October Newsletter
October 2011
- Nau mai ki tenei panui mo te marama o Mahuru
- Poutama hosts' Malaysian Delegation
- Poutama to develop online catalogue of Maori Food & Beverage producers
- Good, Better, Best – Gail Maxwell
- Tohu Wines – Hugo McCallum
- Anthony Jakeman Panelbeaters Ltd – Anthony Jakeman
- Aotearoa Construction Ltd – Tawera Nikau
- Fusion Flowers – Charis Marriner
- Urban Maori – Kereama Taepa
- Ngai Tahu Chairman Mark Solomon continues the journey
- Whiri – Keri Wanoa and Hemi Sundgren
- Takitimu Indigenous Peoples Business Conference
- Toru Tours Ltd – Paul Fuimaono
- Smarter Products Ltd – Darrel Grace
- Poutama Out & About during September
- Contacts
Nau mai ki tenei panui mo te marama o Mahuru
I can’t begin this newsletter without saying something about RWC 2011 – it wasn’t until I was in Auckland on the eve of the All Blacks vs France game that the vibe of what is going on really struck me. I timed some meetings to occur down at the waterfront and it was while these meetings were going on that I felt the excitement of the Rugby World Cup. But then on reflection RWC excitement has been all around me wherever I’ve travelled, I guess it took a busy place like Auckland to really feel the excitement!!
Nevertheless some Poutama supported businesses have been right in the thick of things ranging from being involved in the RWC opening ceremony to providing services, organising events, selling products and hosting visitors. Although the total impact of RWC won’t be known until it is well and truly over, Maori businesses have shown initiative and a willingness to be part of it. So far Poutama supported Maori organised RWC events have taken place in Hawkes Bay, Tauranga, Auckland and Wellington with more to come!
It’s been great to see the effort people, organisations and towns have gone to, to welcome people. Just down the road from where I live, the town of Te Kuiti has renamed itself Meadsville after All Black great Colin Meads. Visitors have come from all over just to have a beer and chat with him at his local rugby club. The Welsh rugby team had a practice session at Waitomo Caves that drew in a huge number of locals and tourists. Just about everywhere you go you will see the flags of the countries participating in RWC and the current rage of flash mob haka going on all over the place.
It will be interesting though to gauge the impact RWC has on the NZ economy particularly when some economies in other parts of the world are looking shaky. The hope is that RWC and its after-effects will bring a boost to NZ sectors such as retail, tourism and food. Most importantly people who are here for RWC will hopefully return home saying positive things about the country, as they will be our best form of advertising and promotion.
Our October newsletter features a range of business activities that Maori are involved in as well as a range of wider activities that the Poutama team has been working on. Interestingly when I was talking to Anthony from Anthony Jakeman Panelbeaters he said that when he was applying to his bank for a loan, he was turned down. He received a loan from another bank because the loan officer’s husband happened to have his own panel beating business. Anthony lucked out because someone understood his business. That isn’t always the case when dealing with banks so it pays to shop around.
Don’t forget send us any stories about your business no matter what. It could be about a recent success, a challenge or innovation!!
Poutama hosts’ Malaysian business delegation
Towards the end of September Poutama hosted a group of Malaysian businesses with interests in education, farming, information technology and tourism. The delegation was visiting Aotearoa to consolidate relationships that have been formed with Ngati Kuta from Rawhiti in the Bay of Islands. University of Auckland Business School has also been working with the group through the Dame Mira Szaszy Centre.
Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu hosts the delegation at Waitomo Caves,
the Caves return to the Hapu in 2027 if not before!!
Among the delegation were members of Kolej Masa www.kolejmasa.edu.my a college that focus their diploma and degree programmes at the lower socio segment of Malay society. Kolej Masa has offered places for Maori students to study hospitality and tourism in Malaysia. Poutama will be working with them on forming a relationship with Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
One of the delegation members was a former board member of the Malaysian Cocoa Board and has interests in farming. He was very interested in Maori farming activities and in sourcing food products particularly halal certified meats. Poutama believes this offers an opportunity to facilitate Maori collective activity in sourcing markets and investment.
Two of the delegation members operate their own tourism companies at Langkawi Island www.langkawi-online.com. Langkawi is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism and improve the lives of the islanders. The Langkawi operators want to work with Maori both in bringing visitors to Langkawi and promoting Maori tourism to Malaysians.
The Malaysian delegation has extended an invitation for a Maori business group to visit Malaysia where they will facilitate introductions and discussions around joint venture opportunities. This is something Poutama will be giving consideration to particularly as the SE Asia region has a potential market of 600 million people!!
Poutama to develop online catalogue of Maori Food & Beverage producers
Poutama has contracted Jo Stafford of the Ministry of Conversation to develop a catalogue of Maori export and export ready Food & Beverage producers. Poutama CE, RJ says that while Poutama deals with a number of Maori F&B business some of whom are exporting we are also aware that there are others out there that we do not know of. He says part of the research for the catalogue will be to uncover for Poutama those producers that are out there just doing it!
