$437M shift: How Amotai is reshaping procurement in Aotearoa
26 March 2025
A recent case study by Dr. Jason Mika and Dr Chellie Spiller, highlights how supplier diversity intermediaries like Amotai remove barriers, build capability, and drive lasting economic change. These insights reinforce what Amotai has been driving for years: supplier diversity isn’t just good practice, it’s good business.
A procurement shift is taking place across Aotearoa, with millions of dollars now flowing to Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses, thanks to Amotai’s leadership in supplier diversity. Yet unlocking these opportunities at scale requires more than just good intentions, it demands a fundamental shift in mindset, policy, and approach.
In FY24 alone, Amotai suppliers secured over $437 million in contracts, tangible proof that supplier diversity is driving economic change.
“Supplier diversity is about making real, measurable change,” says Amotai General Manager Anna-Jane Edwards. “We’re creating opportunities that wouldn’t have existed otherwise, while helping buyers build stronger, more resilient supply chains.”
Procurement is becoming more inclusive
While systemic barriers have historically limited access to major procurement opportunities for Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses, positive change is underway. A growing recognition of the value that diverse suppliers bring is reshaping the procurement landscape.
Dr. Mika’s insights reinforce that intermediary organisations like Amotai play a crucial role in addressing the barriers for entry, connecting buyers with diverse suppliers and advocating for systemic change.
The case study, 'The Southern Initiative: how indigenous values can inspire social innovation' recently won the prestigious ANZAM case study competition and will be published soon. It explores the value of whānau centred businesses and highlights the work of Amotai staff and Amotai registered businesses.
The research forms part of a book, 'Te Ahunga atu ki ngā Ōhanga Oranga Māori: Towards Māori Wellbeing Economies Ngā whānau i te pokapū o te oranga' by Chellie Spiller, Matthew Rout, Jarrod Haar, Jason Mika, John Reid, Tāne Karamaina, Xiaoliang Niu. The book shares research on several aspects of Māori economies, with a focus on whānau wellbeing, including research with Māori enterprises registered with Amotai.
Changing the landscape of procurement
Amotai is reshaping procurement by removing barriers and giving Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses the access, visibility, and support they need to compete for contracts. Through supplier verification, direct connections, and advocacy, Amotai is making supplier diversity a reality rather than an aspiration.
For buyers, Amotai provides guidance on embedding supplier diversity into procurement policies, demonstrating that inclusive supply chains lead to stronger business outcomes. Meanwhile, suppliers receive capability-building support, ensuring they are ready and able to meet procurement requirements.
“What we’re seeing is a mindset shift,” says Anna-Jane. “Buyers are realising that engaging Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses isn’t just the right thing to do, it leads to better outcomes for their own organisations, their customers, and the economy as a whole.”
“Findings from this case study highlight that creating real change isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about building environments where diverse suppliers can grow and succeed. When supplier diversity is part of the way we do business, it opens up new customer segments, strengthens your competitive edge, and lifts overall performance. It also means customers benefit from more innovative, culturally grounded solutions – and the economy becomes more inclusive, resilient, and representative of Aotearoa.”
The future of supplier diversity
Dr. Mika’s findings support what Amotai has long championed: embedding supplier diversity into procurement is a long-term business strategy, not just a compliance requirement.
By embedding supplier diversity into everyday procurement decisions, organisations can reduce risk and build resilient supply chains, unlock new ideas and innovation, and drive measurable economic impact for Māori and Pasifika communities.
As Anna-Jane explains, meaningful supplier diversity is about sustained access and opportunity.
“We’re not just here to open doors, we’re here to make sure those doors stay open,” says Anna-Jane. “The real goal is a system where supplier diversity is just part of how business is done in Aotearoa.”
The question is no longer why supplier diversity matters, but how quickly it can become the norm.
Notes
- Case study now published here: Māori Wellbeing Economies
- Full list of contributing authors below:
Xiaoliang Niu Doctoral Candidate School of Management and International Business, University of Auckland Business School, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Dr Jason Mika Professor of Māori Management School of Management and International Business, University of Auckland Business School, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Dr Chellie Spiller Professor of Management and Leadership School of Management and Marketing, Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Dr Jarrod Haar Professor and Dean’s Chair in Management and Maori Business School of Management, Massey Business School, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
Dr Mattnew Rout Senior Research Fellow Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, Office of Treaty Partnership University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Dr John Reid Senior Research Fellow Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, Office of Treaty Partnership University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Tane Karamaina Research Fellow School of Management and Marketing, Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand