What this is

Relational Investments

Designed in response to a need that was not being addressed within the current system of fast transactions divorced from the communities most knowledgeable in the areas of environment, community need and traditional knowledge protection. A process that has been proven successful in multiple industries.

Money becomes medicine when it is allowed to flow, released in high trust to those who can direct it where it is most needed and can truly support the alleviation of pain points and problems.

The funds are used strategically, thoughtfully and intentionally. They are not used to grant access to communities for the sake of the ‘experience’. They are simply like water, flowing to those who are ready to receive it.

I call it relational investments, until I find a better name. Five rounds so far, across ministries and across industries: public capital, philanthropy, international AI funding, iwi and hapū, universities, kaupapa Māori providers, Māori-owned SMEs, the arts, conservation.

Everything is connected.
That includes the flow of money.

Current focus

ĀIO · Restoring Balance

The first gathering of the Pacific region’s Indigenous AI builders. Nine island nations, seven days, one reef. Hosted by Mara.Earth, with Current AI.

Rarotonga, Kūki ʻĀirani · 7 – 13 Dec 2026

Relationships like these cannot be built over email. Seven days on one island and one reef is how nine island nations set their own terms for AI, and how the people who fund it come to know the people it is for.

Co-funding committed now also brings Current AI’s grantees from Africa, the Middle East and the Amazon into the room.

Learn more about the Gathering

Funders, communities and organisations who recognise this approach are welcome to write to me.