Jo Stafford (Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama & Ngati Maniapoto) has had a long involvement in the F&B sector and was a key driver behind the establishment of Tohu Wines. Jo also has his own wine label, Tapata. Jo will research and collate a catalogue of food producers across the width and breadth of the Maori primary sector. The catalogue will consist of ‘export –ready’ businesses as well as ‘cottage’ producers that can demonstrate the ability and attitude to scale.
Once collated this catalogue will feature on the Poutama website and marketed to in-market buyers as the go to portal to source a range of Maori produced food and beverages. The work Jo is undertaking will in addition to gathering information also serve to push information out to the target market about Free Trade Agreement (FTA) opportunities. Aotearoa currently has FTAs with Australia, China, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong (negotiations for FTAs are in train with USA, Peru, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Belarus and Borat of Kazakhstan).
The liberalisation of trade with countries that Aotearoa has FTAs with provides an opportunity for Maori food producers to engage directly with in-market wholesalers and retailers by-passing the need to secure importation agents and distributors thus catalysing a ‘direct to market’ approach. Maori food producer’s brand or story should carry more weight or value when presented to wholesalers and retailers, and then onto the consumer. Unfortunately though with so many intermediaries between the producer and the consumer this makes it difficult to convey the brand or story or at least mitigate its ‘dumbing-down’ by everyone in the value chain. In short the clearer the line of site between producers and consumer the more clarity in brand representation.
Good, Better, Best – Gail Maxwell, Poutama Office Manager
There is a quote from St Jerome which states, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Til your good is better and your better best.”
Recently, Poutama’s Board of Trustees agreed for Poutama to undergo a review of its Operations and Governance areas to see how well Poutama is actually doing as an organization. Most staff had not participated in a review during their employment at Poutama, this was going to be different for some. First, the review would focus on the Operational side of the business and then Governance. Phil Baldey an internationally renowned consultant from Strategic Pulse, was selected to implement the review process.
Poutama’s current staff, have been part of the Poutama whanau anywhere from 5 through to 16 years and of course there was a little anxiety as to what would take place. However, after staff had personal interviews with Phil, they realised the review was focused on improving Poutama as an organization and finding the gaps rather than performance. Phil was thorough and extremely focused as time commitments were short. Back to back 2 hourly interviews were held at Poutama Head Office where most of the interviews took place. Phil completed the last of the staff interviews in Rotorua.
When his schedule for interview times was circulated to staff, a common comment was “what am I going to talk about for 2 hours.” After each interview all staff commented that they did not notice the time and the 2 hours went by so fast. Staff also commented on how enjoyable their interviews were.
Next, Phil looked at all facets of the operations and requests for information went to all staff. Due to the turnaround time, these requests were urgent. One just had to smile and get the information.
All staff were very appreciative of the way the review process was carried out and by the speed of which it was done and Phil needs to be commended for that as there was minimal distraction from the day to day business that staff deal with. Now that Poutama has his report, staff can focus on areas identified where improvements can be made to its Operations that will help move the organization from good to better and better to best.
Tohu Wines – Hugo McCallum, National Sales Manager
Iwi - Te Atiawa me Te Arawa
Need good quality wine then contact Hugo!!
Upon completing a Diploma in Film and Television at South Seas Television School, Hugo ventured offshore to London for his O.E. After a year of travel and a variety of ways of earning money he decided to head home as an opportunity arose to work with Wakatu Incorporation www.wakatu.org in their wine division as a sales person.
Hugo has been with Tohu Wines www.tohuwines.co.nz since 2005 and has held the position of National Sales Manager for the past two years. A rewarding aspect of his mahi is that Tohu Wines comes under the umbrella of Wakatu Incorporation and he feels privileged that his tupuna were part of the original landowners.
Hugo is a passionate promoter of the Tohu brand on both the home shores of Aotearoa and also in the international stage. Hugo is the key driver behind the launch of the newest addition to the Tohu whanau of beverages their ‘Rewa’ Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2009. He is always a welcome sight for the Poutama team particularly when it comes to assisting him with the market research aspects of his work.
Career aspirations for Hugo are to have a fulltime role in the international market where he sees many opportunities for developing and growing Tohu. What he loves most about Tohu Wines is working with whanau and the kaupapa of the company.
Tohu Wines Awatere Valley Vineyard, Marlborough
Anthony Jakeman Panelbeaters Ltd – Anthony Jakeman
Iwi - Tainui
Anthony Jakeman Panel & Paint Ltd owned and operated by the man himself along with his wife Angie. Founded in 2006 this small business has gone from strength to strength despite coping with the recession and a tough economic climate.
Anthony had a vision to become one of the best panel & paint shops in the area and to obtain insurance company accreditation. In order to reach this dream he had a business plan in place. His focus was to provide quality and expertise as a core part of his services.
With assistance from Poutama, Anthony is constantly investing in plant and has installed the latest equipment. This includes a spray booth and oven, two post hoist, head light tester and drier for compressors.
Anthony is very conscious about treating his staff well and isn’t shy about praising their work. He employs 7 staff and has invested heavily in training and upskilling them so he can guarantee clients the best finish. With a continuous drive to provide a quality service the company has now cemented several contracts involving companies with large fleets, from trucking firms to local government.
