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.
Tuesday 1 September
10.00am–1.30pm
Inaka, Waimarie Building, Lincoln University
Programme
10.00am – Guests arrive
10.15am – Welcome & Introduction
10.20am – Creating Value Through Indigenous Cultural Identity
Dr Emilio Morales | University of New England, Australia
Dr Morales will explore consumer perceptions of Indigenous cultural value and the factors that influence willingness to pay premiums for culturally grounded products. Drawing on international research, he will discuss how authenticity, provenance and storytelling shape consumer decision-making and create opportunities for Indigenous enterprises in premium markets.
10.50am – Q&A
11.00am – Indigenous Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Aotearoa
Dr Tanya Jurado | Massey University
Dr Jurado will share insights from her extensive research experience on Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation, exploring the opportunities and challenges faced by Indigenous enterprises. Her presentation will highlight how Indigenous values, knowledge systems and entrepreneurial approaches can support new pathways for economic development.
11.30am – Q&A
11.50am - Morning Tea & Networking
12.20pm - Panel Discussion
Panellists TBC
Building Indigenous Enterprises for the Future
12.55am – Summary
1.00pm - Lunch & Networking
1.30pm – Event ends
About Our Speakers
Dr Emilio Morales | University of New England, Australia
Dr Emilio Morales is a researcher at the University of New England, Australia, whose work explores consumer perceptions, cultural value and market opportunities for Indigenous products. His research examines how authenticity, provenance and cultural identity influence consumer decision-making and willingness to pay premiums for culturally grounded products. Through his work, Dr Morales explores pathways for Indigenous enterprises to create value while maintaining the integrity of cultural knowledge and traditions.
Dr Tanya Jurado | Massey University
Dr Tanya Jurado researches public policy support for SMEs, with a particular focus on Indigenous entrepreneurship, exporting businesses and inclusive economic development. She is part of a $15 million MBIE Endeavour Fund study exploring how Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems can enable trade and innovation. Dr Jurado is President of the Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand and Editor-in-Chief of Small Enterprise Research. Her research explores how policy, partnerships and support systems can help small businesses and entrepreneurs create social and economic value.