Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau and Northland Inc. Solidify Commitment with Waka Hourua Agreement

The Waka Hourua Agreement is a shared commitment to promoting economic growth and development that is inclusive, sustainable, and culturally responsive. Through this partnership, both parties aim to create a platform for Māori businesses to connect, collaborate, and innovate, while also fostering stronger ties regionally, nationally, and globally. The agreement recognises the independence of both entities while seeking to establish a broad regional commitment to work together for the holistic well-being of the business owners, their staff, whanau, hapū and iwi.

Northland Inc GM Māori, Piripi Moore

The ceremony began with a welcome karakia by MC Piripi Moore, GM Māori for Northland Inc., followed by a series of compelling speeches. Highlights included a touching address by Whāriki chair Heta Hudson, who hailed Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau as a beacon for other regional Māori business networks around the country and underscored the need for continued advocacy and support for our pakihi. Director of Silvicom Will Edmonds, a successful local Māori business owner, spoke on the significant role of collaboration and support networks in their achievements, praising the essential resources and backing offered by Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau.

Paul Linton, Northland Inc. Chief Executive, expressed his excitement about the partnership: "Today is a day of celebration as we officially kick off our collaboration. Our combined strengths will allow us to better serve Māori businesses in Te Tai Tokerau, and we're delighted about the opportunities this will bring."

Echoing Linton's sentiments, Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau Project Lead Missy Armstrong said, "by working together, we can create a more vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic economy that benefits everyone. We look forward to the opportunities that this Waka Hourua will bring, and the positive impact it will have on our Māori businesses and communities."

The event was warmly received by all in attendance, with attendees expressing a deepened appreciation for the work done by Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau and the relationship with Northland Inc. Both organisations look forward to further building their working relationship and exploring additional ways to bolster Māori businesses in the region.