland.ac.nz
About the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.
CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 12 international awards since 2020.
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
