September Newsletter
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September 2011
- Greetings from the Poutama Whanau
- Rugby World Cup 2011 highlights
- Ngati Ruanui Moves into Tourism
- Ataahua Day Spa – Hana Snowden
- Natures Country Gold – Pohio Whanau
- The Little Tyre Shop – Jason van Maanen
- Kiri Nathan Ltd – Kiri Nathan
- Korero with Hemi Rolleston – CEO Te Awanui Huka Pak Ltd
- Marketing 101 – Don't take customers for fools
- Poutama Out & About during July/August
- DoL – Employers Information for RWC 2011
- Contacts
Greetings from the Poutama Whanau
Its been another busy and exciting two months for the Poutama whanau and time has just flown. Shortly the Rugby World Cup will be upon us and we’re excited with the RWC projects that we have been working on. The organisers of these activities have put a lot of time and effort into them so we hope that if you are in the Wellington, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland regions you will get along to these events. There’s a great variety of things happening and the really cool thing is that they are organised and managed by Maori for Maori as well as for the many visitors from overseas and within Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Our September newsletter features a whole lot of businesses that Poutama is supporting. The types of activities that Maori businesses are up to is truly inspiring from the small owner-operator to the larger collectives. Who would of thought that Maori owned milk tankers are delivering milk to a Maori owned milk processing plant or that an award winning fashion designer will be exhibiting at New Zealand’s premier fashion show or that iwi are reclaiming their maunga in a number of different ways.
There is so much going on in the Maori business world that it makes our heads spin yet most of it is below the radar and then all of sudden it pops up, like Taitokerau iwi collaborating to doing a deal with the Chinese to get broadband into their rohe. Collaboration is helping to unfold the latent potential that exists within Maoridom be it a group of tourism operators banding together to capture an opportunity or a collective of farms leveraging stock numbers to get a better deal. A key focus of Poutama over the coming years will be to harness the power of collaboration, cooperation and collectivity among Maori and spread it to include non-Maori and other nationalities. TEAM – together everyone achieves more!!
Don’t forget Poutama is always on the lookout for articles about Maori business for its newsletter so don’t be shy to write something up, stick in a few photos and fire it off to us for inclusion in our future newsletters, we would love to hear from you.
Happy Reading.
Rugby World Cup 2011 highlights
Tribal Rugby Festival, Rotorua 2011
Tribal Rugby Festival Rotorua is a three day event celebrating Maori Rugby, Culture, Arts and Cuisine. It kicks off with the Kia Ora Challenge Day where rugby fans, visitors and locals will assemble on the Village Green to be welcomed in the traditional Maori way before competing and enjoying some great rugby focused activities.
You can try out Ki-o-rahi (Maori rugby) along with other Maori sports, test your rugby skills or learn the haka. Grab a spot on the sideline and watch teams compete to perform the best international version of the haka or enjoy the Maori market stalls, food and beverages.
The next day is Kia Ora Entertain which starts at 3pm on the Village Green. NZ Sports Academy teams from around the country will compete in an exhibition game showcasing the emerging talent of Maori rugby. Referee is former Maori All Black, Chief and Saracens player Glen Jackson. After the game make your way to the Rotorua Convention Centre to enjoy the best New Zealand cuisine and entertainment at MANAAKITANGA – The Maori Food and Wine Culture Evening.
The MANAAKITANGA Maori Food and Wine Evening lets you taste the flavours of New Zealand with specialty dishes created by celebrity chefs Pete Peeti, Charles Royal, Rewi Spraggon and more. Succulent Kawakawa chicken, wild venison kebabs, smoked eel on rewana, Cloudy Bay clams, hangi and much more.
Enjoy wine from two of New Zealand’s best Maori vineyards and a range of NZ beers.
Share rugby stories with legends of the game Buck Shelford, Hika Reid, Taine Randall, Ron Cribb, Frano Botica, Matt Te Pou and many more. Relax and be entertained by top New Zealand performers. The evening event commences at 5pm with entry by ticket only.
The final day of the festival - Kia Ora Celebrate is a chance to be part of Rotorua’s biggest street party, bringing together international visitors and locals to celebrate our culture in a festive atmosphere. Be entertained by community groups, kapa haka, local and national bands. Wander through the Maori market, sing along and dance in the street.
For further information check out - www.tribalrugby2011.com or www.maori2011.com. Tickets for the MANAAKITANGA Maori Food and Wine Evening are on sale now, $30 per adult – 18 years and over only, tickets are limited so get in now! Contact info@nzsportsacademy.co.nz.
Mika’s Aroha Mardi Gras, 23 September, Takutai Square at Britomart
AROHA Mardi Gras is a festive carnival. It’s original, outrageous and diverse. Filmed for a one-off TV Special and featuring the who’s who of sport, television and music.
The event is a Mika Haka Foundation project – outrageous, eye-opening and extremely entertaining.
AROHA Mardi Gras is a flamboyant extravaganza that shows off Auckland, in all its magical diversity to the world!
Featuring an all-star cast, AROHA Mardi Gras is created by Mika, a captivating entertainer and original New Zealand Maori artist who’s not afraid to cross boundaries.
Commissioned for the REAL New Zealand Festival and Rugby World Cup 2011, AROHA Mardi Gras is a distinctly 21st century Maori experience, combining the myriad of cultures that now call Aotearoa home.
AROHA in Britomart reunites for the only time all Mika Haka Foundation performers who have been training all year for this magical night. Jay Taweke’s KA400 kids and the Queens of K Rd will join the multi-cultural, multi-coloured vibrant array of artists and performers.
The show will feature Japanese Taiko drummers, Tongan brass band, Bollywood and Polynesian dancers – with traditional Maori kapa haka crews and the techno-inspired Haka Punks.
There will also be a fashion and creative fusion act featuring rising star Kiri Nathan’s work. Set in the rocks of Britomart fountain showing her haute couture designs with makeup designed by Phoenix Cosmetics in a hybrid of art house, with hair by VADA in a fashion beats and catwalk strut and special spoken word by Rena Owen and Keisha Castle-Hughes.
Played out over one unforgettable evening, this multi cultural carnival will also feature well-known pop singers, local 1st XV rugby teams, and a scrum pack of ex-All Blacks, former Olympians and many of New Zealand’s favourite celebrities. For further information check out - www.mika.co.nz.
Real Tauranga Festival
The REAL Tauranga Festival is an interactive festival that promotes and highlights the unique characteristics of the Bay of Plenty and its people.
At an informal gathering of local Maori in Business in September 2010 discussions were held to what was happening in Tauranga during RWC2011. This group approached council to see what was happening. The local council (Tauranga City Council) had at that stage no plans to develop opportunities for business for the Tauranga community let alone Maori in business or Local Iwi, Hapu or marae. From these discussions the Real Tauranga Festival Trust was formed by a small group of Tauranga Maori businesses. It consists of Amy Porter (Cornerstone Pub and Za Bar) Howard James (Muffin Break) and Aaron McCallion (Waka Digital).
Tauranga may have missed out on hosting Rugby World Cup 2011 games, but during the Cup period The Strand, perfectly situated in the centre of town beside the sea, will be humming with activity. This is where the REAL Tauranga Festival will showcase the Bay of Plenty people and region in a programme of music, fashion, art, culture, food, sport, children’s activities and charity events — a rich variety of events to engage the local community and international visitors.
The festival is made up of four zones to make it easy for you to have a great experience.
Entertainment Zone
A stage area featuring concerts and gigs by national and local performers.
Bar & Restaurant Zone
An area reserved for live acts, food and interactive events.
Family Zone & Exhibition Area
An area providing activities and displays for children, families, community groups and local business. You’ll find everything from local mythology and storytelling, buskers, art and craft stalls and school performances to Maori carving, Kapa Haka, Waka ama, art exhibitions, sports displays, wood choppers and fire service demonstrations.
Interactive Tourism Zone
Blo-kart/Helicopter/ferry/jet-boat – action for all ages.
The Real Tauranga Festival Objectives are to;
- Create a festival atmosphere during the Rugby World Cup
- Foster community engagement
- Showcase Maori Culture
- Showcase Tauranga city
Check it out at www.realtauranga.co.nz
Ngati Ruanui Moves into Tourism
The South Taranaki iwi of Ngati Ruanui has taken its first steps into the tourism sector by purchasing and redeveloping the iconic Stratford Mountain House. The Mountain House is based in Ngati Ruanui district nestled on the eastern slopes of Maunga Taranaki and offers a high standard in accommodation and food, targeted at locals, visitors and corporate groups, with reasonably priced food of a very high standard.
The Mountain House was purchased in June 2010 by Ngati Ruanui Holdings Operating Corporation, the investment arm of the iwi. Work on the redevelopment began in September that year and after extensive renovations the doors re-opened in February 2011.
In addition to the cultural and historical imperatives of being associated with the Maunga, the purchase of the Mountain House has provided a direct investment opportunity with a multiplier effect that will be realised locally.
“Ngati Ruanui are ecstatic at the purchase of the Stratford Mountain House,” says Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Chairperson of Ngati Ruanui Holdings Corporations Ltd.
“Purchasing the Mountain House means Ngati Ruanui have an opportunity to develop a commercially sustainable, high quality and authentic Taranaki tourism experience for all. And importantly not only develop an ecomomc profile locally but internationally as well.”
The Mountain House is a fully licenced café/restaurant with a state-of-the-art new kitchen and two top class chefs, one of whom, Kara Te Wiki is an uri. The Mountain House has eight double rooms, a twin room and a family room. All rooms have en-suites with spa bath, television, tea making facilities, own access and parking, and are handy to the café and restaurant.
It has been a great success and exceeded expectations with engagements right up to the christmas period, bookings are necessary. In the future, it is envisaged that the members of the iwi will be active in the tourism, food and hospitality industry by being involved in the operation of the business, including guided walks and cultural experiences.
www.stratfordmountainhouse.co.nz
Ataahua Day Spa – Hana Snowden
Iwi – Te Rarawa, Ngati Porou
Ataahua Day Spa is a Sole Proprietorship owned by Hana Snowden and has been trading since May 2005 in central Lower Hutt city. Hana has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years and earlier in her career managed two large inner city salons. Prior to that, she worked as a supervisor in the Wellington School of Beauty Therapy now known as Elite International.
Ataahua Day Spa is engaged in the personal care and beauty industry offering a range of massages in a variety of styles - traditional Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue work, Hot stone Massage, Reflexology, Sports, Pregnancy and others. They also offer facial and body treatments, like UMF Manuka Honey Facials, Lavender Body Polishes, Manicure and Pedicure, unwanted hair removal through electrolysis or waxing and others. Ataahua also offers a full retail line that complements the services menu. Products included are high-end cosmetics, creams and other beauty products.
Hana Snowden has a laugh when she recounts how she got into beauty therapy. “I rebelled at a young age and ignored any suggestion from my mother to study beauty therapy. I was always doing my friends’ make-up and shaping their eyebrows while we were at school, so that was part of the reason why people thought I would naturally pursue it as a career.