Although the business is now well established Anthony and Angie are always researching the market and looking for opportunities to be better and better. Together the Jakemans have a lot of self-belief and like to take on business risks. This has led them into purchasing Franklin Powder Coaters (2010) Ltd. This is a small powder coating business, which went into liquidation; it is situated alongside their panel shop.
Anthony saw this as an ideal opportunity to monopolise and expand his business. Once again Anthony has upgraded the plant and premises, employed a dedicated and skilled powder coater and Angie has done a marketing campaign to get the business off the ground. They now have several large industrial clients on board and the business is on a path of steady growth.
Anthony Jakeman Panelbeaters & newly acquired Franklin Powder Coaters
Throughout the years there have been many challenges, highs and lows. However the one vision Anthony focused on was becoming an accredited repairer for the STATE, NZI & IAG Insurance companies, he recently achieved this and the business has experienced 50% growth. He has now set the businesses sights on obtaining insurance company accreditation from several other companies such as: Vero, AA, AMI, Lumley and AMP.
Anthony Jakeman displays his insurance company accreditation
Anthony is proud of his professional and progressive company that continually grows and develops to keep up with industry trends. With a lot of commitment and hard work Anthony is enthusiastic and remains positive about the future of his two businesses.
For further information on Panel & Paint visit http://www.paneldirectory.co.nz/directory/listing.php?listing=230
Aotearoa Construction Ltd – Tawera Nikau
Aotearoa Construction has come a long way in a very short time. Starting from the vision of two former league greats, Tawera Nikau and Richie Barnett, the business has become a viable and successful construction company with annual turnover in excess of $12m.
The key to this growth has primarily been through support from John Tamihere and Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust and their development of New Zealand’s first and largest Whanau Ora integrated health facility.
Te Whanau o Waipareira – Whanau Ora integrated health facility
With their early focus on seeking finance and partnerships to establish infrastructure and foundation as an entity, their drive now is to procure more opportunity for Aotearoa Construction in the form of large construction projects. With scale they can then begin to plug the leakage that currently allows the opportunity of training, employment and financial dividends, to be dispersed outside the Maori economy.
There is a significant number of large projects either planned for or currently under construction which are funded by Maori or destined for Maori occupancy, be it by Iwi, Maori trusts or educational institutions such as Te Whare Wananga o Aotearoa and Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi. Existing procurement procedure, which incorporates weighted attributes has however made it difficult for Aotearoa Construction Ltd to be even considered for invitation to tender for these projects. They see negotiated contracts and the servicing of existing clients as their pathway forward for growth.
These hurdles though are no different to many fledging Maori businesses, while somewhat at times frustrated Aotearoa Construction will continue to strive for excellence and build relationships with those who have shown faith in them.
Aotearoa Construction works closely with clients from Iwi to private and public organisations and has recently secured the refurbishment of the Warehouse in Te Awamutu. They are set-up and resourced to provide a full design and construction service, taking projects from architectural concepts through to landscaping.
Aotearoa Construction has surrounded itself with a family of proven partners who supplement their expertise and deliver to the highest standards – these include some of New Zealand’s most accomplished architectural practices and specialist sub-contractors. With the in-house expertise to co-ordinate all aspects of planning and project management, Aotearoa Construction controls costs and deliver good outcomes on time and within budget.
Aotearoa Construction provides construction services suitable for:
Residential developments
- One-off designs
- Group developments & subdivisions
- Retirement villages
- Papakainga housing developments
Commercial
- Retail
- Industrial & warehousing
- Hotels
Institutional
- Schools – kura & wananga
- Hospitals
- Medical centres & clinics
- Local government facilities
It was some eighteen months ago that the Poutama Trust supported Aotearoa Construction with assistance for branding and marketing. Aotearoa Construction’s directors wish to acknowledge this support and that of others who share their vision and understand their drive for success.
For further information on Aotearoa Construction visit their website www.aotearoaconstuction.co.nz
Fusion Flowers – Charis Marriner
Iwi - Ngapuhi me Taranaki
Since taking on the business four years ago, Charis has grown Fusion Flowers from strength to strength. In recent times Fusion Flowers has relocated to larger premises, hired additional staff and generated a lot of repeat business whilst raising a positive profile in Rotorua and surrounding areas.
Whilst a relatively young owner operator, Charis has shown a previous commitment to the craft, having from the age of 15 spent 4 years at the Daisy Chain Florist in Rotorua. When making the decision to purchase the business alongside her mother, Charis did so with the intention to expand the options and creativity within the florist market in Rotorua by bringing a new creative approach to the craft. Business expansion has also been enhanced through initiatives such as a relaunch of Fusion Flowers website which offers online shopping and an online gallery. Moving to a more spacious shop has allowed Charis to incorporate a much-welcome wedding consultation area as well as include a complementary business on-site.
Fusion Flowers has introduced a loyalty card which has proved popular with customers. “It gives them a reason to come back, and they like using the card,” says Charis. “We get a lot of repeat customers.” But it’s not just the card that brings customers back. They are treated to good service from a business owner who listens to her customers needs and caters to their requirements.
