Māori Horticulture Council Aotearoa

Advancing Māori-led Horticulture

The horticulture sector in Aotearoa is undergoing rapid growth — and Māori are increasingly leading the way. Across the motu, Māori landowners, whānau, and entities are cultivating opportunities in both traditional and emerging horticultural spaces. But until recently, there was no unified platform for Māori voices, aspirations, and innovations to flourish together.

Tāngata Huawhenua – Māori Horticulture Council – was established in response to that need. We are a collective formed to uplift and support Māori interests across all areas of horticulture — from taonga species and high-value crops to new technologies, intellectual property, and value-add ventures.

Rather than working in isolation, Tāngata Huawhenua brings our people together — to share knowledge, amplify our voice, and grow our impact. We operate across the entire value chain, from seed to market, ensuring Māori have the influence, tools, and support needed to shape the future of horticulture on our own terms.

Tāngata Huawhenua is about more than production — it’s about people, whenua, and tino rangatiratanga.

To guide our mahi and uphold our collective aspirations, Tāngata Huawhenua works across four strategic pou. Each pou represents a key focus area — from the foundations that keep us strong and connected, to the opportunities that drive innovation and growth. Together, these pou shape our annual work plan and ensure we remain grounded in kaupapa Māori while creating lasting impact in the sector.