Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau - Māori Business Network

Kia ora, Pakihi Māori! Ready to take your business to the next level? Register for The Pick – a 10-week program designed to equip Māori business owners with the skills, insights, and networks to thrive. Just ask Jade Kake, who joined The Pick in 2019 after launching her architecture business. She credits the program with helping her build a solid business plan, hire her first employee, and connect with key support networks in Tai Tokerau. Thanks to The Pick, Jade gained the tools to create a more resilient and successful business, even in challenging times. Are you ready to grow your pakihi? Register for The Pick today and take the next step towards success! https://lnkd.in/gms4jzU2

Whānau, Boost with Meta in Te Tai Tokerau was 🔥 We gathered 60 incredible pakihi Māori & Māori professionals from across Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau for a powerful day of digital upskilling, insights, and whakawhanaungatanga. From Facebook & Instagram strategies to AI and industry trends, it was inspiring to see our whānau embracing new tools and knowledge to elevate their mahi. We were also privileged to have our local MPs, Hūhana Melanie Lyndon and Mariameno Kapa Kingi, join us, while Whangārei District Council Māori Representative, Phoenix Ruka, kept the energy high and our whānau engaged as our MC. A huge mihi to Meta for backing this kaupapa, and to our engaged, forward-thinking pakihi and professionals who showed up, shared their whakaaro, and made the day a success! 🙌 Check out the highlights and don’t forget to tag yourself or your pakihi in the comments. https://lnkd.in/gahXG4tr #PakihiMāori #MāoriProfessionals #WhārikiTTT #BoostWithMeta

Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau is proud to introduce our new Kaiwhakahaere/Lead, Talia Rikihana! "Ko Talia Rikihana tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Ngāpuhi me Ngātiwai. Mama of four, wifey, and passionate about pakihi Māori." Talia brings a wealth of experience in Marketing, Sales, Events, and Stakeholder Engagement, with a strong focus on building meaningful relationships and unlocking opportunities for pakihi Māori. Solutions-focused and driven by integrity, she thrives on connecting people and creating impact for whānau, hapū, and iwi across Te Tai Tokerau. Join us in welcoming Talia to the Whāriki whānau! If you’re a pakihi Māori looking to grow, connect, or collaborate, reach out—she’s ready to mahi!

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒑 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 2025 Taitokerau Northland’s premier business ideas competition, The Pick, is back for 2025—offering aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses the chance to develop, test, and refine their ideas with expert support. Founded by Northland Inc in 2017, The Pick has become a launchpad for innovation, helping participants transform ideas into viable business models. In 2025, the programme is delivered in partnership with NorthChamber, Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau, and the Ministry of Social Development. Throughout a 10-week programme running from 23 April – 11 June, participants will gain access to business mentors, workshops, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Workshops will cover key business fundamentals, while Friday lunchtime ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions provide additional support. The programme culminates in a highly anticipated Pitch Night, where finalists pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges. Northland Inc Chief Executive Paul Linton highlights the competition’s role in building regional capability and unlocking economic opportunities. “The Pick fosters a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive business environment in Northland. By providing direct access to business expertise, mentoring, and networking, the programme empowers local entrepreneurs to build resilient and impactful businesses that contribute to our regional economy.” New for 2025, the programme welcomes NorthChamber as the key delivery partner, strengthening the reach and impact of The Pick within the Northland business ecosystem. Tania McInnes, The Pick Programme Lead, is excited about what’s ahead: “The Pick 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible journey for our participants. We’re bringing together top business minds, industry experts, and an inspiring group of entrepreneurs. Whether you have a fresh business idea or are looking to take an existing venture in a new direction, this is your chance to make it happen. We can’t wait to see the innovation and energy come to life.” The Pick has a proven track record of success, with past winners going on to scale their businesses across New Zealand. Former participant Debbie Stowe, founder of Vince, credits The Pick as a pivotal moment in her business journey: “The Pick provided invaluable support to develop my idea into a business. The programme helped me refine my concept, connect with mentors, and gain the confidence to take the next steps. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking to launch or grow their business.” Continues Linton: “Start-ups are critical for our economy and The Pick programme contributes to building a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive economy for Northland, with our successful businesses creating employment opportunities, and positive social outcomes, across our region”. Entries close on 11 April 2025. 🌐 www.thepick.co.nz

