Hundreds of Maori leaders are getting professional development from a large business growth organisation.
Coaching is being run by The Icehouse, which is partly subsidised by the Government.
Its biggest Maori project so far is the Maori leaders' programme, which offers training to tribal trusts and other Maori organisations.
Head of Maori development at The Icehouse Shay Wright says about 300 Maori have taken part.
He says the programme is the first stage of business leadership, focussing on the attitudinal change, belief and confidence of Maori business leaders.
The scheme borrows from the characteristics of crewing and sailing waka - working as a team and knowing where the business is going.
The Icehouse was set up to do training, create networks, help to find funding, and build successful businesses.
