BA, BSc, MSx

Te Pūoho Kātene is an accomplished and influential Māori leader whose work bridges Indigenous knowledge, social impact, governance, and economic development to create transformative change for Māori communities.

As a graduate of Stanford University and a Fulbright Scholar, he is steadfast in his pursuit of holistic prosperity for Māori. As Kaihautū (Chief Executive) of Tapuwae Roa he takes an impact investment approach to empower Māori through education, STEMM, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

Raised in a whānau deeply rooted in tikanga Māori, Te Pūoho’s upbringing in service, collective advancement, and whanaungatanga guides his leadership today. Graduating from Victoria University of Wellington in 2007, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies and a Bachelor of Science (double majors in Marine Biology and Ecology, and Biodiversity). Furthering his global perspective, as a Fulbright Scholar he completed a Master of Science in Management at Stanford Graduate School of Business, with a certificate in public management and social innovation. His educational journey reflects a dedication to integrating Indigenous values with global best practice.

When he came back to Aotearoa he became a strong advocate for pursuing self-determination through economic resilience, driving prosperity for whānau, hapū, iwi, and urban Māori communities. 

Te Pūoho’s “kumara economics” vision of impact investment to drive social outcomes, is rooted in cultural integrity:  "I firmly believe that money should be like a kumara;  its true value lies in its ability to feed our people. Social and impact investment pave the way for Māori to use our resources wisely for the betterment of our people." 

Beyond Tapuwae Roa, Te Pūoho contributes to several governance roles, including as a Trustee and Audit & Risk member for Ngāti Toa Rangatira, an Independent Director for Armillary Private Capital, and on the Investment Committee for Te Pae ki te Rangi Impact Fund.  His continued involvement as an Obama Foundation Leader: Asia-Pacific further strengthens his commitment to applying global insights within an Indigenous, values-based framework.

A proud advocate for holistic prosperity, Te Pūoho exemplifies the new generation of Māori leadership—strategic, kaupapa-driven, and future-focused. His mahi reflects a powerful dedication to achieving true pae ora, ensuring whānau, hapū, iwi, and all Māori thrive socially, culturally, and economically, now and into the future.

Through his leadership, Te Pūoho continues to inspire and pave pathways for emerging Māori leaders, exemplifying the vision of 100 Māori Leaders—championing Māori wellbeing, equity, and tino rangatiratanga across Aotearoa.

  
Links: 

Trust to train tikanga board members (Waatea News article 8 February 2023)

A kōrero on leadership by Te Pūoho Kātene  Philanthropy News: the magazine of the New Zealand Association of Philanthropic Trusts article. April 2022 pp 6-7

Te Puoho Katene Appointed Kaihautū Of Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust Scoop article 28 October 2020

Te Pūoho Katene: On a journey to create meaningful impact The Good Day Matrix YouTube video

Te Pūoho Katene BSc, BA Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Ākina Article: New Ākina Chair Announcement: Te Pūoho Katene, 15 March 2024