Heading to our Boost with Meta events in March, or do you want to learn Meta fundamental skills? Get a head start with FOUR exclusive Masterclasses created just for Whāriki Māori Business Network members! Masterclasses include: - Meta Business Manager - Meta Pixel - Meta Ads Manager - Audience, Platforms, Placements & Creative Best Practices Available anytime in Te Hapori o Whāriki! Watch now and walk into the events confident, prepared, and ready to BOOST your business! https://lnkd.in/gfkfvBMR

AI in Action: Free Webinar. Join us for AI in Action, a one-hour webinar in partnership with Callaghan Innovation, designed to help you unlock the potential of AI for your business. When: 12pm - 1pm, Tuesday 11 March 2025 Where: Online Webinar – Te Hapori o Whāriki Cost: Free What you'll learn: Practical ways to use ChatGPT and Google Suite to boost productivity How AI can streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Real-world examples of businesses using AI for a competitive advantage Actionable tips to integrate AI into your daily operations. Whether you're new to AI or looking to optimise existing processes, this session will provide valuable insights to help you work smarter, not harder. Register now and take the first step towards leveraging AI in your business. https://lnkd.in/gDKkGwnz

The Tai Tokerau Māori Business Awards, hosted biennially by Te Hiringa Trust, is back to celebrate and showcase Māori business excellence in Te Tai Tokerau. With 9 award categories, this is an opportunity to recognise the innovation, resilience, and success of pakihi Māori across the region. Do you know a Māori business that deserves to be celebrated? Nominate them today! 🔹 Nominations close: 14 February 2025 🔹 Learn more & submit nominations: https://lnkd.in/gtvkJ9Cv Let’s uplift and acknowledge the incredible businesses driving our economy and communities forward. Tag a pakihi Māori that should enter! 

AI is transforming the way businesses operate, but what does that mean for pakihi Māori? 🤔 At our recent Whāriki webinar, Kin Lung (KL) Chan from Callaghan Innovation shared key insights on how AI can be used to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and align with te ao Māori values. 💡 What’s inside the article? ✔️ AI is more than just ChatGPT – discover its full potential ✔️ Practical ways AI can help Māori businesses grow ✔️ Ethical AI considerations to uphold tikanga Māori ✔️ Steps to start using AI in your pakihi 🚀 Whether you’re curious about automation, customer insights, or enhancing your products, AI can be a powerful tool when applied responsibly. 📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbqdNqUk #PakihiMāori #AIforBusiness #TeAoHangarau #MāoriInnovation #Whāriki

Join us for Boost with Meta, an exclusive event by Whāriki Māori Business Network in collaboration with Meta. Whether you’re a Māori business owner or Māori professional, this is your chance to upskill in the digital space! 📅 Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025 ⏱️ Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm 📍 Venue: Semenoff Stadium/Northland Events Centre (Level 2 Lounge), 51 Okara Drive, Whangārei This is a free event for Whāriki members. Spaces are limited - secure your spot today and improve your digital skillset. https://lnkd.in/gJhvvR-S

Tēna tātou katoa, Steve Watene is sharing his pūkenga with us to help your pakihi continue to thrive, there are many elements to our pakihi that we often overlook, this workshop will enhance your knowledge to ensure the long-term success of your business. - This workshop is FREE so do not miss out on this opportunity to sit and ask the questions that may have been holding you back. Mā te kōrero me te wānanga tahi ka ako, ka whai hua mōu. Link here: https://lnkd.in/g5ndiNW8