To register for the Matariki Business Summit, visit the official event portal and select your preferred pass tier—Early Bird, Standard, or VIP. This summit is the premier event for integrating Indigenous Cultural Safety into corporate strategy, offering workshops on ESG, HR, and authentic marketing while connecting leaders with the thriving Māori economy.
As the Matariki public holiday becomes deeply embedded in the national calendar, the business sector faces a pivotal opportunity to align corporate values with indigenous principles. The Matariki Business Summit is not merely a conference; it is a strategic convergence of cultural intelligence and commercial acumen. Securing your spot ensures your organization remains at the forefront of the Aotearoa business landscape.
Why Register for the Matariki Business Summit?
Registering for the Matariki Business Summit is a critical step for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of the modern New Zealand economy. With the rise of the “Taniwha Economy”—the multi-billion dollar Māori asset base—understanding how to engage authentically with indigenous stakeholders is no longer optional; it is a competitive necessity.
The summit offers a unique platform where commerce meets culture. Attendees gain direct access to thought leaders who are pioneering the integration of Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into standard business practices. By attending, you signal a commitment to cultural safety and inclusivity, pillars that are increasingly scrutinized by investors, employees, and consumers alike.
How to Secure Your Registration
The process to register for the Matariki Business Summit is designed to be seamless, but demand is high. Early registration is strongly recommended to secure access to limited workshop tracks and VIP networking sessions.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Navigate to the Official Portal: Access the summit’s dedicated registration page. Ensure you are on the verified site to avoid third-party booking fees.
- Select Your Tier:
- Early Bird Access: Available until one month prior to the event. Offers a 20% discount and priority selection for breakout sessions.
- Standard Delegate: Includes full access to all keynotes, general sessions, and catering.
- VIP / Corporate Table: Includes reserved seating, access to the exclusive Kai & Kōrero networking breakfast, and a private debrief session with keynote speakers.
- Choose Your Workshop Tracks: During registration, you will be prompted to select your preferred streams (ESG, HR, or Marketing). These sessions fill up quickly, so have your preferences ready.
- Payment and Confirmation: Corporate invoicing is available for group bookings. Upon completion, you will receive a digital delegate pack containing pre-reading materials on Indigenous Cultural Safety.
Keynote Speakers and Indigenous Leaders
The caliber of speakers is the primary driver for many who choose to register for the Matariki Business Summit. The lineup features a blend of iwi (tribal) leaders, successful Māori entrepreneurs, and global experts on indigenous economics.
These leaders provide more than just inspiration; they offer tactical advice on navigating the intersection of law, treaty principles, and commerce. Expect to hear from CEOs who have successfully implemented co-governance models within their organizations and thought leaders who challenge the status quo of western-centric capitalism.
Key topics often covered by these speakers include:
- Intergenerational Wealth Strategies: Moving beyond quarterly reporting to long-term sustainability.
- Treaty Partnerships: Practical applications of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in private sector contracts.
- Indigenous Innovation: How ancient wisdom is solving modern tech and environmental problems.
Workshop Tracks: ESG, HR, and Marketing
The summit is structured around three core pillars, designed to provide actionable frameworks for attendees. When you register, you tailor your experience by selecting the track most relevant to your role.
Track 1: ESG and Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship)
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are evolving. In Aotearoa, this evolution is heavily influenced by the principle of Kaitiakitanga—the guardianship of the sky, land, and sea. This workshop track moves beyond greenwashing to deep, structural sustainability.
Participants learn how to measure social impact through an indigenous lens and how to partner with iwi for environmental projects. This is crucial for businesses in the resource, property, and agricultural sectors where social license to operate is paramount.
Track 2: HR, Cultural Safety, and Tikanga
Human Resources professionals will find immense value in this track. As workplaces become more diverse, the need for Indigenous Cultural Safety is critical. This goes beyond celebrating Matariki with a morning tea; it involves embedding Tikanga (protocol) into conflict resolution, recruitment, and leadership development.
Sessions cover:
- Decolonizing recruitment processes to attract Māori talent.
- Understanding Manaakitanga (care and hospitality) as a retention strategy.
- Implementing bereavement policies that respect Tangihanga (funeral rites).
Track 3: Authentic Marketing and Storytelling
Marketing teams often struggle with the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. This track provides a safe space to explore how to tell authentic stories without overstepping cultural boundaries. Experts in Māori intellectual property and branding guide attendees through the do’s and don’ts of using indigenous imagery and language in campaigns.
Networking with Māori Enterprises
One of the most tangible benefits when you register for the Matariki Business Summit is the networking. The event attracts a specific caliber of professional—those who are forward-thinking and culturally curious. This includes representatives from major Māori Trusts and Incorporations which control significant assets in forestry, fishing, farming, and property.
The networking sessions are structured to facilitate Whanaungatanga (relationship building). Unlike typical speed-networking, these sessions prioritize connection over transaction. The goal is to build long-term relationships based on trust and shared values. For non-Māori businesses, this is the most effective way to find partners for joint ventures or supplier diversity programs.
The ROI of Cultural Competency
Justifying the budget to register for the Matariki Business Summit requires understanding the Return on Investment (ROI) of cultural competency. In today’s market, cultural intelligence is a currency.
Risk Mitigation: Companies that lack cultural awareness are at higher risk of PR disasters, legal challenges regarding Treaty principles, and high staff turnover. The knowledge gained at this summit acts as an insurance policy against these risks.
Market Expansion: The Māori economy is growing faster than the general economy. Aligning your brand with the values celebrated during Matariki positions your business to tap into this growth. Whether it is through procurement opportunities or consumer loyalty, the financial upside of genuine engagement is substantial.
Talent Acquisition: Top tier talent, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, prefer employers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity and indigenous rights. Attendance at the summit signals to the market that your organization is a culturally safe employer.
Event Logistics and Preparation
Once you register for the Matariki Business Summit, preparation is key to maximizing your experience.
Venue and Dates
The summit is typically held in late June or early July to align with the heliacal rising of the Matariki star cluster. Venues are selected for their ability to host Pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies), ensuring the event begins with proper protocol.
What to Bring
Beyond standard conference gear, attendees are encouraged to bring an open mind and a willingness to engage in Waiata (song) if the occasion arises. While business attire is standard, many attendees opt for smart-casual with cultural adornments.
Digital Resources
All registered delegates receive access to an app that facilitates scheduling and networking. It is advisable to download this immediately upon registration to book one-on-one meetings with exhibitors and speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to register for the Matariki Business Summit?
Pricing varies by tier. Early bird tickets generally start around $495+GST, while standard registration is approximately $695+GST. VIP and corporate tables for ten are available at premium rates, offering exclusive access and branding opportunities.
Is the summit suitable for non-Māori businesses?
Absolutely. The summit is specifically designed to bridge the gap between mainstream corporate New Zealand and the Māori economy. It is an educational and collaborative environment ideal for non-Māori leaders seeking to improve their cultural intelligence.
Can I register for single workshop tracks only?
Generally, registration covers the full summit experience to ensure a holistic understanding of the topics. However, some years may offer half-day passes for specific technical streams like HR or legal compliance. Check the registration portal for current options.
What is the cancellation policy for registration?
Most registrations are refundable up to 30 days prior to the event, minus a small administration fee. Substitutions (transferring the ticket to a colleague) are usually permitted free of charge up to 72 hours before the summit begins.
Will there be virtual attendance options?
Yes, a hybrid model is often available for those unable to travel. Virtual registration provides access to live streams of keynotes and select workshops, though networking opportunities are naturally more limited compared to in-person attendance.
How does this summit relate to the Matariki public holiday?
The summit is timed to precede or coincide with the Matariki public holiday, providing businesses with the tools and knowledge to celebrate the holiday authentically within their workplaces, rather than treating it as just another day off.
