A meeting of minds and family

A deep cultural connection between two Māori organisations was strengthened still further when a delegation from Ātihau-Whanganui Inc. visited Wakatū Incorporation.

The trip to Whakatū (Nelson) in Te Tauihu, the top of the South Island, involved members of the Ātihau-Whanganui Inc Board and Executive Management Team.

“Our people have strong individual networks within Wakatū and the time was right to meet business to business,” says Mavis Mullins, Chair of the Ātihau-Whanganui Inc Board. “Wakatū is a leading light in terms of taking their products from whenua to market and it was an opportunity for us all to talk and learn from each other.”

“It was particularly pertinent for us to explore how the organisation collects and uses data and analytics, as well as engaging with their people on a cultural level, making sure staff and whānau are fully conversant with the kaupapa or purpose is so important.”

Wākatu Incorporation has around 4000 shareholders, descendants of the original Māori land owners of the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay regions.

One of the largest private landowners in the regions, Wakatū farms more than 530 hectares of land and sea and has a diverse business portfolio that includes vineyards, orchards, residential properties, large retail developments, office buildings and marine farms.

Kono, the food and beverage business of Wakatū, focuses on high quality beverages, wine, fruit bars, seafood products, pipfruit and hops. Their premium brands include Tohu Wines, Tutū cider, Annies Food You Trust and Kiwa oysters.

Image supplied by: Wakatū Incorporation.

“It was a real meeting of minds as we talked strategically about our two similar philosophies when it comes to delivering exceptional quality products to discerning customers and moving up the value-add supply chain,” says Mavis.

“The story they have to tell resonates a great deal with the journey Ātihau-Whanganui Inc is on so there was an immediate aligned understanding.”

Kerensa Johnston, Chief Executive of Wakatū Incorporation, welcomed the opportunity to kōrero with the Ātihau-Whanganui Inc group and build on the existing whanaungatanga relationship.

“It was an incredibly positive conversation where we shared our particular aspirations for our businesses and our people.” willing to share their knowledge and understanding.

“We both understand that innovation, adaptability, and diversification is the key to our success and are keen to support each other as we find our ways of adding value to the products we produce.”

“The love we hold for our land is a shared one - the Māori connection with the whenua is true for us all, regardless of where we are.”

The spirit of kotahitanga was strong throughout the visit, with everyone willing to share their knowledge and understanding.

“After the visit, I was left with the feeling that there is a real untapped power between our two entities and I look forward to working together more in the future,” says Kerensa.

Above:Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation Chair, Mavis Mullins with Wakatū Incorporation Chair, Paul Morgan.

Image supplied by: Wakatū Incorporation.

“Wakatū do what they do beautifully, and with smart execution and integrity,” said Mavis. “I would like to acknowledge Paul (Morgan, Chair of the Wakatū Board), Kerensa and Rachel and thank them for the welcome and sense of kinship they showed us.”