On 29 April 2017, ATEED hosted the Whāriki Māori Business Networking event with members and international guests who participated in the World Masters Games. The event was designed to enable international visitors to engage with Māori business owners and professionals around Tāmaki Makaurau.
The event commenced with international guests being hosted by Waka Quest on an exciting three hour tour of the Waitematā Harbour on board two traditional Māori sailing waka. ATEED's Māori staff joined two Māori tribal representatives, James Brown from Ngai Tai ki Tamaki and Taiaha Hawke from Ngati Whātua Orakei, who both shared stories of the rich history of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
The waka trip concluded at the Maritime Room, Auckland Viaduct, where visitors were greeted by a memorable Māori powhiri (Māori welcome). There were a select number of Whāriki business success stories on show during the event with examples of Māori tourism, architecture, cosmetics, and fashion on display over a light dinner and whakawhanaungatanga (networking).