Techweek25: Māori and Pasifika tech businesses shaping Aotearoa’s digital future

As Techweek25 approaches (19–25May, 2025), Māori and Pasifika tech businesses are showcasing their expertise, creativity, and innovation. This year's celebration of technology is the perfect platform to spotlight Amotai’s growing network of over 106 Māori and Pasifika-owned suppliers working across AI, automation, augmented reality (AR), cybersecurity, business systems, IT infrastructure and more. 

From start-ups to established enterprises, Amotai suppliers are integrating digital capability with cultural intelligence to create solutions that serve both industry and community. "Amotai’s tech suppliers represent a wide range of expertise—from large, established firms to new and growing businesses, each bringing something unique to the industry,” says Amotai’s General Manager, Anna-Jane Edwards.

“Whether it’s AI, digital storytelling or IT infrastructure, our suppliers are making an impact while staying true to the values that set them apart. TechWeek25 is the perfect time to highlight the incredible depth and diversity within our network.”

Where cultural values meet cutting-edge tech

Amotai suppliers bring a distinctive lens to technology — blending innovation with cultural values. For many of these businesses, tech is not just about systems and code — it's about creating meaningful change.

Native Digital

At Native Digital, this values-based approach shapes everything they do. The team delivers managed IT services, licensing, procurement and IT support to businesses across Aotearoa and the Pacific, helping organisations navigate technical challenges and build secure, optimised networks/systems.

Navigating barriers and carving new pathways

While opportunities in tech are expanding, many Māori and Pasifika businesses still face structural challenges. Access to capital, visibility, and rigid procurement systems continue to limit growth.

Zane Tait, Director of Authorised IT, understands these challenges first-hand. His company providesa wide range of expertise in IT system design and implementation, system upgrades, custom software development and project management. "The biggest challenge is getting the same opportunities that the larger organisations often get the monopoly on,” he explains. “Whilst we don’t have the same scale as those providers, we have unmatched skill and experience in a smaller, more intimate team who understand TeAo Māori, that allows us to do much more for far cheaper, and in a much shorter timeframe.”

Innovation rooted in culture and community

For many suppliers, Amotai’s support has been a gateway to building capability and connection. “Supplier diversity gives you access to incredible opportunities, but success comes from genuine connections, not just contracts,” says Savannah Smart-Pullyn, Director of Digital Diligence, a business based in Whakatū, focused on blendingcutting-edge technology with indigenous innovation.

Digital Diligence at Meet the Buyer in Waikato

One of the areas they are most passionate about at Digital Diligence, is creating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions for immersive experiences. “We love pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – creating interactive, intuitive, and accessible digital experiences,” says Savannah. 

But for Savannah and her husband Tim, who co-leads alongside her, success isn’t just what you build, it’s about why and how you build it. "We bring our Māori perspective into tech development, ensuring that digital solutions are inclusive, culturally grounded, and community focussed,” says Savannah. “Whether it’s mentoring startups, integrating indigenous knowledge into digital tools, or creating platforms for rangatahi, our work is about empowering people through tech.”

Unlocking visibility and growth through Amotai

Through Amotai’s supplier directory, tech businesses are gaining visibility and connecting with new clients.

For Myles Foster, owner of Kiwi Computers - the number one PC, macbook and smart phone repair store in Auckland for 3 years in a row - joining Amotai has felt like a push in the right direction.

Myles from Kiwi Computers

"Attending a seminar and listening to other success stories has been a real inspiration for me,” says Myles. “I’d encourage other Amotai suppliers to network, reach out and use your reputations to get noticed.”

Looking ahead

As TechWeek25 highlights the future of technology in Aotearoa, Amotai is proud to spotlight the contributions of Māori and Pasifika tech businesses.

“The future of Māori and Pasifika in tech is full of potential for our people, driven by cultural resilience, data sovereignty, creativity, and massive opportunities for leadership,” says Anaru.

Savannah from Digital Diligence echoes this sentiment: “Being part of Amotai gives you access to incredible opportunities, but success comes from genuine connections – share your kaupapa, your values, and the impact your business is making,” she says. “We are innovators, storytellers, and problem-solvers, bringing our cultural values into the digital world and creating technology that’s inclusive, impactful and grounded in our identities. From AI, to AR, from cybersecurity to software development, we are carving out spaces where our people don’t just participate – we lead.”

Amotai encourages buyers to explore the supplier directory, connect with these talented businesses, and see how supplier diversity can be a powerful tool for innovation and equity.

If you're an Amotai buyer or supplier, explore Amotai’s tech suppliers by logging in here.