Māori-led tech company prepares to go global

March 6, 2026
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A Tauranga-based Māori health technology company is expanding into major international markets following support from the Government’s Māori Development Fund, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

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Carepatron, a Māori-led company, has developed an AI-powered clinical support tool integrated into practice management platforms to improve efficiency, accessibility, and scalability for health providers.

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“Growing the economy means backing Māori enterprise to scale, export, and compete internationally,” Mr Potaka says.

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“Investment from the Māori Development Fund accelerated the development and deployment of Carepatron’s clinical support tool. That support has helped drive a 50 per cent increase in export revenue and positioned the company for continued expansion across North America, the United Kingdom and Europe.

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Carepatron’s growth aligns with the objectives of Tōnui Māori | Going for Growth with Māori and the Government’s goal of doubling the value of New Zealand exports over the next decade.

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“We are focused on practical steps that lift productivity and strengthen our export performance. Māori businesses are central to that ambition.”

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“Building a future for Māori enterprise means investing in capability, innovation and global reach. When Māori businesses succeed offshore, that growth flows back into whānau, hapū, Iwi and regional communities.”

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Strengthening Māori participation in high-value sectors such as technology will be key to building a more resilient and outward-looking economy.

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“Backing enterprise is a priority for our Government. That means disciplined, targeted investment that delivers measurable results, stronger exports, growing revenue, and a future where Māori enterprise continues to play a leading role in New Zealand’s economic success.”

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Note to editors:

  • Te Puni Kōkiri administers the Māori Development Fund and invested $250,000 to accelerate the development and deployment of Carepatron’s AI Clinical Support Co-Pilot. Carepatron invested an equivalent amount.
  • Organisations applying to the Māori Development Fund must fit funding priorities, meet criteria and be able to report on outcomes achieved. See www.tpk.govt.nz for more information.
  • More information about Tōnui Māori is also available here.

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