The Māori Business Leader Awards celebrated businesses within New Zealand that have contributed remarkably to Aotearoa’s business landscape.

Held on October 23 at the University of Auckland, leaders in the macadamia industry, sustainable fisheries champions, a leader in plastic waste to product business and more take home awards.

This biennial event since 2003 is a platform that acknowledges individual success and celebrates the collective impact of Māori enterprise on communities and the nation.

“We are proud to host an evening that brings together leaders from across the business community and political spectrum to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Māori to our business landscape,” says Professor Carla Houkamau (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu, Pākehā).

Vanessa Hayes, founder of kaupapa Māori business Torere Macadamias, won the Entrepreneurial Māori Business Leader award.

The macadamia industry in New Zealand had solely relied on international exports, but Torere Macadamias produces 20 tonnes annually for the country and recently has been Air New Zealand’s choice for long haul and business class flights.

Moana New Zealand was honoured with the Kaitiaki Business Leader award for their dedication to sustainable fisheries management.

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The seafood company is a 100 percent iwi-owned organisation with a deep sense of responsibility and respect for New Zealand’s fisheries.

Māori Women’s Development Inc., a charitable trust formed, managed and operated by Māori women, earned the Mānuka Henare award for its continued support of Māori women in business, offering loans and wrap-around support.

Traci Houpapa, chair of the Federation of Māori Authorities, won the Māori Governance Leader award for her extensive leadership in business and governance, shaping the Māori business landscape. She holds a number of directorships and Ministerial appointments, including Chiefs Rugby and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

The Outstanding Māori Business Leader award went to Harry Burkhardt, co-founder and managing director of Replas Ltd, an innovative company transforming waste plastic into valuable products.

Meanwhile, the Dame Mira Szászy Alumni Award went to Karleen Everitt, a University of Auckland Business School graduate who has had a stellar career and is currently leading Te Ao Māori Strategy at ANZ Bank.