Weddings are big business. Not only does Fusion Flowers cater for local bridal parties, but also those coming from other parts of the country, as well as overseas, to get married in Rotorua. After browsing the online gallery, Charis will then consult face-to-face with them on Skype. This usually occurs outside of business hours and to fit with the lifestyle of her clients. “I try to make things as easy and simple for them as possible”, she says.
Working alongside mentor Glenn Hawkins of TPK’s Maori Business Facilitation Service, coupled with the support from the Poutama Trust; Charis is thriving as a business owner. She’s achieved all her goals for the year including entering and now being a finalist in the Westpac Rotorua Business Awards, something Charis initially regarded as a daunting prospect. “I discovered it was much easier than I thought, although I didn’t expect to make it as a finalist. To get this close is huge” says Charis.
Fusion Flowers specialises in a large range of fresh flowers, most of which are sourced direct from local NZ growers. The focus is on a high standard of customer service.
1147 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua
fusionflowers@vodafone.co.nz
www.fusionflowers.co.nz (07) 3463420
Urban Maori – Kereama Taepa
Iwi - Ngati Whakaaue me Ngati Pikiao
Kereama Taepa was brought up in a family of accomplished artists and carvers, including his grandmother, Mavis Newland, his brother Ngatai and his father Wi Taepa. Growing up in the studio often found him bone carving and honing his skills with clay so it is no surprise he too ended up in the arts as well.
For the past few years, Kereama has immersed himself in a self-compelled approach to fashion and design through his DIGI Maori fashion collection. The compilation of street fashion and Maori inspired designs utilised cutting edge Augmented Reality software to project digitally enhanced designs onto clothing. This has earned Kereama a first-equal placing for designs at the likes of the Miromoda Indigenous Fashion Fashion Design Awards.
Through his alter ego label Urban Maori www.facebook.com/urbanmaori, Kereama has continued to take an innovative approach to what he calls pure street fusion, which is where design aesthetic of Urbanmaori fuses customary Maori motif with contemporary iconography similar to that you would see on the street or around town. “The idea is that the world around us now is what we live in, and our design should reflect this. It is sometimes beautiful and is also sometimes controversial just like our history” says Kereama.
Whilst also working as a tutor of graphic design at Waiariki Institute of Technology, Kereama has recently teamed up with the Real Tauranga Team working in with Maori2011 to create a range of specialised t-shirts and hooded sweats. www.maori2011.com is a website promoting Maori businesses and featured events across the Tauranga, Taupo, Whakatane and Rotorua regions which has specifically been created for (and beyond) the festive period that is the tournament we “can’t mention”. The t-shirt and hooded sweats design features a ‘Hand on Heart’ image that weaves together the words to the New Zealand National anthem in both English and Māori, with the word Aotearoa highlighted in silver through the middle. Featured on the back is the catch-phrase ‘Part of the Team’ with an image map of New Zealand to capture the spirit of the Cup. The proceeds from each item sold go to supporting Kereama (Urbanmaori) as well as reinvesting into Maori in Tourism Rotorua and Maori2011.com - in an effort to keep promoting the numerous Maori businesses and entities featured on the site.
Ngai Tahu Chairman Mark Solomon continues the journey
Iwi - Ngai Tahu me Ngati Kuri
As part of the Malcolm Murchie & Hikooterangi Hohepa Lecture Series, a number of respected Maori business, political and legal leaders have been presenting a series of free and open to the public presentations touching on a range of issues affecting Māori. The series has included the likes of Judge Stephanie Milroy (Deputy Chair, Waitangi Tribunal), Hekia Parata (National MP) and Mark Solomon (Chairman of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu).
Speaking at Waiariki Institute on 28th September, the recently re-elected chairman Mark Solomon noted it was 13 years (to the day 28/09/1998) that he had been at the head of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu - a role that he enjoys tremendously, both as a responsibility and privilege which has come with its fair share of challenge at times.
In his presentation entitled “How do we as Maori work together – Te mahi tahi a Iwi?” he touched a number of issues, from his own background and coming into the role over a decade ago, to the changing expectations of Iwi and some of the clear macro challenges that face Maori across the country.
One of the first major commercial decisions Mark was involved with was the purchase of the Shotover Jet, which due to timing and share interests could have been purchased at a third of the initial cost less than a month later. As the lesson goes with many major business ventures these days, it took five or so years to improve the operations and replace the equipment - which now sees the Shotover Jet business contribute a healthy bottom line as one of the real stars in Ngāi Tahu’s tourism portfolio. Make no mistake, Ngāi Tahu’s is arguably the country’s largest tourism portfolio and continues to grow with the recent expansion and ownership interests in Rotorua’s Agrodome Leisure and Adventure Park as well as the Lakeland Queen.
Today the Ngāi Tahu members register numbers just under 50,000, up some 20,000 members post settlement. With a settlement of $170 million, the organisation has a focus on maximising cash flow and investment potential through collaboration of all Iwi. “Our drivers” says Mark is “Mo tatau, a, mo ka uri a uri ake nei” or “For us and our children after us”. It’s about an intergenerational approach to social, cultural, environmental and economic well being, that creates win/win situations, changing attitudes for the better and lifting the achievements of young Maori and encouraging up-skilling
With education and crime statistic gaps ever widening between Maori and non-Māori, the challenge is putting in tangible, real world alternatives that see Maori entities and stakeholders take a lead in developing, structuring and partnering solutions that government and others can genuinely understand and buy-into.