“I was working in administrative jobs but it’s funny how you end up in something that leads to where you are meant to be, because I ended up doing administration work at a beauty school!
“I finally decided to just do it and enrolled as a beauty therapy student. My mum was right; it did come naturally and I found the courses quite easy. I got my qualifications and headed out into the workforce where I worked and managed various beauty salons, but I still felt like I wasn’t following my own dream.
“It was then that I decided to open my own day spa. I wanted to create something that was unique, so I created a salon with a Maori theme. In other words, I blended the old with the new.”
Poutama provided Hana assistance to participate in a marketing and mentoring program that has seen her business grow and grow. Through the program Hana has realised the value of working ‘on’ her business instead of ‘in it’.
Hana could spend an hour or 2 putting together her marketing campaigns that would bring her in lots of customers as well as thousands of dollars, instead of being in a treatment room making 50 bucks for a waxing appointment.
The growth in turnover and customers has allowed her the freedom to make the decision to pull herself ‘off the tools’ once and for all. She set a date and told all her customers that she was a business owner, not a beauty therapist and would be handing her clients over to an employee. Not that being a beauty therapist or stylist is a bad thing. Rather being the owner of your business is a better thing, instead of being an employee/slave to it!
Hana has certainly come a long way in her time in business, and she plans to keep on progressing. “I am still young in regards to my business but I do have a vision for my business and that is to become a franchise. It may take a little longer than expected but I have strong faith in God and a son that motivates me to keep going.”
For more information on Ataahua Day Spa check out their website www.ataahuadayspa.co.nz
Natures Country Gold – Pohio Whanau
Adrian Pohio’s fascination with beekeeping began after he was approached by a neighbour to help with their beekeeping for 3 weeks. He made it known that he knew very little about beekeeping as he was from a farming background, but was willing to help.
This lead to Adrian and his wife Lania spending the next 18 months learning about the industry. They planned six months in the UK and on returning to NZ they purchased 110 hives. In 2006 the crop from these hives was harvested giving them 6 tonne of honey made up of Manuka, Rewarewa and a Multiflora. They intended to sell it in bulk until an elderly, experienced beekeeper sampled each variety and commented on the superb taste. This prompted them to pack their own label. They developed and registered a brand, had labels printed and were ready to sell to the public.
The recently opened Hamilton Farmers Market was keen to accept them as they did not have anyone selling honey. They purchased a gazebo and all the kit necessary to run a stall and off they went to their first market in April 2006. They sold out on that first day! This was a good indication that customers appreciated a quality product.
With that exposure they received invites to attend Markets & Festivals throughout the country. It proved a worthwhile exercise selling direct to the customer; it helped build their brand and gave credibility to the company. There were few costs associated with setting up and not once did they advertise. All articles written were by people approaching them. The markets were great for cash flow allowing them to expand hive numbers rapidly.
Their son Hayden, a Food Technologist, returned from his OE in the UK and was excited about the qualities that Manuka Honey possesses. Encouraged by Adrian and Lania to develop a product using their honey and his skills he set about developing an energy bar. Using a recipe that he enjoyed in his childhood, adding manuka honey and other natural ingredients, the Manuka Boosta bar was created. The bar was perfected with feedback from customers and is now sold throughout NZ and abroad. In 2010 Hayden formed his own company called Boosta Ltd with Natures Country Gold holding a 50% share.
The Pohios have continued to expand hive numbers and now have around 1000. They have employed a permanent staff member for the first time, making life easier for Adrian. Students are employed at harvest time and that works well. 90% of their honey is sold to NZ exporters with the remainder at the weekly Farmers Market and annual festivals.
Lania has recently developed an all natural Beeswax Furniture & Leather Polish which will be retailed soon. A new website is planned this year with e-commerce, making ordering more streamlined.
Throughout their journey they have had ongoing support from Poutama for which they are most appreciative.
Enquiries to lania@naturescountrygold.co.nz or visit their website: www.naturescountrygold.co.nz
The Little Tyre Shop – Jason van Maanen
Iwi – Ngati Kahungunu
The Little Tyre Shop is a small business owned and managed by Jason van Maanen based in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. The business has been trading for 10 years within the tyre fitting industry providing new and used tyre products, specialist tyres and tyre services such as repairs and callouts.
Jason has over 20 years experience in the industry and as he says “I went into buy a tyre for my car and ended up with a job as well”. Jason stayed with the Budget Tyre Centre off and on for nearly ten years and ended up managing the Hastings Branch.
Jason started his business in 2001 after having a dream. “I had a dream about my business and the next morning I got up and wrote a five page business plan on my business idea” says Jason.
“My dream was to start a mobile tyre servicing business and the plan that I wrote included all the steps I needed to do to start the business including all the equipment required.”
“I even dreamt that I had a mobile Eftpos machine which weren’t available then but through the internet managed to find someone who was supplying them. When the guy asked me how I found out about them as they were new to NZ, he didn’t believe me when I said I dreamt about it”
“I had no money, but got the Enterprise Allowance from WINZ that enabled me to buy a truck for $1,500 off Trade Me. The equipment I got on lease to buy. I got a credit card from three banks that gave me money to buy stock of tyres and cover other costs. Man I sweated as to how I was going to pay the credit cards when due but thankfully managed to do so.”
“I started out as a mobile tyre service but I found that I got more business when I parked up on the side of the road. There was a building for sale down Heretaunga Street that had a car park so I enquired with the owner and leased that for $50 a week. That took my sales from $100 a day to $1,000 a day. I stayed there until Radio Kahungunu bought the building then moved to two other sites before locating here.”
