Toi EDA Supports Local Businesses to Attend Te Hekenga National Māori Business Networks & Māori Enterprise Conference 2024

A couple of our team and local businesses had the opportunity to attend three-day event held in Tauranga earlier in June. Surrounded by a vibrant community of Māori businesses from our region, the conference was a remarkable experience filled with valuable kōrero, whakawhanaungatanga, and connection-building. The event was well-organsed and generously sponsored by Te Puni Kōkiri and Kiwibank, reflecting their commitment to fostering Māori enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Throughout the conference, attendees were inspired by a series of real and motivational guest speakers. Ria Hall captivated us with her powerful words, Matua Parkinson shared his journey with candor, and Eruera Tuhakaraina from Acon Industries provided invaluable insights into business innovation and resilience. Toi Kai Rawa offered a broader perspective on economic development, while Patrick Salmon’s brilliant insights left everyone thinking deeply about the future of Māori business.

Hearing the success stories and the challenges overcome by local Māori businesses was both enlightening and empowering, reinforcing the strength and potential within our community.

One of the highlights of the conference was the connections made within. The opportunity to network, share experiences, and build relationships with other Māori business leaders was invaluable. The sense of community and mutual support was palpable, and it was clear that these connections will have a lasting impact on our collective journey. We also invited a few businesses from the Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBOP), who took full advantage of the space and the networking opportunities, further enriching the event.

To conclude the event, attendees embarked on a bus trip to Pyes Pa, where we participated in the re-enactment of the 150-year anniversary of the Pyes Pa land wars. This was followed by a visit to the stunning Omanawa Falls, where we were guided by the hapū of the rohe. They shared their efforts in preserving their whenua while creating job opportunities for their people, exemplifying the harmonious balance between environmental stewardship and economic development. The mauri of the event was then ceremoniously passed on to Pōneke, where the next Te Hekenga conference will be held next year.

The conference was a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unity of Māori businesses. It was an honor to be part of such an inspiring event, and I look forward to continuing to build on the connections and knowledge gained as we move forward together.