Growing Ideas on Indigenous Entrepreneurship, Cultural Value, Markets and Premiums

How can Indigenous knowledge, cultural identity and provenance create value in today’s global markets? What opportunities exist for Indigenous enterprises to strengthen market position while retaining authority over cultural knowledge and values?

Join us for an engaging workshop exploring the growing role of Indigenous entrepreneurship in creating high-value products and businesses. Bringing together researchers and practitioners from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, this event will examine how cultural value is recognised, communicated and rewarded across natural product value chains.

The programme features keynote presentations from Dr Emilio Morales (University of New England, Australia), who will explore consumer perceptions of Indigenous cultural value and willingness to pay premiums for culturally grounded products, and Dr Tanya Jurado (Massey University), who will share insights from her extensive research experience on Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation.

The morning will conclude with a panel discussion featuring leaders with practical experience in Indigenous enterprise, including Meika Foster (Edible Research) who has been working closely with Wakatū Incorporation, with additional panellists to be confirmed. Together, they will discuss the opportunities and challenges of building successful Indigenous businesses while protecting cultural integrity, strengthening communities, and creating lasting economic value.

This workshop is designed to encourage discussion between researchers, Māori businesses, industry and others with an interest in Indigenous enterprise to share ideas and explore how cultural values can strengthen innovation, create market opportunities and support long-term economic success.