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October 21, 2023
Media release: Local indigenous Start Ups honoured with funding grants
Media Release
Posted On October 21, 2023
Today four starter Māori and Pasifika businesses were each presented with financial grants through Pae Rangi, the very first Indegenous Social Enterprise Forum held in Tāmaki Makaurau last month.
These businesses range from wellness experience providers to a multi-media company amplifying indigenous female voices and stories. The formal presentation at Te Whānau o Waipareira in Henderson recognised Harmony Huntington (Aria Collections), Paul Whatuira (Internal Strength) Qianne Matata-Sipu (Qiane&Co / Nuku for Women) and Kayla Gordine (Āwhina Wellness).
Paul Whatuira was overwhelmed to be included in the group.
“I am extremely grateful and honoured. We try to inspire and empower our people to live the best lives that they can. This beautiful support will help us grow and evolve. Today marks a massive uplift of our program to be able to service our people who need support, who need inspiration and guidance into Māori hauora”.
Te Pae Herenga o Tāmaki Whānau Ora Collective hosted Pae Rangi and acting Director, Brad Norman, said today signified their intentions for local indigenous businesses.
“To stand up and present their ideas to our judges at Pae Rangi in a Shark Tank-style format was impressive. These four Toi-Te-Huta Grant recipients are a clear indication of the outstanding business innovation and entrepreneurship that exists within Tāmaki Makaurau. We tautoko their journey and look forward to presenting more of these grants in the coming years. This is about igniting economic development for our Māori and Pasifika people”.
Harmony Huntington from Aria Collections agrees there is a place for Pae Rangi in the coming years.
“The Pae Rangi forum is a one of a kind for our indigenous businesses to learn from others of the importance of our Māoritanga and how it can be implemented in different ways across our businesses to always have that point of difference when we look beyond Aotearoa. Taking the key learnings and support garnered from forums like Pae Rangi are instrumental tools for indigenous businesses to not only grow our brands but also our communities as well”.
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