Huaki
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HUAKI
“To bring to Light”
Edition 6
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Te Tai Tokerau pakihi celebrate in Waitangi The inaugural Whariki Te Tai Tokerau WHARIKIx event was held at the Tahuaroa Events Centre in Waitangi, marking a significant occasion for Māori businesses in the region. Organised and hosted by a Whariki Te Tai Tokerau, the event showcased the journeys of eight inspiring speakers, all with connections to Te Tai Tokerau through residence or ancestry.
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ttendees were captivated by stories of entrepreneurial beginnings, challenges faced, and triumphs achieved. Each speaker, speaking passionately and with humour, shared their experiences, keeping the audience engaged with the 15-minute time slots allocated for each presentation. Highlights included Marcus Winter discussing his Sandman creations, the dynamic Georgia Latu of Potiki poi sharing her business origins and future plans, Summer Brons recounting how her business emerged during the COVID lockdown, and Rewi Spraggon, the hangi master, sharing his global adventures with this traditional Māori cuisine. Miraka Davies emphasised self-love, while Thomas Netana-Wright brought his expertise in high-range chocolate making, blending his English and Māori heritage. Heeni Hotorene shared insights from her upbringing and expertise in maramataka mātauranga that has allowed her to share this with the world, and Eric Rush reflected on his rugby career and transition to business ownership. The diverse backgrounds of the speakers provided a range of perspectives for the audience to absorb. The standing ovation received by the speakers at the
event’s conclusion underscored the impact of their stories on the attendees. The event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors including BDO, Poutama Trust, Foundation North, Te Hiringa, and NZME, who were thanked for their contributions in making Whariki Te Tai Tokerau’s event a success.
PHOTOS: SMOKE PHOTOGRAPHY LTD
When a life is lost on our roads, tears are cried by whānau and friends.
To our Earth Mother Papatūānuku That is One Tear Too Many – Kotahi Roimata Rawa