South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) is a community-owned economic development fund dedicated to the growth and development of South Waikato. Established in 2014, the Trust was tasked with managing the investment fund by approving funding for economic development proposals. In 2021 the Trust formed an operations team of 3 to further support and expand [...]
Amy McLean - Ngāti Māhanga, Waikato Amy is an experienced Professional Coach and Facilitator, a māmā, and the founder of Te Kāinga Wāhine, a support organisation for wāhine Māori in business and leadership. Over the past six years she has used her coaching practice and experience working with Pakihi Māori across various levels, to build [...]
Last week we celebrated and acknowledged the 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. Poutama has been proud to support our long time client, Kiri Nathan on her amazing business journey. Kiri Nathan’s story of success is a long list of firsts. She has clothed Royals, Superstars, Presidents, and her work is in museums [...]
Te Taumata Promotes Wāhine Māori in Tech Opportunities in the UK and European Markets Te Taumata, representing a voice of Māori interests in global trade, in partnership with Callaghan Innovation, will spearhead wāhine Māori in tech trade opportunities within the UK and European (EU) markets. In a world first, this knowledge exchange will see ten [...]
Two new coaching services have recently launched both co-funded by Callaghan Innovation. Startup Aotearoa, and Startup Activator for Māori and Pacifica founders. Both services offer coaching, online resources and meet-ups. More about these and other free startup programmes can be found here.
MWDI Business Loans MWDI provide loans to Māori women and their whānau to enable and assist them to enter into and commence business and/or to expand and restructure their existing businesses. The loans are OPEN and accepting applications now, with applications closing on Monday, 11 March 2024. MWDI Business Loan Application forms can be found [...]
The indigenous reimagining of wine in Aotearoa New Zealand In a recent article on the International Wine and Spirit Competition Club Oenologique's website, there is a thoughtful piece written by Chris Howard on how the Aotearoa New Zealand's wine industry is recognising Māori, our language and culture, and how it is changing the industry and [...]
Nick Smith - Ngāti Kahungunu Chur Bol BBQ was started by Nick Smith in 2022 initially as a food cart business. They provide catering for special occasions and they attend festivals and concerts selling their low and slow food products. Within a short period of time, they moved into the retail market and have recently [...]
Julia Wikeepa - Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Maniapoto Hā Habit launched in January 2022 by Julia Wikeepa to provide user-friendly solutions aimed at disrupting the patterns of stress, fear, and anxiety. Rooted in both Western and Indigenous well-being philosophies, their products offer a unique blend of perspectives. At the heart of it all is "Hā," meaning breath [...]
Nathaniel Leith - Ngāti Raukawa The Mixdown Ltd provides specialised Audio Post Production and Field Sound Engineering services. Owned and operated by Nathaniel Leith, they focus on collaborating with businesses to create high-quality media content, produced for TV, social media campaigns, and business marketing materials. Leveraging expertise in Avid Pro Tools (210 certified), sound design, [...]
