May 13, 2019
Māori entrepreneurs inspirational
Social entrepreneur Ricky Houghton of Ngāti Kahu and Ngāti Whātua has won this year's Outstanding Māori Business Award.
After working with Waipareira Trust for 20 years, Mr Houghton returned to Kaitaia 17 years ago and set up He Korowai Trust, which delivers a range of housing, economic development and social services for whānau in the far north.
The Māori woman business leader award went to Pania Tyson Nathan from Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou for her work not just as the long service chief executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism but with governance roles at the New Zealand Film Commission, Trade Advisory Board and the Kahungunu Asset Holding Company.
The Māori governance leader award went to Paul Morgan of Ngāti Rārua and Te Māhurehure, the chair of Nelson-based Wakatū Incorporation.
The entrepreneur award went to Francis and Kaiora Tipene from Tipene Funerals, the stars of tv reality show The Casketeers, while milk processor Miraka won the outstanding Māori business leadership award for its kaupapa Māori approach.
The University of Auckland Alumni Award went to cultural advisor and former broadcaster Rereata Makiha from Ngāti Whakaheke, Te Aupouri and Te Arawa.
Carla Houkamau, the director of the University of Auckland business school's Mira Szaszy Research Centre, says the event is a great opportunity to recongise outstanding leaders who exemplify a commitment to Māori values, as well as create role models for students.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com