Whilst unable to go into any disclosed performance details ahead of the Runanga’s Annual Financial performance figures being presented to the Iwi on Saturday, 1st October 2011 – what Mark was able to disclose was that Ngāi Tahu have had a record year with its best cash return on record – which in the current economic and post-quake environment is a sensational feat.
It is Maori entities and incorporations such as these that will continue to drive and be an active catalyst for improved levels of Maori contribution to New Zealand’s GDP – which is something Poutama seeks to realise in the work and support it offers to Maori business.
Whiri – Keri Wanoa and Hemi Sundgren
Keri Wanoa – Ngati Porou
Hemi Sundgren – Te Ati Awa
WHIRI designs and produces contemporary sculpture, hand carved ethnographic jewellery with its own high street fashion clothing range.
Owned and operated by leading contemporary artist Hemi Sundgren and designer Keri Wanoa, WHIRI was founded in 2005 and has maintained a small operation of apparel, jewellery, sculpture and graphic design. While the heart of the business leans towards design and manufacture of niche market product lines, other key elements to WHIRI are basic spatial design, consultation in Te Reo Maori and ta moko.
Whiri once again participated at this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week with their own solo show, building on its exposure from the last two New Zealand Fashion Weeks.
In meeting with Keri before NZ Fashion week, she was not going to attend this year for various reasons, but was eventually persuaded to attend by the organisers providing sponsorships and with assistance from Poutama.
Although she was getting stressed out with a week to go she did comment that she was more aware of what needs to be done after attending at Fashion Week the previous two years. She said that she has learnt that you have to be proactive with buyers in that “you have to follow them up and not wait for them to call you”
Their show entitled Crossing Generations focused on a unique blend of indigenous inspired design and motifs.
A media commentator reported in regard to their show that “if there was one show that was a true reflection of why New Zealand should be proud of what Fashion Week achieves, this was it.
Whiri goes beyond the norm in today’s fashion world, creating a product that is distinctly New Zealand by taking traditional Maori practices such as carving and weaving, and integrating them with elegant contemporary designs.
The collection itself features a recurring tukutuku like pattern, with lines and paneling often seen in traditional Maori art and architecture, and blends these ideas with modern features such as soft pleating and feminine garment shapes, crossing the generations of New Zealand women.”
To prepare for this year’s show involved “countless hours, sleepless nights a lot of stress and worry” says Keri in “researching, design development, sampling, creating a range, photo shoots etc.”
Once the show was over Keri described it as “possibly our best showing yet, totally worth all the hard work! Relieved it’s over – YES, elated with the reviews - YES, would I do it all again ... probably :)”
The positive outcomes from the show include potential buyers and rave press reviews, dubbed as “Best Newcomer” by Dominion Post Fashion Editor, Caroline Eting. Keri says that “getting business from New Zealand Fashion week is fabulous; but the most important thing is keeping front of mind in the industry and staying true to your design aesthetic”
Keri is appreciative of the assistance Poutama has provided her, she understands how hard it is to break ice in an industry such as the fashion industry where it is very cut throat and not a lot of people are there to help ease the financial burden.
For further information on Whiri visit their website www.whiri.com
Takitimu Indigenous Peoples Business Conference
The Takitimu Indigenous Peoples Business Conference opened the Takitimu Festival at the Hawke's Bay Opera House in Hastings. The main focus of the conference was to foster Joint Venture partnerships in all aspects through a holistic approach physically, spiritually and or emotionally.
The three-day conference ran from September 14 to 16, 2011 which attracted iwi representatives from all over New Zealand, as well as business leaders from the Pacific, China and Canada.
The general themes that emanated from the conference were the need to collaborate and the value of the Maori edge in business.
Chairperson of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, Ngahiwi Tomoana’s quote before and in reference to the conference was “for businesses to learn how they can work together and ..... export opportunities with a Maori edge”.
Te Puni Kokiri CEO Leith Comer was one of the opening speakers and echoed some of these sentiments. He told the conference Maori were the principal traders in New Zealand until the late 1800’s, and said they could be again. He also told the conference that:
- the Maori economy is real and its value is put at $38 billion
- there are iwi authorities who have political power and the need for collaboration and clustering to build economic strength.
- there is a power shift in the global economy to Asia and the Pacific, where English is not the first language and the culture of a people really matters.
There were iwi case studies presented at the conference from Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan, Ngati Ranginui trustee Graham Cameron and Tutehounuku Korako from Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu, on their respective business developments.
Tuku Morgan’s message was about collaboration and spoke about Iwi companies being told to buy State Owned Enterprises to stop the country's major assets being owned by foreign investors. He was noted as saying ‘what are we going to do when the Government sells off State Owned Enterprise’s?
"Well I know that Waikato-Tainui can't buy it by themselves, and even if we joined up with Ngai Tahu we could probably only buy a bit.
"But the smart thing to do is to join together; the smart thing to do is collectivise our economic power and keep those assets in our country."
