Te Ao Pakihi sets new direction for DOC

Date:  05 April 2013

Te Papa Atawhai / The Department of Conservation (DOC) is entering a new direction with a strong focus on community, business and iwi / hapu / whanau relationships. Bringing together these three elements is a new DOC Northland initiative, Te Ao Pakihi (The Business World).

Te Ao Pakihi is a series of two hui (Kerikeri on 20 April and Whangarei on 27 April) which focuses on supporting Maori to take the next step in establishing their own business.

DOC has partnered with a number of Te Tai-tokerau and national agencies to ensure there is advice and support on start up businesses at these events. Along with key speakers Hone Mihaka and Karleen Everitt (Whangarei event) and Dr Colin Knox (Kerikeri event), attendees will gain inspiration and practical advice on taking the next step to establishing their own business.

"DOC sees our mahi as part of the wider community and part of that means supporting our community in business. Whether that is by offering information and support on how to run an ecotourism business on public conservation land or providing a link to other agencies to give them a start, we see this as part of our new focus," says Aaron Taikato, Pou Tai Rangahau, Department of Conservation.

"Creating business and job opportunities for Maori in Te Tai-tokerau is one of the major issues Northland faces. Without fixing this first we will struggle to engage Maori in conservation further down the track. We understand the priorities people have and are committed to our community, to conservation and the link between the two. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai – conservation for prosperity."

"This panui is for all Maori in Te Tai-tokerau– if you have a moemoea of running your own business, want advice on taking the next step or simply want to make connections with people, come along. He aha te mea nui, o te ao nei, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata." says Aaron

Te Ao Pakihi will have a series of speakers throughout the day along with expo stands and opportunities to network. There is no charge to attend with kai provided and a free bus from Kaitaia to Kerikeri.

Event detail

Te Ao Pakihi - The Business World

The event ran during April 2013 and covered:

• Māori business success stories
• Opportunities in your area
• How to start your own business - practical information
• Support available for start-up businesses.

It was presented by the Department of Conservation, and supported by NZ Chambers of Commerce - Northland, Te Wananga O Aotearoa, Whangarei Arohatia, Northland Inc., Proudly Kaipara, North Tec.

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