“Most of my customers are the average person driving past and most have become regular customers. They are good customers to have as they pay cash. I provide tyres for fleet vehicles, car yards, mechanics, builders, plumbers, businesses ... and most of these are on credit so I have those hassles. “
“The last couple of years have been tough and I had to lay off staff. Things are coming right and have hired a person part-time.”
“Sometimes I wonder if I would be better off getting a job as being in business is 24/7, no holidays, on call on public holidays and long week-ends and you get a regular income.”
“Despite these negatives at least I am answerable to myself with nobody looking over my shoulder. I am able to feed my family, pay off our house and have a few ‘toys’ like my cars, my Harley”
For more information on The Little Tyre Shop their contact details are email thelittletyreshop@xtra.co.nz, Phone (06) 870 7385 Mobile (021) 527 772
Kiri Nathan Ltd – Kiri Nathan
Iwi – Ngapuhi, Tainui
Kiri Nathan was raised in Glen Innes, Auckland and educated at Tamaki College and Glendowie College. She furthered her tertiary education under Kim Fraser and Deborah Crowe and studied a three year diploma in Visual Arts, majoring in Fashion at MIT.
Kiri is a New Zealand based designer dedicated to producing gowns of elegance and sophistication supported by feminine fashion-forward collections. She designs a range of elegant eveningwear, inspired by innovative styling, versatility of fabrics and uniquely Maori influences.
The label Kiri Nathan is a reflection of her Maori and European cultures. Kiri’s gowns combine contemporary fabrics and glamour with traditional techniques.
Kiri says “It is my intention to respectfully draw inspiration from my ancestors and their timeless lessons, and then transition these beautiful crafts into a present form. I pay particular attention to detailing through smocking, pleating, hand appliqué and beading and blend it with traditional raranga (weaving) in contemporary media, particularly Korowai (Maori cloak). I believe in clean cuts, creative and innovative pattern drafting and maximising the versatility of my fabrics”.
Kiri has won numerous fashion competitions over the last decade including the New Zealand Smokefree Awards, New Zealand Wearable Arts Awards, Miromoda Fashion Awards, Villa Maria Cult Couture, the Supreme Award at Creative Youth Awards and the coveted Supreme Award at Westfield Style Pasifika – New Zealand’s most prestigious fashion competition.
In 2009 she went on to win Best Emerging Designer with her collection at Miromoda Fashion Awards, followed closely by a showing at Air New Zealand Fashion Week. After a successful showing the label Kiri Nathan was launched in 2010.
As a new designer and a relatively new business, Kiri has set some realistic goals and targets to focus on.
Quality craftsmanship and innovative styling are her strong points. Kiri focuses on client engagement and gaining an understanding of her customers’ requirements and then provides outstanding work and service.
Kiri has been working on a specific range that will be profiled during Rugby World Cup 2011 as part of Mika’s AROHA Mardi Gras to be held September 23 at Britomart, Auckland. The show will include a fashion and creative fusion in the rocks of Britomart fountain mixing the haute couture designs of Kiri Nathan and other Maori artists.
Mika is also a longstanding client of Poutama; he has been mentoring Kiri and wants to expose her talents to his wide range of networks in the fashion and entertainment industries. He sees huge potential in Kiri and her work and will help in developing her to become a world class designer!
For more information on Kiri check out her website – www.kirinathan.com
Korero with Hemi Rolleston – CEO Te Awanui Huka Pak Ltd
Te Awanui Huka Pak is one of the Bay of Plenty’s true success stories and a model for any Maori owned entity aspiring to position itself strategically as a supply integrated Maori enterprise.
Proudly at the helm is CEO Hemi Rolleston (Ngai Te Rangi, Tauranga Moana) a man who is passionate about what the entity has achieved and the opportunities it is creating long-term for his people. Prior to starting with Huka Pak, Hemi graduated from Waikato University and spent a number of years with the Tauranga Council, also completing some post grad ACA papers as well.
In terms of scale, the business has gone through a significant transformation of late due to a major collaboration deal. With a collective investment of approximately $150 million in orchards, harvest and Zespri shares, the deal also includes a collaborative agreement to enter into new and emerging markets. Down scaled from 400 to 5 staff, the majority of the workforce has remained and is contracted through Seeka, which includes pickers, packers and other workforce.
When asked about the challenges facing the company and sector, Hemi is clear there is one significant issue that the industry simply has to manage its way through as best it can - and that is PSA. Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (known as Psa or batteriosi) is a bacterial disease that affects kiwifruit vines. Whilst it poses no risks to humans the disease impacts the health and viability of the plant and is spread by airborne spores, meaning it is easily spread by heavy rain, strong winds, animals and humans.
Other challenges according to Hemi are creating good structures and environments whereby their people can actively lift their game, with more of their own adopting good business models and removing any inherent sense of complacency by being proactive and ambitious through making the collective model even stronger. With no debt and a real ability to structure a long-term, inter-generational model; the business is seeking to become globally sharper, leaner and more influential in the years ahead.
In terms of opportunities, the business is premised on ensuring it stays PSA free – which is something that very much underpins the entire Kiwifruit industry. Beyond that reality, the opportunity is about putting action to the aspiration of “orchard to the globe”, with effective and efficient growing, post-harvest and distribution channels all coming together to create a dominant player that is globally sustainable.
In 3 years time, Hemi’s view of success is being; PSA free, with high returning orchards and having the best people – ideally our own, taking product to market and having a strong global footprint. “Underpinning the financial and market success will be our people, because this is all about the journey for us and it is how we bring our people along on this journey that will enrich us ultimately” says Hemi.
