Taiki e and Start-up Weekend Tairāwhiti: Nurturing a new wave of Innovation and Innovators

“I orea te tuatara ka puta ki waho. A problem is solved by continuing to find solution.” 

This whakatauki refers to the need for creative thinking, adaptability and perseverance in order to solve a problem. 

In Tairāwhiti, a remarkable innovation movement is revolutionising the game. Taiki e! Impact House is at the forefront of cultivating a culture of impact and innovation in our community. By empowering changemakers to tackle social and environmental challenges through entrepreneurship. 
​
Taiki e! firmly believe that business can be a powerful force for social and environmental innovation. Theirgoal is to collaborate on all levels and create sustainable impact, by providing opportunities for the community to engage in impactful initiatives, inspiring them to lead their own innovative solution development processes. 

The work at Taiki e! delves into the realm of imagination, exploring what it truly means to thrive and what changes are needed to make a positive impact on people and the planet. While it is crucial to address the immediate impacts of recent crises, we recognise the importance of examining the underlying systems that shape our lives. This is the essence of imagination work. 

Reflecting the theme of "Imagine if..." Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti 2023 sought to create a new economy that prioritises system-level change while preserving our planet. This 54-hour innovation boot camp guided participants in shaping their ideas into viable business models aligned with their purpose. The event was driven by a passionate and dedicated volunteer team, supported by the energy and enthusiasm of our community. 

During Tairawhiti's fifth Startup Weekend, 35 participants embarked on an incredible journey from imagination to creation. Seventeen individuals courageously pitched their ideas on the first night, and by Sunday, six teams presented fully fleshed-out business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges.
 
Cherish Wilkinson, a member of the Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti organizing team, says the ideas pitched at this year’s event were truly inspiring and a beautiful expression of aroha.  

“We wanted to inspire our community to use their imagination and creativity to help solve existing problems and challenges.”  

“What an amazing weekend it was. We are all still on a buzz at Tāiki e! Impact House. We’re full of gratitude to the special people that made this weekend possible. From the facilitators to the mentors, volunteers and judges, our organising team and sponsors, and most of all, to the participants.” 

Healthy Families East Cape proudly congratulates Arohamai Funeral Home for winning first place at Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti 2023. Their innovative solution addresses the issue of inaccessible and unaffordable funeral services, offering affordable and solutions that are mana-enhancing and steeped in Mātauranga Māori. 

Arohamai Funeral Home exemplifies the profound impact that can be achieved when individuals are empowered to create innovative solutions. In the weeks ahead, Healthy Families East Cape will shine a spotlight on the top three winning rōpū, showcasing the remarkable impact they are making within our community through their innovative solutions and business models. 

Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in Tairāwhiti!

Photo Credit: Gisborne Herald

Back row, from left, Ieme de Wolf, Regina de Wolf-Ngarimu, William Schierding, Matt Oakley, Jeanette Lepper, Tabea Walker, Patrick Ondracsek, Perry Walker, Maryam Tayebi, Maria Wynne, Adrianna Hoogland, Josh Cohen and Danny Wilkinson. Sofa row, from left, Cherish Wilkinson, Mariska van Gaalen, Hannah Magan, Mania Taare, Melka Oakley, Mereana Leaf-Kahurangi, and Ralph Hamon. Seated, from left, Tim Marshall, Donette Kupenga, Christian Rangi, Jacopo Orazi. Picture by Avneesh Vincent