Nicole Horan awarded with the 2025 Māori Businesswomen’s Te Tohu Aorangi Supreme Award

Entrepreneur Nicole Horan (Ngāti Maniapoto), CEO and producer of Hi Mama Productions was awarded the Te Tohu Aorangi overall Supreme Award at the Māori Women’s Development Inc. (MWDI) Māori Businesswomen’s Awards in Wellington on Friday 24 October.

This award, proudly supported by Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women, celebrates Nicole’s dedication and success as a thriving wāhine building her craft within te ao pakihi Māori (the Māori business world).

The MWDI awards are a way to recognise the talent and achievement of wāhine Māori who are paving the way and working towards fulfilling their aspirations as businesswomen. For Nicole, receiving this award was ‘incredibly special”, not only honouring her achievements but also for the wāhine who push barriers to seize their dreams.

“It’s recognition not just of my journey, but of the many wāhine Māori who continue to push boundaries. It’s deeply humbling to be recognised among such powerful, purpose-driven women”.

Hi Mama Productions, a New Zealand-based, Māori owned film and television production company stands out for its commitment to “re-centring Māori voices”. They produce a range of content, with a focus on nurturing Māori values, culture, and stories, while also creating quality television and digital content across various genres.

“For me, success is when our language and stories feel like a natural, celebrated part of everyone’s world. We are telling our own stories rather than having stories told about us, reflecting who we truly are in all our diversity” Nicole shares.

For wāhine who are aspiring businesswomen creating and building their passion, Nicole advises to “back yourself, even when the path feels uncertain. Lead with purpose, stay true to your values, and surround yourself with people who lift you higher, that’s where the real momentum comes from”.

Nicole’s journey stands as an example of the drive and determination wāhine Māori bring to their careers, communities and with a reach that transcends borders in creating global impact.

Whakamihi to Nicole on this incredible achievement, and congratulations to all of the other inspiring finalists and winners!

Read here to find the list of winners MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards Winners 2025 – MWDI