Who is Te Humeka?
Te Humeka Maori Business network, is a non-profit organization whose main function is to support Maori Businesses servicing the Tainui Waka region, which includes Raukawa, Hauraki, Maniapoto and Waikato rohe. We are a newly formed organization, and are seeking to promote local business product and services on a local, national and international scale.
What does Te Humeka mean?
The name for our network comes from one of Kingi Tawhiao’s whakatauki;
Tera ano oku nei hoa kei nga topito e wha o te ao. Ko nga humeka, ko nga parakimete me nga kamura.
- My friends will come from all parts of the world. From the working classes of the shoemakers, blacksmiths and carpenters.
In this context, we can liken the shoemaker (te humeka), to the Maori entrepreneur, who is simply sustaining himself and his whanau. It also suggests that we need to work together (kotahitanga), big business, small business, government and community to achieve well-being and economic prosperity – Whanau Ora!
What are the benefits of being a member of Te Humeka?
Membership is open to potential and existing businesses. Some of the benefits of joining this network will include;
- Regular Information Updates
- Opportunity for collective marketing
- Access to business support
- Collective lobbying on issues of importance to Maori Business
- Promotion of your product on the Te Humeka website and other marketing collateral
- Assisting operators with access to training and professional development
- Provision of forums, workshops etc where appropriate
|