A Tauranga-based Māori health technology company is expanding into major international markets with support from the Government’s Māori Development Fund, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today announced.
Carepatron, a Māori-led company, has developed an AI-powered clinical support tool integrated into practice management platforms to improve efficiency, accessibility, and scalability for health providers.
Te Puni Kōkiri administers the Māori Development Fund and invested $250,000 to accelerate the development and deployment of Carepatron’s AI Clinical Support Co-Pilot, with Carepatron investing an equivalent amount.
“Growing the economy means backing Māori enterprise to scale, export, and compete internationally,” Mr Potaka says.
“Investment from the Māori Development Fund accelerated the development and deployment of Carepatron’s clinical support tool. That support has helped drive a 50 per cent increase in export revenue and positioned the company for continued expansion across North America, the United Kingdom and Europe.”
The Minister said Carepatron’s growth aligned with the objectives of Tōnui Māori | Going for Growth with Māori and the Government’s goal of doubling the value of New Zealand exports over the next decade.
“We are focused on practical steps that lift productivity and strengthen our export performance. Māori businesses are central to that ambition.”
“Building a future for Māori enterprise means investing in capability, innovation and global reach. When Māori businesses succeed offshore, that growth flows back into whānau, hapū, Iwi and regional communities.”
Strengthening Māori participation in high-value sectors such as technology will be key to building a more resilient and outward-looking economy, he said.
“Backing enterprise is a priority for our Government. That means disciplined, targeted investment that delivers measurable results, stronger exports, growing revenue, and a future where Māori enterprise continues to play a leading role in New Zealand’s economic success.”
Organisations applying to the Māori Development Fund must fit funding priorities, meet criteria and be able to report on outcomes achieved. See www.tpk.govt.nz for more information.