Integrating our people into what it is we do and how this can be something they can be proud of is a powerful thing. Tamariki doing biology and referring to their own Iwi business as a case example, kaumatua accompanying our delegations offshore cementing relationships based on more than just business – these are the things that make our models as a Maori enterprise different. Asia remains a significant opportunity for us and we are fortunate that culturally we connect on so many levels – over and above the provision of quality product to market.
Marketing 101 – Don't take customers for fools
An insight article from Poutama Adviser Oscar Nathan
With significant opportunity comes risk and that’s when the trade off between calculating that risk and simply throwing caution to the wind comes into play. The past few weeks in terms of brand association and marketing will prove to be a useful case study for many people in business – particularly in the department of what not to do when it comes to short changing customer intelligence and loyalty.
Recent marketing blunders by Adidas and Telecom – both significant sponsors to our beloved All-Blacks have been a classic case in point. Here’s a national past-time, bred into each and every All Black supporter, with that resplendent occasion called “the event we can’t mention” right on our doorstep and they literally bugger it up just short of the line - hopefully the team themselves won’t take any lead from the antics of their sponsors.
Sometimes corporate sponsors should just hand over the sponsorship money and leave their clients alone. In the case of the All Blacks, it’s surprising they haven’t come out with branded toothpaste given every other time you turn on the television, the boys are slurping, running, posing in briefs or applying some form of under-arm deodorant as a result of one form of corporate endorsement or the other. In today’s advertising market, you could all but accept this sort of carry on is the norm, but when it comes on the back of the Kiwi fans being told that in the case of the All Black Jersey for instance – its fine for you to pay more because you don’t mind paying it – something’s not right.
Far too often today, advertisers and marketers forget rule number one – respect the customer. Create something that we can relate to and empathise with and the rest will take care of itself. Perfect case in point is the current Steinlager advertisements that feature the retro white can from the 80’s. Last time I checked Steinlager wasn’t an official sponsor of that event, but do I really care? The advertiser in this instance found something that resonates (albeit I was in the 4th form in 1987) because many of us can connect in some way with the roller coaster since that has been the anticipation and heartache – but it is about respecting that comes with being loyal.
As for the Abstain for the Game campaign, I think that one speaks for itself. What’s most unfortunate about that is I was at a conference in Tauranga the other week and ex-Wallaby commentator and writer Peter Fitzsimons had flown in to address the gathered crowd. With a wry smile on his face and bandana on his head, he looked at the audience and said – ‘I really can’t understand you Kiwi’s, just when we think have you figured out you go and confuse us again’, he says. ‘At a time when you are being told to abstain for the All-Blacks, I can tell you in no uncertain terms, that us Aussies will be ‘xxxxxx’ (something that rhymes with tooting) for the Wallabies!’
Koina - I rest my case!
Poutama Out & About - July / August
Tom Manaena
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Me tipi haere ahau around the motu this month. Went down to Wakatu (Nelson) and visited businesses that we have been working with; some new, some not so new. Located in Wakatu Estate is one of the not so new, Andre Slierendrecht from Triple One Care www.tripleonecare.co.nz that started as an idea 11 years ago and now grown to have branches in Auckland and Christchurch; franchises in Blenheim and Bay of Plenty and looking to have agents in Westport and Queenstown. The business provides first aid training, first aid kits so if you need any of these visit their website. Across the road from Andre is Warren and Debbie Burrows from Power Signs Nelson www.powersigns.co.nz altough a relatively new Poutama client, has been in business for 20 years doing signwriting, signage, signs, advertising and can be contacted on their website if you are needing their services. Down the road in Stoke; called in to visit another long time client Susan Piket from the Barbican Training Centre www.barbicantrainingcentre.com that provides business training and advisory services. Susan is also the contact in the region for the TPK, Business Facilitation Service. Called in to see Pip Brewerton-Mitchell at her recently opened clinic located in Stoke. Pip is an ear nurse specialist so if you have a problem with your taringa, call Pip on (027) 722 0384. My last visit in Wakatu was Mark French from Marketing Essentials www.marketingessentials.co.nz a promotional marketing consultant. Visit their website if you are looking for marketing solutions for your business. Recently spent a couple of days in Whanganui/Taranaki visiting current clients and potential clients along with Keria Ponga from TPK, BFS. Paula Wade paula.theedge@xtra.co.nz based in Whanganui is one of our current clients and has two shops there; The Edge Beauty Studio and Top Drawer Lingerie and is combining both shops at one location where you can get a beauty treatment and finish it off by purchasing lingerie. Anita Haami from Image Hair Design (06) 765 4441 is a new Poutama client and is based in Stratford for those needing their hair ‘done’. Keri Wanoa from Whiri Design www.whiri.com will be attending NZ Fashion Week for a third time and this time will have her own show. Jack Rangiwahia rangiwahia@xnet.co.nz a long time Poutama client has recently returned from China where he has been investigating potential business opportunities. The Hawkes Bay Maori Business Network recently held a launch of their updated business directory and website www.tepunapakihi.co.nz. As we go to print as part of the upcoming rugby celebrations they will be launching the Global Supporters Sevens Tournament www.hbglobalsevens.co.nz to be held 14 October with the Undy One Hundy Run on 26 August. The network holds fortnightly breakfast meetings alternating between Napier and Hastings. The Battle 4 Life 2011 Charity Boxing Show was held at the Hastings Sports Centre on 27 August with Henry Heke from TPK being one of the combatants taking part. |
Richard Te Hurinui Jones
