Amotai is the supplier diversity intermediary for Aotearoa
Amotai connects organisations wanting to purchase goods and services (we call these buyers), with Māori and/or Pasifika owned businesses (we call these suppliers).
The name Amotai translates to "the swell in the tide"—a tide that carries all waka to new horizons.
This name was inspired by the innovation, bravery and risk-taking our ancestors had in traversing Te Moana nui a Kiwa, the great Pacific Ocean. For our ancestors, the amotai swell could be navigated day or night and in all weather.
For Amotai as an organistion, the sea swell is navigating us all towards a fair, just and more equitable Aotearoa.
How Amotai works?
How we’re making an impact
Through our mahi, we’re transforming the landscape of procurement in Aotearoa:
Our verification processes give buyers confidence that their procurement decisions are making an impact.
Our buyers are committed to creating more inclusive, resilient supply chains.
Our mission is to significantly increase total contract value awarded to Māori and Pasifika owned businesses year on year.
Amotai is a national movement and the centre of excellence for supplier diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our values – guiding our journey
At Amotai, our values define how we work and what we stand for:
We build impactful relationships based on trust, integrity and inclusion.
We courageously advocate for a fair, just and equitable economy.
We uphold the mana of all people in the way we care, respect and support each other.
We challenge the status quo in the pursuit of excellence.
Meet the Amotai team
Our dedicated team is passionate about creating a future where diversity drives innovation and success. Get to know the individuals working to make supplier diversity a reality.
Taylor Moses
Data and Compliance Analyst
Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Rangitāne, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāpuhi
Sarah Sinnott
Communications and Insights Manager
Tangata Tiriti
Kelsey Benefield
Relationship Buyer Lead
Ngāti-Hine, Ngāpuhi
Ngarina Wong
Communications Lead
Te Wai-o-hua, Waikato-Tainui
Hylda Bloomfield
Business Development Manager
Tonga
Maree Forbes
Operations Manager
Ngāti Toa Rangatira me Ngāti Raukawa, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai
Jenna Gray
Buyer Manager
Muaūpoko, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Jeffery Oakes
Buyer Manager
Missy Armstrong
Buyer Manager
Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Kaharau, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa
Anna Edwards
Manukura
Kuki Airani, Waikato
Francis Davy
Head of Membership Services
Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tuwharetoa
A national movement
Amotai began in 2018 as He Waka Eke Noa, an initiative of The Southern Initiative, part of Auckland Council’s efforts to diversify its supply chain. What started as a local solution has grown into a nationwide movement empowering equitable procurement practices.
Today, with continued support from Auckland Council, Amotai combines global best practices with deep local insights to connect buyers and suppliers, and uplift communities across Aotearoa.
Ready to make a real difference?
Whether you’re a buyer seeking to diversify your supply chain or a supplier ready to connect with new opportunities, Amotai is here to help.