Lincoln University says more and more iwi are wanting to set up agriculture partnerships with the tertiary provider.
It has agreements with tribes such as Ngai Tahu in the South Island, as well as Northland iwi, Ngapuhi and Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Ngati Haua in Waikato.
In Waikato, the university and the two Tainui tribes have outlined an agreement to create an agricultural training centre, and aim to create a new farm certificate course.
Lincoln's assistant vice chancellor Hirini Matunga says the university wants to help lift Maori potential in agriculture.
He says iwi are asking the university for assistance mainly as a result of Treaty settlements.
Professor Matunga says he thinks tangata whenua are looking at how they can they better utilise resources such as land, which are coming back under their settlements.
He says iwi such as Ngai Tahu want to lift the bar and set up highly professional operations, where farms are owned by Maori, and run by Maori, which he says will benefit New Zealand's economy.
Professor Matunga says the university is also strengthening ties with other iwi such as Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati Porou, that want to collaborate with the tertiary provider.
