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Home / Northern Advocate

Hokianga eco-tourism business Whispering Trails wins $30,000 in Top Energy business development funding

Northern Advocate
25 Jul, 2017 11:00 PM3 mins to read

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Whispering Trails owners Maria Kire (centre) and Joe Wynyard with their whanau. They are the winners of this year's Top Energy Business Development Fund. Photo/Supplied

Whispering Trails owners Maria Kire (centre) and Joe Wynyard with their whanau. They are the winners of this year's Top Energy Business Development Fund. Photo/Supplied

Whispering Trails, a Hokianga based eco-tourism business, is this year's recipient of Top Energy's $30,000 Business Development Fund.

The cash boost means Maria Kire and Joe Wynyard can take their business to the next step reaching out to new markets both nationally and internationally.

Ms Kire said she was also looking forward to making use of the business-mentoring package included in the fund.

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She recognised the success of the business would also create sustainable employment opportunities for people in the community.

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Ms Kire said Whispering Trails was an invitation for people to share in their lifestyle, to participate in traditional hunting and gathering practices and to embrace a cultural experience that is far removed from mainstream tourism.

The business was an extension of their cultural values and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Ms Kire said her desire was to ensure the knowledge of her Ngapuhi ancestors was not lost. The concept of maanaki - to cherish, sustain and conserve - was at the heart of their business.

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Both Mr Wynyard and Ms Kire have extensive experience in tourism.

Mr Wynyard, who originally founded the business two years ago, has worked for many years as a hunting guide and has an intimate knowledge of the area.

His extensive networks have given him access to private and tribal land blocks, opening up remote sections of bush and coast to allow a full immersion in the Whispering Trails experience.

They offer a broad spectrum of guided packages which cater for all levels of fitness and interest.

From foraging bush walks in the Waima Forest ranges, gathering shellfish in the harbour, land-based fishing at local spots in the Hokianga, or hunting wild game such as pigs, goats and a variety of game birds.

The judges were impressed by the level of detail shown and the completeness of their outstanding business plan. It was clear that they had done their homework.

The judges also liked the idea of their digital detox holidays, which appeal to corporate customers wanting to switch off and immerse themselves in nature.

Top Energy launched its Business Development Fund in 2014.

The scheme is designed to encourage and promote economic growth in the Far North. Grants of up to $30,000 are awarded twice a year for local business ideas or initiatives that have the potential to grow or diversify the Far North economy.

The money is either awarded in full to a single standout idea or in smaller amounts to several initiatives, depending on the number, quality and merit of the applications received.

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