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At the end of June I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of Tohu Wines newest product ‘Rewa’ Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2009. Its a very nice drop and a welcome addition to the Tohu Wines range www.tohuwines.co.nz/page/news.aspx?news=1633 July & August have flown by and so much has happened. Whilst travel is part of the job I did get to spend a fair amount of time working from home which is always enjoyable. Nevertheless in early July I travelled to Blenheim with lawyer colleague Simon Karipa to meet with Issac Piper from Cloudy Bay Clams www.cloudybayclams.com . Simon and I went to visit Issac to discuss how Maori could get involved with Issac’s business either by way of investment or through quota. Of course we had to do a lot of market research on the clams even managed to slip in a few succulent oysters!! We had a full on Poutama board meeting in Wellington which was held at NZ Trade & Enterprise where we got to have a session with the new NZTE CEO Peter Chrisp. It was great to hear from Peter what NZTE’s plans are particularly around their engagement with Maori and willingness to work with Poutama. Whilst in Wellington I spent time with the Whakatohea Maori Trust Board at NIWA’s research facility at Mahanga Bay. We were there to look at their work on breeding sea cucumber which both Whakatohea and Wakatu Inc are working on with the Chinese. While at NIWA I couldn’t help notice their paua and fish breeding facilities espeacially those paua!! The NIWA people must have noticed my eyeing the paua up as they gave me some ‘samples’ to take home! We had a Poutama planning session in Rotorua which was all about aligning our efforts with our strategic direction and annual business plan. With so much happening in the world of Maori business there is a need to temper our enthusiasm and excitement with a dose of pragmatism and a need to focus. Still the Poutama team are commited and passionate about helping Maori business to realise their dreams and aspirations. But just to make sure we are doing the right thing Poutama has initiated an independent review of its operations. Hopefully the review will highlight areas for improvement as well as confirm that we are heading in the right direction with our efforts. Rotorua seems to be a regular stop over as I was back there again for the Maori Accountants Hui a Tau www.nkmoa.co.nz . This was a well attended event with some great speakers and a great opportunity for catching up with people. Accountants are an interesting lot, some are even entertaining!! I spent a day in the Whanganui and Taranaki regions where I caught up with Ngati Apa’s Grant Huwyler www.ngatiapa.iwi.nz to discuss what they are doing with their Treaty Settlement and areas of cooperation with other Iwi entities. Also met up with Ngati Ruanui Holdings Ltd Director, Debbie Packer www.ruanui.co.nz . Debbie is an enthusiastic person who is keen to drive Ngati Ruanui’s development and is also keen on cooperating with other Iwi entities. I also visited Ngati Ruanui’s tourism acquisition the ‘Mountain House’ on the slopes of Mt Taranaki. Nice place in a very cool setting and I don’t just mean the snow that surrounded the facility!! Whilst in Hawera I caught up with RABO Bank Manager, Brad Tatere and discussed their involvement in Maori agri-business development. The idea of taking Waka Maori to Los Angeles for 2012 Matariki Celebration took another small step forward when I met with Auckland City Council’s International Relations team. They are enthusiastic about improving the Sister City relationship between Auckland and Los Angeles and see the Matariki Celebration and Waka Maori as a unique way of advancing the relationship as well as promoting NZ trade with the USA. I also caught up with Ngati Whatua Corporate CEO Tiwana Tibble to discuss taking Waka Maori to Los Angeles. Ngati Whatua are keen to see the Waka used for other activities. Who knows, if it works for Los Angeles then there is no reason why it can’t be used as a promotional venue in Shanghai, London and Moscow http://ngati-whatua.dev.96black.co.nz/contact.html. Myself along with Whakatohea Maori Trust Board General Manager, Dickie Farrar, were recently appointed to the Bay of Connections Governance Group www.bayofconnections.com/ as the Group’s Maori representatives. The Bay of Connections is an overarching group with representatives from the Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane and Opotiki District Council’s Economic Development sections. The group is working on a number of economic development strategies in sectors such as energy, forestry, supply chain, broadband, aquaculture and agriculture. All of these sectors cut across areas of Maori economic development and our aim is to have strong Maori input and involvement in the sectors and the strategies that are being developed. After a long absence I finally got to re-visit Christchurch, their new airport terminal is great and a testament to the spirit of the City. Christchurch even gave a 4.2 shake to welcome me. I was in Christchurch to meet with a collective of cycle trails that includes; Alps2Ocean, Around the Mountains Queenstown, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Hauraki Rail Trail and the one Poutama is involved with, the Pureora Timber Trail. The Pureora Timber Trail has a collective of eight Maori land trusts working with DoC to secure business opportunities from the Pureora trail. The five trails have come together in an agreement to cooperate in areas such as marketing, cross selling of each other and the development of an online booking system. There are some experienced business operators within the group with some already involved in rail trail businesses. The cooperation between the trails is a first and offers first mover advantage in terms of a collective rail trail group and of course economies of scale for such things as the bulk purchase of bikes. In addition there's the sharing of customer information and a reducation in costs for participating in trade fairs such as TRENZ, Melbourne Round the Bays, Sydney Travel & Adventure Show, Field-days and AMP Shows in Christchurch and Hawkes Bay. Some of the trails will be open later this year while others like Pureora are scheduled to be up and running by March 2012. You can check the progress on these trails and others at this website www.nzcycletrail.com . I attended the monthly Awhina Group meeting. Awhina is made up of a number of Central North Island Maori farms including; Wairarapa Moana, Tuaropaki, Waiapapa, Tauhara Moana, Opepe, Te Putahitanga, Tiroa & Te Hape, Paiaka Lands, Hauhungaroa and Te Awahohounu. The group as a collective has significant sheep, cattle and dairy holdings as well as venison, horticulture, geothermal and tourism activities. Some of the group are also shareholders and suppliers to the Maori milk processing plant Miraka www.miraka.co.nz . I thought it was rather cool and hard case that Miraka has named its milk tankers after some of the farms.
