Last week we met with Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board to mark the next step in our partnership. A powhiri was conducted and we were welcomed into the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board office in ÅŒpōtiki to enjoy a kapu tÄ« and a beautiful feast before hearing about the Whakatōhea mission.

We were briefed on their strategic mission and long-term vision to be "Ko te kai hoki i Waiaua" - “the food bowl that feed’s the world” and their exciting plans to get there.

The Vertical Horizonz New Zealand (VHNZ) values of Empowerment, Leadership, Integrity and Respect align nicely with the Whakatōhea mission and together we aim to grow the community and surrounding regions through training and supporting individuals in accordance with their personal and professional aspirations.

VHNZ can now deliver training from the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Building in Ōpōtiki, helping us establish roots within the community. A VHNZ Regional Training Manager and a Trainer are now set up in the office and can meet with community members and businesses as well as conduct training.

We look forward to further developing our relationship with Whakatōhea.

He whakatauki – “Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi” "With red and black the work will be complete.”

Image Details: From left, Pat Hokianga (VHNZ Regional Training Manager), Koro (VHNZ Trainer), Phil Hokianga (VHNZ Director & Māori Pasifika Development Manager), Dave Giddens (VHNZ Central North Island Regional Manager), Rota Carrington (WMTB Education Group Manager), Louisa Erickson (WMTB Operations Manager), Dickie Farrar (WMTB Chief Executive Officer), Robert Edwards (WMTB Chairman), Alannah Marriot (WMTB Programmes Facilitator)​, Marcus Bathan (VHNZ Chief Operations Officer), Rozanna Waiari (VHNZ Company Accountant), Chrystall Kerr (VHNZ Chief Brand Manager), Linda D'Alton (VHNZ GM Corporate Services), Maurice Boyd (VHNZ Chief Academic Officer), Mack McCorkindale (VHNZ Trainer).