Marae Entry and Exit Programme Recognised on the Global Stage

Te Ara Hiranga is proud to share that Auckland Transport’s Marae Entry and Exit Programme has been named a finalist in the World Procurement Awards 2026 in the Social Impact category.

We are pleased to have supported this work through our Partnering for Impact Social Return on Investment (SROI) report, which helped articulate the wider value created through the programme.

The recognition reflects an important procurement innovation: creating opportunities for Māori civil contractors to work with Auckland Transport and grow sustainable, capable businesses.

Procurement that builds capability and opportunity

The Marae Entry and Exit Programme shows how procurement can do more than purchase services. It can be used intentionally to open doors, strengthen supplier diversity, and support long-term economic and social outcomes.

By creating pathways for Māori civil contractors to access work with Auckland Transport, the programme has supported the development of Māori-owned businesses through practical opportunities to deliver, build experience, and strengthen capability over time.

This is significant not only for the contractors involved, but for the wider procurement system. It demonstrates how public sector investment can contribute to a more inclusive economy while still delivering on core operational goals.

Te Ara Hiranga’s contribution

Te Ara Hiranga developed the Partnering for Impact SROI report for the programme to help capture and communicate the broader value it was creating.

Our work focused on identifying and evidencing outcomes such as:

• increased access to contract opportunities for Māori civil contractors
• business capability and confidence growth
• strengthened relationships and trust between Auckland Transport and Māori suppliers
• broader social and economic value generated through more inclusive procurement practice

The report provided a way to bring these outcomes together into a clear impact story, supporting both learning and accountability.

Why this finalist recognition matters

To see this programme recognised internationally is a strong endorsement of an approach that connects procurement with impact.

It shows that:

• procurement can be a practical lever for supplier development
• creating opportunities for Māori businesses delivers value beyond the immediate contract
• impact-focused partnerships can help reshape how major organisations work with communities and suppliers

For Te Ara Hiranga, it is encouraging to see this kind of work gaining visibility on a global stage.

We acknowledge Auckland Transport and the partners involved in delivering the Marae Entry and Exit Programme for their mahi, leadership, and commitment.

We are proud to have contributed through the Partnering for Impact SROI work.