A Time-Tested Approach for Modern Organisations  

The corporate world is beginning to recognise that fostering inclusive decision-making leads to sustainable outcomes. One powerful yet often overlooked method is hui, a traditional Māori approach to consensus-based decision-making. While loosely translated into a meeting, hui is much more than that. Hui offers a structured framework where every participant’s voice is valued, ensuring that the group makes decisions collectively, with accountability to each other. This approach aligns deeply with the principles of collaboration, trust-building, and shared leadership—critical elements in today’s corporate environment.  

At The Massive Collective, we help organisations embed the principles of hui into their governance and operational structures. By embracing this unique cultural practice, businesses can foster inclusivity, improve engagement, and unlock the power of collective wisdom.  

What is Hui?  

In Te Ao Māori, hui refers to a gathering where discussion occurs, ensuring everyone can share perspectives. It is grounded in the values of manaakitanga (care and respect), whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships), and kotahitanga (unity). Hui is more than a meeting—a space where decisions are reached with a shared purpose, ensuring that the outcome reflects the collective voice rather than individual dominance.  

Unlike traditional hierarchical decision-making, hui promotes the idea that no one person holds absolute authority. Instead, every participant contributes meaningfully, resulting in more resilient decisions that reflect the perspectives and buy-in of all involved.  

Why Hui Matters in Corporate Settings  

Modern organisations face increasing complexity, making it critical to engage diverse perspectives. Traditional decision-making models—such as top-down hierarchies—often fail to unlock a team's full potential. Hui offers a solution by shifting the focus from command-and-control structures to collaboration and shared ownership.  

This approach aligns with contemporary inclusion, transparency, and kaimahi (employee) empowerment values. In an era where cultural competence and belonging are paramount, organisations that adopt hui are committed to diversity and equity. As a result, they create environments where kaimahi feel heard, valued, and engaged—leading to higher productivity and retention.  

How Hui Strengthens Governance and Leadership  

Incorporating hui into governance frameworks can help boards and leadership teams build stronger, more unified organisations. Hui encourages leaders to move from directive leadership toward servant leadership, ensuring that decisions reflect the organisation's and its stakeholders' collective needs.  

At The Massive Collective, we help boards and executive teams use hui to create inclusive governance structures that balance agility with thoughtful decision-making. Through facilitated workshops and training, we empower leaders to develop processes focusing on shared responsibility, trust, and accountability.  

Building Consensus through Dialogue  

Hui is not just about discussion but deep listening and constructive dialogue. Participants are encouraged to speak openly, knowing their contributions will be respected, while others listen actively and reflect before responding. The practice of karakia (opening prayers) and whakamutunga (closings) grounds the meeting, ensuring that discussions are conducted with respect and focus.  

This model helps teams avoid rushed decisions in corporate settings and allows for thoughtful consideration of diverse viewpoints. The result? More robust solutions that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders, reducing the risk of internal resistance and ensuring smoother execution.  

The Cultural Competency Advantage 

Organisations that adopt hui demonstrate a deeper cultural competency. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, where Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) calls for meaningful engagement with Māori, businesses are responsible for honouring this partnership. Implementing hui helps organisations engage with Māori stakeholders authentically and with respect, strengthening their relationships and community impact.  

At The Massive Collective, we offer Cultural Competency advisory services, helping organisations integrate Māori values and practices such as hui into their operations. Whether you need governance, strategy, or workforce engagement support, we tailor our approach to meet your needs.  

Practical Applications of Hui in Business  

From project planning to conflict resolution, hui can be applied across various business functions. Some practical uses include:  

• Strategic planning wānanga (workshops) that ensure alignment and shared ownership of goals. 
• Kaimahi (employee) engagement sessions where everyone contributes to organisational improvements.
• Change management meetings that build trust and minimise resistance. 
• Board meetings that incorporate diverse perspectives for better governance.  

Hui-based approaches are particularly effective in high-stakes environments where collaboration, such as technology transformation or business restructuring initiatives, is essential to success.  

How we can help 

Adopting hui principles can feel daunting, especially for organisations unfamiliar with Māori practices. This is where The Massive Collective steps in. We provide tailored consulting services to help your organisation integrate hui into its governance and operational models. Our experienced facilitators will guide your teams through the process, ensuring that the transition is smooth, inclusive, and sustainable.  

Whether you're looking to transform your leadership model, enhance employee engagement, or build stronger stakeholder relationships, we’ll provide the expertise and support you need to succeed.  

Let’s Embark on the Hui Journey Together  

The shift toward consensus decision-making with hui is not just a cultural alignment—it’s a strategic move toward more inclusive and effective leadership. At The Massive Collective, we are committed to helping organisations unlock the full potential of hui to build thriving workplaces.  

Are you ready to explore how hui can transform your organisation? Contact us today to begin your journey toward inclusive decision-making and cultural competency. Let us partner with you to create meaningful change, one hui at a time.