Mr Morgan said Tainui had made it clear to the Government and the Prime Minister John Key that if there was a move to sell SOEs, it would be "the perfect partner".
Minister of Maori Affairs, Pita Sharples, also presented at the conference and spoke about the Takitimu waka history, impact of recession on Maori, the Economic taskforce and the Maori Economic Strategy. His key messages were:
- The world needs to know about the Maori culture and enterprise – to grow the goods and awareness about it globally needs to increase
- Encouraging Maori to work together
- Collaboration between iwi to look at developing infrastructure
- Education is key to development
- Maori Edge will allow us to gain confidence so Maori can trade overseas
Highlights of the conference were presentations from international visitors including Chinese businessmen Alex Chu and two North American First Nations presenters, Cathy Towtongie from the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc and Josh Littlelight, from Sarcee Economic Development.
Alex Chu has over 35 years experience in the trading, distribution and logistics businesses in Hong Kong, China and other Asian cities. He is the Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited (DCHH). He is currently the member of China Trade Advisory Committee of Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Alex spoke about the challenges and the opportunities of doing business in China. He said relationships are very important to doing business in China he says “to do business in China you need a good friend. I’m a good friend of Māori. I know a lot of good friends here”.
He said that “The Chinese market potential is enormous. Many products will be good for this huge market, e.g. seafood, dairy, meat and honey. Imported products are more attractive. Fresh fruit is also very important. NZ food is good quality and safe”.
He noted the following Challenges in China Trade
- Government regulations, very different to NZ, e.g. Food Safety is a political topic at the moment.
- Fragmented supply chain – China is undergoing a process of Urbanisation and Modernisation.
- Corporate governance
- Credit risk
- Business culture
- Illegal trafficking
The two North American First Nations presenters, Josh Littlelight, and Cathy Towtongie expressed similar views in that although they live thousands of kilometres away from New Zealand but their first trip to Aotearoa this week has presented similarities between their First Nations and Maori cultures.
"Where I come from, our people kiss with our noses and we say yes by raising our eyebrows, we say no by squinting our eyes and noses," Mrs Towtongie said.
Cathy Towtongie is president of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporation, which represents indigenous people in the North West Territories of Northern Canada. It comprises a major portion of Northern Canada and most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
She was one of the First Nations speakers at the Indigenous Peoples Business Conference yesterday along with Josh Littlelight, representing the Tsuutina Nation, in Calgary, Alberta.
Mrs Towtongie is responsible for the incorporation's economic development and every year it looks for investments worldwide of up to $1.2 million.
She said Maori had the power to become a major economic force in the Pacific and to push for better recognition of culture and language.
"You already have political power but now you must take control of economic power to put your people into the working class.
There were also presentations from businesses looking for investors or joint venture opportunities including Xero Accounting CEO Rod Drury who presented on the Pacific Fibre project he’s involved in and George Ormond of Miraka Wairoa in the sustainable robotic milking project he’s involved in.
Full transcripts of some of the presentations can be viewed by clicking on to the following link
Toru Tours Ltd – Paul Fuimaono
Iwi – Ngati Awa, Ngapuhi
Toru Tours was set up in 2008 by Paul Fuimaono and his wife Debbie to provide tours to visitors and travellers to Auckland.
After many years residing overseas and having travelled extensively they wanted to return to Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Having had a long career in retail and experiencing the Rugby World Cup in France, Paul felt he could use his local knowledge of his home town Auckland to benefit special visitors to Aotearoa.
Toru Tours offer fully guided tours to give visitors the best introduction of Auckland and our Maori culture. They focus strongly on manaakitanga and contemporary New Zealand and ensure they get to experience the REAL Aotearoa.
The tours provide an outstanding and unique experience that takes in the fantastic landscapes, nature, great food and wine, storytelling of the local history and Maori cultural experiences.
Paul operates every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day. His tours are for anyone and he will do tours for 1 person or up to 15 people. The maximum is 15 people so he can offer a level of intimacy with the group and everyone gets to have their questions answered.
Paul says “We like to show our visitors the magic of Auckland and our culture. We want to make their tour a trip to remember forever. We want them to come as visitors and leave feeling like whanau.”
The tours are all about seeing, experiencing and learning so there is a high level of interaction with his visitors to ensure they are comfortable and enjoying themselves.
The tour is highly recommended as a ‘first day’ experience for Auckland visitors, giving an in depth look around the city, and highlighting areas of interest which visitors may want to investigate at another time.
For more information see www.torutours.com
Smarter Products Ltd – Darrel Grace
Iwi – Ngati Whakaue
Smarter Products Ltd is the trading company of Darrel Grace – a passionate New Zealander and veteran of 26 years within the building industry.
Darrel has extensive experience and knowledge of the building trades both here and internationally having worked as far afield as London, Japan, Australia and the USA.
For years, Darrel was frustrated and annoyed watching quality hardwood decking deteriorate prematurely due to the traditional drill, nail and punch techniques of deck-building.
Timber expands and contracts naturally which can cause nails and screws to pop and split the timber. They can also rust and the uneven gaps between the decking can diminish the look of a deck.
