7 days ago
Whāriki And PledgeMe Launch Pūtea For Pakihi 2025: Crowdfunding To Uplift Māori Business
Whāriki Māori Business Network has proudly launched Pūtea for Pakihi 2025, a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with crowdfunding platform PledgeMe to support the growth of five innovative pakihi Māori.
Unveiled during a special online showcase on 23 July, Pūtea for Pakihi empowers Māori entrepreneurs to raise pūtea from their friends, whānau, customers and fans, helping turn bold ideas into reality through the power of collective support.
This kaupapa builds on the success of last year's inaugural showcase, where two pakihi Māori reached their crowdfunding goals:
Te Whare Hangahanga raised over $100,000 to support their digital building system that enables communities to create sustainable, affordable, healthy whare.
Moka Eco Fibre successfully raised over $6,000 to launch Moka Lash Glue, a natural, homegrown alternative made with ingredients like organic pia harakeke and NZ-sourced keratin.
'With PledgeMe, we're turning belief into backing - helping our Māori businesses to grow in a way that's grounded in community, kaupapa and connection,' says Renee Smith, GM of Whāriki. 'Crowdfunding enables us to move from cheering on the sidelines to actively building the future with our Whāriki whānau.'
This year's campaign features five kaupapa-driven businesses:
Little People, Big Emotions – Helping to raise emotionally intelligent tamariki, founder Renee is crowdfunding to print in bulk and launch new packaging to reach more whānau nationwide.
RIESIN – A stylish, Māori-owned athleisure brand by sisters Mattesin and Marie, made for wāhine by wāhine. Pledges will help grow their collections and kaupapa of uplifting curves, culture and hauora.
Te Ao ō Tamaaki Nui – Empowering South Auckland rangatahi through free creative workshops, this kaupapa seeks to fund a permanent creative hub for youth to learn, grow and thrive.
Te Hokinga Tuna – Restoring tuna populations and mātauranga Māori through hatcheries and education, Te Hokinga Tuna is fostering kaitiakitanga and intergenerational pride.
Tū Māori – Creating safe spaces to reconnect with te ao Māori through art, kai, waiata and tikanga, this kaupapa supports identity, healing and cultural connection.
Each pakihi now has just four weeks to reach their crowdfunding goals, and they need our collective support to get there. Whether it's $5, $50 or $500, every pledge makes a difference.
'No amount is too small when we move together,' says Smith. 'This is about investing in our future, backing our people, and helping Māori businesses thrive.'
