Two of the largest Indigenous investment institutions in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are strengthening a long-term partnership to invest in major Indigenous-led projects across Australia.
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and Waikato-Tainui are set to formalise their relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding in Hamilton, building on a Letter of Intent signed by the two organisations in Sydney on 11 August 2026.
Together, IBA and Waikato-Tainui represent more than A$4.4 billion in Indigenous-owned assets, alongside generations of leadership, knowledge and stewardship.
Waikato-Tainui is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest iwi investment institutions, with significant holdings across property, retail, accommodation, infrastructure, agriculture and other long-term assets.
Australia’s First Nations business sector currently generates more than A$16 billion in annual revenue. Research commissioned by ANZ and undertaken with Deloitte has projected that the First Nations economy could generate around A$50 billion annually within the next decade.
Under the partnership, the two organisations will investigate opportunities to expand investment in Australian mining and critical minerals, as well as long-term infrastructure assets and projects spanning energy, water, transport and logistics.
The relationship with Waikato-Tainui began developing through Indigenous economic and investment discussions in 2025 and strengthened throughout 2026.
In August, the two organisations signed a Letter of Intent to explore investment collaboration, capability building and knowledge sharing, with a focus on major Indigenous-led projects and investment opportunities across Australia.
IBA Chairperson Darren Godwell said:
“This is the first of what we hope will be many such agreements to come and will see hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of offshore capital flow into our Indigenous economy,” Mr Godwell said.
“It is a practical agreement focused on building capability, sharing expertise and identifying opportunities where we can work together to deliver stronger economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.”
“Indigenous peoples across Australia and Aotearoa have much to learn from each other’s economic journeys. This agreement creates a pathway for deeper collaboration and a stronger Indigenous economic future on both sides of the Tasman.”
Waikato-Tainui Chairman Tuku Morgan said:
“Our peoples share a commitment to self-determination, intergenerational wellbeing and long-term economic prosperity. This agreement creates a platform for collaboration that can help unlock new opportunities and strengthen outcomes for our communities.”
“As the Māori economy continues to grow and diversify globally, there is significant value in exploring investments alongside Indigenous organisations that share a commitment to self-determination, stewardship and prosperity for future generations.”
An Australian delegation is also attending the second Koroneihana of Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, with representatives from IBA and the Torres Strait Regional Authority among those taking part in the celebrations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Both organisations describe the partnership as the beginning of an enduring investment relationship rather than a single transaction, with scope for broader Indigenous investment collaboration over time.
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