When Darrel decided to build his own deck at his Titirangi home, he wanted nothing else but a flawless finish so he set out to find a solution. For the last 3 years he has been researching and developing the ultimate solution to building the perfect Kiwi deck.
Since 2008 Darrel has worked on getting the right design, a legal patent and trademark registered, a prototype made and bought the machinery to manufacture – he now produces and manufactures the Shadow Hidden Deck Fasteners.
The Shadow Hidden Deck Fastener is one of the world’s most advanced deck fastening systems. The product is revolutionising the way New Zealanders build their decks by effortlessly creating flawless lines of decking.
Instead of using nails, nylon biscuits are slotted into the side of the decking to give a perfect uniform finish every time.
Since introducing Shadow Hidden Deck Fasteners to the market, the positive response has been massive with Darrel being overwhelmed by the demand for his product.
He has just recently signed a distribution deal with Carters and will be getting his product into their 52 stores throughout New Zealand.
For more information check out – www.shadowdeckfasteners.co.nz
Poutama Out & About during September 2011
Richard Te Hurinui Jones
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I had a great start to September through joining my kids on their school’s 3-day ski camp at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu. The stars were in alignment as it was three days of great weather, lots of snow and hardly any people!! I smoothed back into work early September through kicking off with a busy Poutama bi-monthly board meeting. We had a number of people come in and give updates and presentations on various projects that Poutama has on the go including; investigating the purchase of a food distribution business in Shanghai, China http://en.qiyitang.cn/, a joint marketing venture with Netherlands based tourism business, Travel Essence http://www.travelessence.nl/ and a demonstration by web development company, Tomahawk, of the features on Poutama’s Maori tourism website, Indigenous New Zealand www.inz.maori.nz . September also saw the start of an independent review of Poutama’s operations by the energetic Phil Baldy of Strategic Pulse www.strategicpulse.com. This has been an enjoyable process with all of the Poutama operations team engaging positively with Phil on the review. The intention of the review is to move Poutama from being a ‘good’ organisation to a ‘great’ organisation. September has also seen some of the RWC activities that Poutama is involved in start to kick into gear. The Real Tauranga Festival got off to a good start with the first of a series of two weekend festivals being held. The organising group has done a really good job in getting the festival off the ground and will be well positioned for future events www.realtauranga.co.nz. I caught up with Hayden Pohio from Boosta www.naturescountrygold.co.nz . He has recently returned from Australia where his manuka health bars underwent a blind tasting by representatives of Coles Supermarket chain. The results are looking good for Hayden with Coles wanting to stock his bars. I also caught up with Bill Groves from Ezy Flo Trailers. He has changed his focus from being a manufacturing business to being a design-oriented business. This has meant he can do away with running a business with high overheads to one that is low cost with more of a design and intellectual property focus. I’ve been catching up with various Maori organisations that are what Poutama is terming as lower to middle tier organisations. These organisations are either involved in business activities as a result of treaty settlements or ones that have had long-standing involvement in primary sector activities such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry. My discussions with them have been wide-ranging including talks on future proofing their commercial aspirations, collaborative activities and investment. Poutama believes that the latent potential of such organisations can be unleashed through them working together. It’s easier said than done though and while there are a number of challenges there is also insurmountable opportunity!! |
Tom Manaena
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Been a busy month in sunny Hawkes Bay this month and only ventured out of the area to Wellington for the Board Meeting and for finance and administration stuff. Big event during the month was the Takitimu Indigenous Peoples Business Conference which has been covered in an article in this month’s newsletter. This conference was a prelude to and part of the Takitimu Festival that in itself was a spectacular event. Plenty of events happening in the Bay around the RWC especially when the two games were held here between Canada and France and Canada and Japan. The Hawkes Bay Maori Business Network launched their rugby event www.hbglobalsevens.co.nz to be held on Saturday 15 October with their Undy-one-hundy- run (click following to see article) http://www.attn.co.nz/2011/08/30/undy-one-hundy-gets-attn/ There was also the Rugby, Haka and hangi festival www.rugbyhaka.co.nz that have been happening as part of the rugby as well. Have been meeting with potential clients during the month and working through with them with their applications that are now starting to come through. |
Oscar Nathan
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Having attended a number of regional events and games in Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland, the clear surge in visitor numbers commuting between regional towns has been a welcome sight for many. Making the most of it has been the focus for many of Poutama’s tourism operators, as well as a number of retail and hospitality businesses including; The Pantry Shop (Specialty Delicacies) Fusion Flowers (Florist) The Costume Shop (Buy to own Costumes & Hire) Seismic Gastrobar (Rotorua’s hippest Bar and Restaurant) Za Bar & Pizzeria (Premium beers, wines and Pizzas) Cornerstone Pub (Tauranga’s Place to be bar on the Strand) The Shed Bar (Taupo’s place to be)
Anndion Lodge(Extensive Accomodation and conferencing facilities) Spirit of the River Jet (Cultural adventure experience on the river) Matahiwi Gallery (Home of the River Queen)
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The month of September has been full on, predominantly driven by the excitement and arrival of the Rugby World Cup and the plethora of visitors and business opportunities, games, fan zones and associated events that has come along with it. Whether it was involvement in the production, choreography, performance or coverage of the spectacular opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup 2011, there is no question Maori have been to the fore and played a significant role in ensuring the world knows they have arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
I also spent some time hawking into Tom’s part of the country as part of a tourism mentoring programme aimed at improving the sustainability and competitiveness of businesses in and around the Wanganui River region. It was an informative and enlightening two days and I’d like to put a shout out to some of these operators, so if you are ever in the vicinity be sure to call in say ‘Kia Ora!’ to the following;
The month also saw the launch of a number of activities and ventures, including Ngai Tahu’s purchase into the ownership of the Agrodome and Lakeland Queen, the opening of #1 Queen Street promotion, the HoHo (hop on, hop off bus) in Rotorua as well start of the Real Tauranga Festival. In addition was Ngati Whakaaue’s long awaited indoor extension to their Central Mall complex.
