‍When Karen Hattaway (Ngāti Kurī) stands in her restaurant, Manu, she’s doing much more than serving food. She’s serving a vision; one where Māori and Pacific identity aren’t hidden behind the scenes, but boldly brought to the table. For Karen, being unapologetically Māori in business  is her superpower.

“It’s not just important, it’s powerful. When Māori entrepreneurs weave cultural identity into their businesses,  they’re reclaiming space, telling stories, and redefining what success looks like through an indigenous lens.”  

For Karen, Manu  is a platform where culture and creativity meet. Every dish tells a story, with each ingredient carrying a memory and a connection to whakapapa.. I This is a testament to Karen's belief that bringing your culture forward through your mahi is both an act of leadership and aroha

The menu reflects this beautifully – showcasing reka kai like scallop and tītī dumpings, venison pāua spring rolls, boil up, and Aunties’ rēwena flatbread.  Within just one year of opening, Manu became the #1 ranked restaurant in Ōtautahi on TripAdvisor – proving that excellence delivered through a Te Ao Māori lens can top mainstream charts.

“This journey has taught me that honouring your roots isn’t limiting - it’s liberating. It’s what gives my brand mana.”

Beyond the kitchen, Karen's is passionate about empowering and uplifting her community. Her ‘Giving Wings to Others’ fund shows how business can be a force for good, not just for profit. For Māori entrepreneurs wanting to embed social purpose into their mahi, Karen’s advice is: “Start with whakapapa. Know where you come from, who you stand for, and what values you refuse to compromise. That’s your compass. Social purpose isn’t a side hustle, it is the hustle.”

She urges Māori entrepreneurs to let their businesses thrive because of their values, not in spite of them. Authenticity and courage, she says, are what make Māori businesses shine in the marketplace, and the world is hungry for both. “Be unapologetically Māori. Our tikanga, our way of being, is not a weakness - it’s our superpower. Use it to create spaces where others can thrive.”

At the heart of Karen’s success, both at Manu and through her consultancy, Rua, is whanaungatanga. For her, relationships in te ao Māori aren’t purely transactional, but transformational.

“We’ve built Manu as a kaupapa-driven space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether sourcing local ingredients, partnering with artists, or mentoring entrepreneurs, every relationship is about reciprocity and uplift.”

This approach has created a ripple effect, strengthening not only her own ventures but the wider ecosystem of Māori and Pacific businesses. Collaboration, she says, is how we all rise.

Thriving in a Competitive World

From tourism to hospitality, Māori-led businesses can shine by embracing their authentic stories and cultural intelligence. Karen believes the true X-factor is manaakitanga; offering not just a service, but a connection.

“People crave genuine, meaningful experiences. Māori businesses that deeply root their brand in culture have something competitors simply can’t replicate.”

She also highlights the importance of innovation woven with mātauranga Māori, whether it’s infusing traditional ingredients into modern cuisine, or reimagining business models through a Te Ao Māori lens.

Overcoming Barriers

Karen’s path hasn’t been easy. Like many Māori entrepreneurs, she’s navigated systems not built for her.  “Māori success is not a solo sport. I leaned on kaupapa-driven networks like KUMA. Sharing knowledge, backing each other, and creating our own ecosystem of support has been a game-changer.”

Her biggest mindset shift has been turning rejection into fuel, not to prove doubters wrong, but to honour the legacy of those who came before. “The vision isn’t just mine, it’s inherited. That’s what keeps it burning.”

Karen’s Message for Aspiring Māori Entrepreneurs

To Māori entrepreneurs just starting out, Karen shares a simple, powerful truth:

“Don’t wait for permission to take up space.”

Being Māori in business is not a liability, it’s a taonga. Your reo, your tikanga, your whakapapa are what set you apart. Bring them to your boardroom, your brand, your kaupapa. Own who you are and surround yourself with those who lift you higher.

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About Karen Hattaway

Karen Hattaway is an accomplished restaurateur, life coach, and entrepreneur, known for her kaupapa-driven approach to business. As the visionary behind Manu in Christchurch and founder of Rua Consultancy, she champions businesses that nourish both people and community. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and unwavering commitment to collective uplift.