Te Rōpū Pakihi is a group of new and existing Māori business operators and professionals based within the Kapiti and Horowhenua region. The network was established in April 2001 by nine founding members, many of whom remain core members.

The group meets regularly throughout the region where members are encouraged to promote their business activities to members and manuhiri alike.

Te Rōpū Pakihi registered as an incorporated society in November 2007. In 2008 the society lodged an application with the New Zealand Charities Commision and this was granted in June 2008. The Society is also registered for GST with Inland Revenue.

The Komiti is elected annually at the Annual General Meetings and to ensure continuity, our komiti members are elected for a two year period with only half being re-elected each year.

Our recent Annual General Meeting held at The New Western House in Levin was held on the 19 February 2010.  A Big thank you must go to our two outgoing committee members who decided not to seek another term, Shane Royal & Brenda Tuuta and we welcome Denis Grennell & Te Whatanu Winiata.

1. (Chairperson)Christine Warren, Tumuaki, Te Kokiri Development Consultancy Inc, Levin

2. Denis Grennell, Director,Te Aratiatia Learning & Development Limited

3. Leigh Rau, Director, Kani Kani Kids Limited, Otaki

4. Te Whatanui Winiata

5. Linda Pene, Director, Ake Ake Artistry Limited, Te Horo

Te Aratiatia Learning and Development, an Otaki-based company specialising in leadership development and organisational management, has taken out the prestigious Rangatiratanga Award at this year's Te Rōpū Pakihi Maori Business Awards.

The third biennial regional Māori business awards, were announced at a gala awards dinner at Raukawa Marae tonight (28/5), attended by over 160 people.  The awards celebrate distinctive Māori enterprises through the expression of kaupapa (inherited values) in commercial activities.

The Rangatiratanga Award was presented by Professor Whatarangi Winiata. Other awards were presented by

Tumuaki for Te Wananga o Raukawa Mereana Selby, the Mayor of Horowhenua Brendan Duffy, the Mayor of Kapiti Jenny Rowan, Māori Party M.P. Rāhui Kātene, and National List M.P. Hekia Parata. 

This year's awards saw 19 finalists competing in five categories including: Manaakitanga, Ūkaipotanga, Kotahitanga, Whanaugnatanga, and Kaitiakitanga. The top (Rangatiratanga) award went to Te Aratiatia Learning and Development Ltd - judged to be the entrant that best incorporated kaupapa Maori values and behaviour in all its activities. 

Operating from Otaki for the past nine years, Te Aratiatia Learning and Development is a consultancy business that helps other organisations "deliver effective and efficient services with and for Maori."