http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.punaawarau.com en-us Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:55:07 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/147791/the-koha-economy/ In a world facing climate collapse, economic instability, and growing inequality, people everywhere are beginning to ask: what other ways of living are possible?One worth pondering lies within our own Indigenous knowledge systems particularly in how we understand value and exchange. How we would interpret a koha economy?The Principles of Koha and UtuKoha is more than just a donation or a gold coin in the kete. It’s a cultural practice grounded in generosity, reciprocity, mana, and relationship... Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:26:33 +1200 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post147791 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/144312/he-moana-pukepuke-navigating-the-challenges-staying-the-course/ This year, I was honoured to be named Inspiring Woman 2025 by World Commerce & Contracting. I’m incredibly grateful — not just for the award, but for what it represents: that this kaupapa, this mahi, and this message still matters — even in tough times.Because let’s be honest. Around the world, inclusive procurement and broader DEI efforts are under attack.In the US, entire programmes are being dismantled. And here in Aotearoa, we’re feeling the political shift too — with growing... Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:45:11 +1200 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post144312 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/142576/why-social-procurement-is-often-driven-by-champions-outside-procurement/ In our experience, social procurement—the practice of leveraging procurement to drive positive social outcomes—is often instigated by people who aren’t in procurement. Don’t get us wrong; there are certainly champions within procurement teams, but often, the push comes from other corners of the organisation.These champions see the opportunity to make a difference and are willing to roll up their sleeves to influence, guide, and lead the way. Here’s a breakdown of the roles we frequentl... Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:40:23 +1300 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post142576 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/142037/maximising-outcomes-in-major-infrastructure-projects-a-strategic-approach/ Large-scale infrastructure projects such as new motorways, housing developments, public transport systems, and other construction initiatives often represent the cornerstone of significant investment into communities. These projects provide a unique and timely opportunity to create long-lasting legacy outcomes that not only benefit the local community but also strengthen the local economy. When large sums of money are spent on such projects, the potential impact can be maximised by ensuring that... Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:51:10 +1300 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post142037 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/141463/bridging-the-gap-ai-meets-te-ao-maori/ In a rapidly evolving digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies are reshaping industries.But how do these innovations intersect with Te Ao Māori?Can AI, often seen as a tool of the future, align with the deeply relational and value-based principles of Te Ao Māori?Maybe the answer lies in how we choose to use it—and how we make it work for us.The Potential of AI in Māori ProcurementAt Puna Awarau, we’ve been reflecting on how AI could complement the work we d... Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:38:26 +1300 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post141463 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/138788/business-as-a-vehicle-for-things-that-matter/ For many of our friends and whānau, running a business isn’t about chasing world domination or maximising profit at all costs. Instead, it’s about creating a life that feels balanced and intentional—a life that allows for flexibility, connection, and alignment with values.A business can be a vehicle for the things that matter most. It offers the freedom to pick and choose your hours, to drop off and pick up your kids from school, to go on class trips, or attend wānanga and reconnect with... Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:51:41 +1300 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post138788 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/135037/undermining-progress-the-governments-retreat-on-maori-procurement/ Change in PrioritiesThe government’s recent announcement to remove the progressive procurement targets signals a clear retreat from the focus on Māori business. It’s more than just a policy change - it’s a step backward. It signals a lack of commitment to Māori business growth and undermines the momentum that has been building since the introduction of the progressive procurement policy. It’s a colossal, missed opportunity.The Māori economy, valued at nearly $70 billion, plays a vital... Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:58:16 +1200 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post135037 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/132471/learnings-and-insights-as-practitioners-2024/ As Māori supplier diversity practitioners and specialists, we have unique observations and insights of the impacts of the practice as well as the nuances of Māori businesses. These insights have been formed through the practical implementation of supplier diversity, working with both buying organisations that want to embed supplier diversity, as well as with Māori businesses that we have connected to buyers. In this article we share 5 insights from working in the field over the past 8 years.&... Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:57:04 +1200 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post132471 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/131382/5-small-ways-to-support-supplier-diversity/ The goal of supplier diversity is to have more money being spent with Māori and Pasifika businesses. Naturally, the biggest thing organisations can do for supplier diversity is to increase their spend with Māori and Pasifika businesses. That's pretty obvious.Ultimately you want to be working towards increasing and measuring your total spend with diverse suppliers, building your internal teams supplier diversity capability and embedding your commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.But there are lots... Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post131382 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/post/127469/evolution-termed-to-serve-some-not-all/ Written by Mauriora Kaihau... Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:23:55 +1200 http://www.punaawarau.com/blog/#post127469