What the Awhina Group demonstrates though is the collective power of working together. Already the Awhina Group is being courted by various meat processors, fertiliser companies, livestock agents and equipment suppliers who all see the power that is within the group. At the same time the Awhina Group has the ability to negotiate favourable terms and deals through the power of collectivity. The aim of Awhina is to spread its wings beyond the Central North Island and get other regions with a strong Maori agri-business presence involved, Mauri Ora! Finally a big mihi to the efforts of three Taitokerau iwi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Whatua and Whaingaroa who have formed Taitokerau Networks. They secured Chinese cash to help bankroll an $8.5 million Maori-owned fibre-optic network connecting Auckland and Whangarei. The 165-kilometre "Northern Network" broadband link could be the first of many instances where Chinese finance and expertise is used to help fibre-up New Zealand. Taitokerau Networks had sought funding from New Zealand investors but they had wanted an equity stake in the network, rather than leaving total ownership with iwi. They expect to repay the debt in four years and reinvest revenues from the network in more wireless and fibre links in the north and to achieve its social objectives, Kia Kaha! |
Oscar Nathan
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During the months of July and August, the general economic climate has continued to be tough as the economy continues to recover from a spate of natural disasters, compounded by a constantly climbing NZ dollar and an overall constricting in the usual level of confidence and consumer spending than in past years. As a result, many client businesses have stepped up to the challenge and are managing reduced cashflows, keeping an eye on trade debtors and ensuring (where relevant) staff are taking any time off if owed to fit in with any reduction in hours or demand. That said, whilst tough times demand tighter belts, that hasn’t stopped the ongoing need for businesses to remain hungry and eager to get across the latest improvements and innovations to assist them grow and develop. Once a month, I attend a TED breakfast which is where a selection of business owners and managers get together to view, debate and discuss the cutting edge of innovation and design which is presented at www.ted.com. If you have yet to view some of the inspirational speeches and updates held regularly, then click on the link and check it out for yourself. As usual, the number of Maori businesses I am able to meet and get across each month remains constant and comes from a diverse base of micro, SME, network and Maori Trust/Incorporations. Below is a sample of just some of those whom I have met with during the course of the past two months – please take the time to check them and their services out as they may well be a potential supplier to your business; Maori Multimedia (Maori online language and development programmes) Accommodation Ahi Kaa (Maori infused Motel and Self-Contained Units in Gisborne) Find a Truck Load (Truck Freight / Logistics Company, never run an empty load again) Rezlab Group (Steel building and fabrication company) It has also been a busy period travelling in and around the regions. Earlier in July I attended and spoke at the NZ Tourism Leader’s Summit in Wellington, specifically about the future of tourism and the likely involvement by Maori in the sector. One reality is that as Iwi look to investing in long-term sustainable investment opportunities, tourism will become more of an add-on rather core business activity for many, primarily due to the reality that sustainable returns on tourism take a significant time to establish, compared to other market options presently available. Also got down to Gisborne where I met with a number of our Maori businesses, as well as the board of Tourism Eastland (many of whom are proactive Maori tourism operators). Enjoying the great hospitality of Katie Tamanui-Thomas, a number of business owners later gathered at the newly built conference room at Accommodation Ahi Kaa to discuss how a better promotion of opportunities and regular networking could drive more collaboration in the region. The following morning headed out to Wainui Surf Club with local marine and eco-tourism owner Dean Savage www.divetatapouri.com to watch another Maori business owner Ann McQuire www.tipunatours.com feature on the TVNZ / RWC2011 Roadshow promotion with Tamati Coffey. From there, it was back to Rotorua for the launch of MAORI2011.COM www.maori2011.com which is a collaborative initiative funded by Te Puni Kokiri in association with a range of Maori Businesses and networks across the Taupo, Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane regions which Poutama has been instrumental in encouraging and supporting. A big issue leading up to the elections for the government and NZ business in general is the state of industry training and the effectiveness (or not) that industry training is having in terms of identifying, retaining and retraining a skilled workforce into the future. For many of our business owners, staff (and the ability to access good staff) is a key impediment to growth. If you have staff and aren’t presently working with your ITO (Industry Training Organisation) take the time to check out this link www.itf.org.nz – it might just be the assistance you are looking for. The 2011 Aotearoa Maori Accountants Conference was held in Rotorua earlier this month, and drew in the crème of our Maori accountants. Delegates where registered from a range of companies and organisations including Accounting multinational companies, regional accounting firms, Iwi incorporations, tertiary institutions and increasingly the mainstream banking sector. In terms of developing Maori business banking relationships, Poutama has been working diligently with most of the main banks in order to network and develop a better understanding of how we can collectively improve (or indentify) areas of improvement in terms of Maori access to micro/SME finance and services. Below is a list of the various managers (Maori), and whilst they are engaged at a national/strategic level, take a great interest in making sure you are getting the service you should be if you are a client of their bank. ASB Bank - Anthony Ririrui anthony.ririnui@asb.co.nz Finally, if you are out and about with friends, whanau or visitors in the next few weeks during the RWC2011, then ensure to be litter conscious and tautoko the efforts of Maori TV host and presenter on TV Rotorua Kiri Danielle-Hunt and the Clean up for the Cup Campaign, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clean-up-for-the-Cup/144792135570786
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Vonese Walker
