The Poutama team managed in the latter part of January to sneak away for a two day retreat to map out our activities for the year ahead.  Nothing is for certain though and no doubt there will be a few surprises along with unplanned occurrences that can cause the best laid plans to go awry.  But that’s the challenge when you work in a world full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.

Nevertheless the retreat gave the opportunity to dream, create and expand on ideas, initiatives and opportunities as well as refine existing forms of Poutama’s service delivery.

Poutama Team Building – Picking Kawakawa

2018 will see the further role out of the CL2IMB programme to other parts of Aotearoa.  The programme was delivered to various parts of the country in 2017 including Kaitaia, Queenstown, Invercargill, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Whangarei.  During 2018 we aim to roll it into Gisborne, Hastings, Whakatane, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Nelson, Dunedin, Rotorua, Wellington and Auckland.  Once again it is aimed to partner with the likes of the Māori Women’s Development Inc, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, TPK, local Economic Development Agencies, Callaghan Innovation and Banks.

During 2017 we investigated and tested the establishment of Poutama Capital.  It looks like a number of branches can be spun out of this concept.  This could include development of a start-up fund through Te Wananga o Aotearoa’s Kokiri programme, co-investment opportunities with Māori asset holding entities, funds management and a lending scheme based around the SheEO programme.

We’ll continue to work up projects including dipping our toes into the growing craft beer market through a hop growing trial at Mohaka, re-starting work on a craft beef (not beer!) project with partners from China, market development with both Tuku Wine Coalition and Poutama Honey Group and delving into the energy sector with a solar energy pilot.

As always, Poutama will continue its efforts in developing micro-small businesses across all manners of sectors with a focus on connecting, leveraging, consolidation and growth.

We’ve reinforced our goals and objectives and continue to be adaptive and free flowing in how Poutama operates.  We know that change is ever present and that we have the ability to alter course while sticking to the strategic direction that has been set.

As always Poutama’s kaupapa is to enable your business to blossom and spread its wings!!