Kurutao Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition

About the Programme:

Kurutao is a multi-day expedition for Māori tauira (students) to explore Aotearoa’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Through hands-on workshops, inspiring site visits, and meaningful connections, you’ll gain insight into how Māori values and innovation can drive impactful change.

This programme is designed to:

• Inspire and empower: Introduce participants to the innovation ecosystem, blending indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives.
• Develop capability: Build practical skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Deepen mindsets: Expand your thinking through exposure to diverse innovators, ventures, and networks.

The name Kurutao, meaning an inverted arrowhead, represents agility and determination. Gifted by Whare Tū Tauā expert Michael Steedman, it symbolises the spirit of leadership and success this programme embodies.

Your Opportunity:

• Explore Aotearoa’s innovation ecosystem: Immerse yourself in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including Māori-led start-ups.
• Build capability: Gain practical tools and insights to turn your ideas into action.
• Connect with leaders: Learn directly from Māori entrepreneurs, investors, and experts in the field.
• Be inspired: Discover how Māori values and cultural perspectives can shape and elevate innovation.
• Create change: Develop the skills and confidence to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.

Itinerary, locations and details about the study tour are coming soon. See what the 2024 Kurutao cohort got up to!

Who is this for?

Kurutao is open to Māori students of all faculties at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must identify as Māori.
• Be currently enrolled as a student at the University of Auckland and based in New Zealand during the first semester of 2025.

Programme Structure:

• Workshops: Engage with interactive sessions led by Māori entrepreneurs and ecosystem experts.
• Study tour: Gain behind-the-scenes insights into Māori-led ventures and innovative organisations.
• Networking: Build relationships with industry leaders, peers, and the wider entrepreneurial community.

Timing and Commitment

Programme Dates:

• Mihi Whakatau & Pre-Workshop 1: Weds 4 June
• Pre-Workshop 2: Tues 1 July
• Study tour: 7-10 July
• Kurutao Showcase: 12 August

Participants must commit to all programme dates.

Join Kurutao to start your journey to becoming a leader of innovation rooted in Māori values, driving change in Aotearoa and beyond.

Applications close on Friday 4 May

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.