The 2016 Hi-Tech Awards has a new category, and it has attracted a lot attention.

The new Māori innovation category has seen 22 Māori organisations putting themselves forward.

Hi-Tech Trust chair Wayne Norri says the Hi-Tech Awards highlight the increasingly important contribution New Zealand's innovative technology companies make to the New Zealand economy.

“We were expecting to get about 10 entries for this new category, so to get 22 is excellent,” says Norrie.

Callaghan Innovation has supported the Hi-Tech Awards since its creation in 2013. It works with many of the high tech companies featured in the awards.

This year Callaghan Innovation has helped create a category to recognise Māori commercial innovation.

Hemi Rolleston, Callaghan Innovation's general manager Māori Economy says the number of entries reflects the increasing amount of innovation Māori businesses and other organisations are doing.

“Māori are embracing high tech innovation, as are many businesses in New Zealand. Callaghan Innovation is here to help them succeed,” he says.

“Innovation is critical to New Zealand's economic future, including for Māori,” Rolleston adds.

“With their asset base and the opportunities technology is creating or amplifying, Māori have huge potential to succeed through innovation.