Four indigenous start-ups receive social enterprise funding

Funding recipients Paul Whatuira (left), Kayla Gordine, Harmony Huntington, Qiane Matata-Sipu, judge Trina Tamati, and Te Pae Herenga acting director Brad Norman. Photo / Supplied

Four Māori and Pasifika start-up businesses received funding through Pae Rangi, the first Indigenous Social Enterprise Forum held in Tāmaki Makaurau.

The businesses range from wellness experience providers to a multimedia company amplifying indigenous female voices and stories. The 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.

Former NRL and Kiwis player Paul Whatuira. Photo / Getty Images

“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 programme to be able to service our people who need support, who need inspiration and guidance into Māori hauora,” the former NRL and Kiwis league player said.

Te Pae Herenga o Tāmaki Whānau Ora Collective hosted Pae Rangi and acting director Brad Norman said this signified its 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, of 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.”

Waatea.News.Com