Talk with trailblazers, a kōrero/talanoa
Last month AUT’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law was delighted to host ‘The Growth of Māori and Pacific Entrepreneurs – A kōrero/talanoa with our peers’.
The annual event aims to inform how Māori and Pacific perspectives are understood and embraced in the corporate world. The session delved into the significant contributions of Māori and Pacific entrepreneurs and the impact of their work on the broader business landscape, within and beyond Aotearoa.
The distinguished panel comprised two Pacific business owners – AUT alumna ‘Anau Mesui-Henry (Cofounder of Four Shells Kava Lounge and Director of Kumete Group Ltd) and Joanna Bourke (CEO of Pacific Cooperation Foundation). ‘Anau and Joanna were joined by second year AUT Bachelor of Business student, Ciccone Hakaraia-Turner, who is majoring in International Business & Strategy.
The panellists shared highs and lows of their academic and career journeys and described how Māori and Pacific entrepreneurs are sparking a wave of innovative and successful businesses that are setting new industry benchmarks. Central to their success is the notion of blending traditional wisdom with modern business practices.
Being guided by this kaupapa means entrepreneurs are not only driving economic growth, innovation, and resilience, but they are also preserving and promoting cultural heritage and pride.
The guest speakers discussed harnessing their own cultural frameworks and perspectives and using them to their advantage in the modern-day business world. Bringing these to the table can enhance a company’s unique proposition and act as a powerful point of difference.
“As modern Pasifika entrepreneurs, our strength comes from deeply understanding business foundations - identifying problems and creating solutions. Our journey is guided by strong cultural values, which give us a unique perspective on business. It's a journey where innovation, faith, discipline, and perseverance have made us formidable.
We don’t expect opportunities to be handed to us or doors to be opened - we earn our place through conviction and hard work. Māori and Pacific entrepreneurs contribute far more to the business landscape than is often recognised. It’s time we truly own our space”, said Joanna.
AUT Employability Relationship Manger, Rachael Marsters, facilitated the panel discussion, which was followed by a Q&A led by Laura Keil-Hall (CEO and Co-Executive of Pacific Business Hub).
Thanks to our panellists and facilitators for a thought-provoking evening and for shedding light on injecting fresh, culturally diverse perspectives to survive and thrive in today’s business world.