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Oscar and I attended the official launch of ‘Waka Maori’ at the Maritime Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland in July. Hon Pita Sharples officiated along with Grant Hawke, Chair of Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board. A preview of the key components of the Waka Maori programme was announced as well as a sneak peak of what’s going on in the Waka during Rugby World Cup 2011. The launch went well and it was great to see so many tourism industry faces in the crowd along with the usual suspects. To check out the Waka Maori Program schedule and all the information on the Waka go to www.wakamaori.co.nz At the Waka Maori launch I also caught up with Ngatapa and Joe from Maori Television who we met with previously to assist with the development of regional clips on Maori businesses throughout the country. These regional clips were for the 11 regions where Rugby World Cup matches will be played and the plan is to showcase these on the big screens at the stadiums before the rugby matches. They also worked on the Waka Maori Trailer featuring many of those businesses which will be showcased in the Waka during RWC 2011 – kapai korua! You can also view the trailer on the Waka Maori website – it’s pretty cool! See link above. I met with Dean Kenny of Wewi Ltd who showed me the final prototype of the ergonomic workstation he has been working on and developing for the last few years. He has been working with the owner of the Generator to supply the workstations in their serviced office located in the heart of Britomart, Auckland. Generator is a next generation serviced office designed for the New Zealand business community which enhances business networking – www.generatornz.com. Production of the workstations is well underway and the aim is to have them in place and gain exposure with overseas journalists and media during Rugby World Cup. For more information check out the website www.hilo.co.nz. Caught up with Matene Love in Wellington to discuss what’s going on at the Wharewaka during Rugby World Cup. Some dates have now been booked so we can organise a Maori business networking event to host international visitors along with the NZ2011 Business Club team in Wellington. We would like to showcase what our Maori businesses have to offer so if you are interested in being involved email me directly on vonese@poutama.co.nz. Also caught up with Henare Johnson from ATEED who has been involved with the i-Site Maori Product training for the last couple of months. We will be working closely on the development of a mobile application for the i-Sites using the Indigenous New Zealand (INZ) website as a portal. This is an exciting step for our online tourism website and a great way to promote Maori tourism operators during RWC 2011. If you are a Maori tourism operator and you haven’t already registered then where have you been??? No just kidding but if you haven’t then go to www.inz.maori.nz/register to register your details now. On that note, isn’t technology a wonderful thing!! The month of August for me has been focused on the development of the Discover Maori brochure we have been working on with Turei and his team at Te Puni Kokiri. During this time I have managed to catch up with over 100 Maori tourism operators from Cape Reinga to Rakiura, get their details registered for the INZ website, upload their images into Dropbox, skype or call them to hurry up, send all the data to the design team and all from the comfort of my chair! As we like to say sometimes at Poutama – WE’RE EVERYWHERE but NOWHERE! The brochure is at its final draft phase and the release date will be just in time for Rugby World Cup kick off. Watch this space... |
Department of Labour – Employers Information for RWC 2011
Employing Staff
With an influx of tourists to New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011 there is expected to be an increase in temporary work in New Zealand. If you are likely to need workers during the event or if you are looking to increase the hours of your existing staff there are a few things that you need to know.
Rugby World Cup 2011 is expected to present opportunities for temporary work in areas such as hospitality, retail and security. If you are likely to need workers during the event, or you are looking to increase the hours of your existing staff over the period visit the Department of Labour website for information on employer responsibilities during RWC or call 0800 20 90 20.
Right to Work
Employers are required to ensure that anyone they employ has the legal right to work in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand has a free service where you can check a potential employee’s entitlement to work. Click here to find out more.
Employing casual staff or using fixed term agreements
All employees including casual employees and those on fixed term agreements are entitled to the same minimum employment rights as other employees. However, workers have to meet certain criteria to qualify for some employment entitlements – more information is available on the Department of Labour website.
Many employees who are described as “casual” are part-time employees whose future employment is actually clear – for example, supermarket or hospitality employees whose work pattern is established.
Casual employment where an employee is only expected to work from time to time or where it is so irregular or intermittent that it is not feasible to provide for four weeks’ annual leave, the employee can be offered holiday pay on a “pay as you go” basis. This need to be explicitly provided for in the employment agreement and the payment must be recorded separately in wage records at a rate of at least 8%. For information on pay as you go click here.
Another option is using fixed term agreements. Where the fixed term is for less than 12 months, the employment agreement can provide for annual holiday pay to be made on a “pay as you go basis”. Employers can offer fixed term employment if:
- there are genuine reasons - like seasonal work, project work, or where the employee is employed only for the duration of the RWC tournament
- The employer tells the employee the reasons, how or when the employment will end, and the employee agrees to this in their employment agreement.
Amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 now require that every employee has a written employment agreement and that employers retain a signed copy of the agreement or the current signed terms and conditions of employment. The Department of Labour’s Employment Agreement Builder can help you draft an employment agreement.
Increasing staff hours worked over the period
If you need to increase the amount of hours that your staff are working over the Rugby World Cup period then there are a few things that you need to remember.
In order to make changes to an employment agreement, such as hours of work, both parties to the agreement need to consent. Some employment agreements may contain a clause allowing the employer to change an employee's hours of work, however the employer must act fairly and reasonably before making such changes.
You are also required to provide rest and meal breaks. Rest and meal breaks have direct benefits for workplaces by helping employees stay safe in their jobs. Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety in Employment Act to provide a safe working environment. Where fatigue has been identified as a hazard, appropriate rest breaks should be provided to ensure that it is not likely to cause harm. For information on managing H&S and rest and meal breaks visit the Department of Labour website.
For more information on employer responsibilities during RWC visit the Department of Labour website or call 0800 20 90 20.
Social Networking
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.