Vonese Walker
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The beginning of the month saw the start of our operational review for the Poutama team which was initially a bit nerve wrecking but also exciting at the same time. After 13 years of working with Poutama, I was a bit apprehensive as to what this would entail but was genuinely looking forward to what will come out of it. Meeting with Phil Baldey for 2 hours sounded exhaustive but the time flew by and I could have kept talking with him for another 2 hours. Personally I’m excited about this review and how it can help me as an individual to improve but also how we as a team operate more effectively and efficiently in what we do. As a follow on from last month’s newsletter, months of hard work and dedication led to the printing and release of the Discover Maori brochure. It’s been a great relief to get Maori tourism operators registered in time for this wonderful resource to go to print in time for Rugby World Cup kick off. In collaboration with Turei and his team at Te Puni Kokiri and other key partners we managed to get 115 Maori tourism and retail operators promoted in this brochure. For those of you who have seen it I’m sure you’ll agree we’ve come up with a great directory of Maori businesses which will be of significant value for the whole tourism industry. You can pick up your copy now at your local i-Site or download an electronic version from the Indigenous New Zealand website - http://www.inz.maori.nz/brochure. With my work on the brochure done, September has been spent working with our web developers in updating and approving registrations on the Indigenous New Zealand website. The aim is for the brochure and website to work alongside each other so several steps have been taken to enable this to happen. Most operators in the brochure also feature on the website, but there are still some operators who need to get registered so if you’re one of those who haven’t, hurry up and register http://www.inz.maori.nz/register to take full advantage of these opportunities. As with any new website, through the registration process with operators we managed to come across bugs and glitches with our system so it was great to catch up with some of you tourism operators who assisted in identifying improvements and adjustments to the site. We are always aiming for excellence so will keep refining this to ensure we have a well streamlined process, professional looking website and a resource that all users find useful. We welcome all feedback, if you have any please send your comments through to me – vonese@poutama.co.nz This month I’ve also been working with our database developer on improving our systems and online application process. Some of you have already made use of the new online application form and with our operational review currently taking place; it’s been good timing for us to re-evaluate these. Some improvements include moving our systems to the cloud, better use of technology for our clients, improving our application process and management of our database systems. Finally Richard and I had the pleasure of attending Mika’s Aroha Mardi Gras in Takutai Square at Britomart. The town was a buzz; just walking from our meetings with clients to the event was exciting, tourists on every corner, French supporters walking proudly around the streets, people everywhere! And what a Mardi gras it was...we were lucky enough to be hosted by Ernst & Young first off in their new building and then sat in the VIP section to watch the show. WOW – your typical Mika show, full of colour, risqué costumes, culture and vibrance! Kapai Mika on a great night of entertainment! To find out more info check out – www.mika.co.nz |
Cool-with-a-capital-C
Come and celebrate the Maori Business Expo with some of the businesses from the COOLEST CAPITAL in the World - as voted by Lonely Planet 2011. Download registration form (PDF - 1MB)
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Contact Us
Tom Manaena, Commercial Manager (Tom@poutama.co.nz 021 538 838 or 04 495 1132 ) - Tom is responsible for the finance, investment and accounting side of the business and also spends a lot of time out on the road covering the lower North Island, Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Central and Upper South Island regions. He also deals with clients at all levels and in all sectors.
Vonese Walker, Information Manager (Vonese@poutama.co.nz 021 683 681 ) - Vonese covers the Northland, Auckland and lower North Island regions. She deals with clients at all levels and in all sectors. Vonese also manages Poutama’s database and tourism website and is responsible for designing and improving Poutama’s service delivery to clients.
Gail Maxwell, Office Manager (Gail@poutama.co.nz 021 375 090 or 04 473 2652 ) - Gail is often the first point of contact for Poutama clients. She also supports Tom with the accounting function and provides back up to all of the team and board of trustees.
Richard Jones, CEO (Richard@poutama.co.nz 021 619 075 or Skype richtj ) - Richard focuses on strategic matters as concerns Poutama’s activities and also deals with clients at all levels and in all sectors. He has a particular focus on International business activities and liaises closely with Maori exporters. Richard also has responsibility for producing Poutama’s online newsletter and communications. Feel free to make contact with him with any relevant information or networking events for publication in the newsletter.
