Tika advice for digital decisions
Independent, culturally informed guidance on technology and digital strategy for iwi organisations and Māori enterprises navigating complex digital decisions.
Book a Discovery CallTika advice for digital decisions
Independent, culturally informed guidance on technology and digital strategy for iwi organisations and Māori enterprises navigating complex digital decisions.
Technology vendors don't understand your world
Every software vendor promises their platform will solve your problems. But iwi and Māori enterprise operate in a context that most technology companies don't understand — dual mandates of commercial return and social investment, governance structures with hundreds or thousands of beneficiaries, intergenerational asset management, and cultural obligations that are non-negotiable.
The result is a graveyard of failed implementations. Expensive CRM platforms that don't handle beneficiary structures. Asset management tools designed for corporate portfolios that can't manage whenua with complex ownership interests. Grant systems that don't reflect the way Māori organisations actually assess and distribute resources.
Our Advisory service provides independent, culturally informed guidance. We understand both the technology landscape and the unique operating context of Māori organisations. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and what's worth investing in — and we'll tell you the truth, even when that truth is "you don't need to spend money on this yet."
What Advisory includes
Digital maturity assessment
A thorough review of your current systems, tools, processes, and team capabilities. We map where technology is helping, where it's failing, and where the critical gaps are.
Vendor-neutral technology review
Independent evaluation of platforms relevant to your needs — beneficiary management, asset management, CRM, grants, and communications. No kickbacks, no partnerships, honest assessment.
Digital strategy & roadmap
A prioritised 12-24 month plan with clear recommendations, realistic budgets, and phasing that respects your governance cycles and organisational capacity.
Data sovereignty guidance
Practical advice on implementing Māori data sovereignty principles — data hosting, access controls, governance frameworks, and alignment with Te Mana Raraunga.
Governance-ready documentation
Recommendations presented in clear, non-technical language suitable for trust board papers and governance decision-making. Business cases with costs, benefits, and risks.
Ongoing advisory sessions
Regular sessions to review progress, evaluate new opportunities, and provide guidance as your organisation implements its digital strategy — with us or with anyone else.
How Advisory works
Initial hui
We meet your governance and management team — in person where possible. We learn about your organisational structure, your aspirations, your current pain points, and your people.
Research & analysis
We evaluate your current systems, interview key staff, review your operational processes, and research the best options for your specific situation and scale.
Recommendations hui
A face-to-face presentation of findings and recommendations. Written report provided for governance papers. Full Q&A with your team to ensure clarity and confidence.
Implementation guidance
Ongoing advisory sessions as you implement recommendations. We help you evaluate vendors, review proposals, and keep your digital strategy on track.
What you walk away with
Clarity on priorities
A clear understanding of what technology your organisation actually needs — and what it doesn't. Prioritised by impact and feasibility, not vendor sales pressure.
Informed governance
Your trust board or governance group can make digital investment decisions with confidence, backed by independent analysis and clear business cases.
Data sovereignty roadmap
A practical path to controlling your own data — whānau information, whakapapa, and organisational knowledge governed according to your values and tikanga.
Vendor confidence
When you do engage vendors or builders, you negotiate from a position of knowledge. You know what you need, what it should cost, and what questions to ask.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. We work with post-settlement governance entities, Māori land trusts, rūnanga, and Māori enterprises. We understand the multi-entity structures, the beneficiary obligations, and the dual commercial and social mandates that shape decision-making.
Only if they're genuinely the best fit. We frequently recommend other providers, off-the-shelf tools, or a 'build internal capability first' approach. The advice serves your organisation, not our pipeline.
Absolutely. We prepare governance-ready materials and present in person. We're experienced in communicating technical recommendations to non-technical governance groups in clear, jargon-free language.
In practical terms: your whānau data hosted in Aotearoa, on infrastructure you control, with access governed by your policies. It means understanding what data you hold, where it lives, who has access, and having the ability to enforce your own rules about its use.
It begins with a fixed-fee engagement covering the initial hui, research, and recommendations report. Ongoing advisory is available through monthly retainer. Contact us for current pricing — we're transparent about costs from the first conversation.
Ready to talk about iwi & māori business?
Book a free discovery call. No sales pitch — just an honest conversation about what your business needs.