The Rimurimu Framework
The Rimurimu Framework
Heritage → Beacon → Alignment → Pathway
Stewardship is the standard
Rimurimu is Indigenous-led and open to businesses that practise genuine care for people, place, culture and future generations. We call this responsible stewardship.
Kaitiakitanga is a Māori principle often translated as guardianship or stewardship. At Rimurimu, we use the word with care: it speaks to responsibility, protection and long-term relationship with the natural world, not simply a marketing claim.
Heritage
Heritage centres First Nations, Māori and Pasifika businesses whose practices may be grounded in longstanding relationships with Country, whenua, moana, island, family, community and intergenerational knowledge.
Heritage is not a lesser form of certification and does not mean a business is waiting to become legitimate. Indigenous identity and cultural authority are inherent; they are not credentials that Rimurimu or any external system can grant. Where appropriate registers exist, Rimurimu links to them. Where a business shares its own public story and practice, we present it transparently without claiming cultural authority.
Beacon
Beacon makes recognised third-party evidence visible. When a business holds a certification, Rimurimu links to the issuing organisation’s official record where available and explains what that certification covers.
Alignment
Alignment recognises businesses showing clear, consistent connection between their claims, practices and wider impact. Evidence may include recognised certifications, transparent policies, sourcing information and measurable action.
Pathway
Pathway supports Indigenous businesses that choose to work toward a relevant formal certification for a particular opportunity. It does not suggest that existing cultural practice is incomplete or less valuable without a certificate.
Our commitment
Rimurimu distinguishes between formal certification, business-status evidence, product-specific claims and a business’s own public practice. We do not sell cultural authenticity or pay-to-rank placement.