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

Nā ngā hoe tini, ka rere te waka: from the many paddles, the canoe takes flight!
On a day marked by camaraderie, laughter and a collective commitment to advancing Māori business in Te Tai Tokerau, Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau and Northland Inc. signed the Waka Hourua Agreement. This signing ceremony took place on Monday June 19 in front of 40 attendees, representing a diverse range of stakeholders and passionate supporters of pakihi Māori in the region.

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.
About Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau
Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau, funded by Foundation North, is a regional Māori business network committed to the growth, development, and success of Māori businesses. Through networking events, workshops, and advocacy, the network supports the entrepreneurial spirit and economic health of Māori businesses in Te Tai Tokerau.
About Northland Inc.
Northland Inc. is the regional economic development agency for Te Tai Tokerau, Northland. They work collaboratively with a wide range of partners to help foster a prosperous and thriving region that respects all people, past, present, and future, and cares for the environment we all share.
For further information, please contact:
Hannah Mackay
Communications Specialist
Northland Inc
M: 021 1777 110
E: hannah.mackay@northlandnz.com