Generites Stories

Hana-lee Kereru-Wainohu (Māori) based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, leveraged The Generator’s support to acquire specialist technology skills, enabling her to develop a successful digital marketing advisory platform and transition into a new full-time career. Website - https://www.hkwdigital.com/

In 2024, Taubes Moors and Caroline Bell arrived in Aotearoa from Samoa with their young family. To retain their Samoan identity and heritage for their family, they used their generational artistic skills to establish Laumei Leka, (20+) Facebook.  They stencil  sought- after unique Pacific-inspired designs on to fabric and children’s clothing.  "E lele le toloa ae ma'au i le auvai" The toloa bird flies far, but will always return to the water.

Leyna Coleman has not let her disability stop her. VIP (Vision Impairment) at birth, she aspired to be economically independent and improve the lives of others. Thanks to The Generator, Leyna now owns and operates Brailleproof, a sole trader braille proof- reading enterprise, enabling her to achieve financial independence.

Awhinatia Kohinga (Murupara hair and makeup artists) and Claylene Huriwaka (Kawerau customized apparel) share how the Generator’s support system enabled them to start their business and improve their confidence and self-worth.

Katie Baker (New Hair Boutique Hair Salon, Mangonui) and her family moved to Northland recently. Support from The Generator staff, fellow Generites and The Generator community on the closed facebook page has been a game changer for her. Katie is now a role model to her daughters; returning to hairdressing, taking pride in her work and contributing to the local Northland community.

Zarndra Patrick- ( TK Creationz, Kaitaia) Like 99% of all Generites surveyed (Feb 2022), Zarndra’s experience with The Generator has been overwhelmingly positive. The Generator has provided the materials and financial expertise that have enabled Zarndra to establish a unique personalised balloon enterprise in Northland. The business gives Zarndra joy, confidence and the savings she needs to provide for her sons. She is particularly thankful for The Generator Expert Coach’s support with setting up her financial systems.

Anne Hui AHA New Zealand, Kaikohe is a talented artist who designs and hand paints exclusive greeting cards and artwork. Like over 90% of all Generites, Anne believes The Generator has given her the skills, confidence and support to build what is becoming a lucrative enterprise. Her advice is… “it’s time to break out and take your talents all over Aotearoa… The Generator are there to support you.”

Johnny Eneliko Laulu, better known as Johnny Angel, is the one and only Pacific (Samoan) Elvis. The Generator opportunity came at a time when Johnny was managing a number of challenges in his life, including depression. Music has always been Johnny’s saviour. The mentoring, planning and equipment The Generator provided has boosted Johnny’s confidence and set him back on a rewarding performance and wellbeing pathway.

William Tuputupu is a proud Tongan. Art has been his solace and passion over the rocky years in his youth. Art has linked him to self- worth and his culture. Thanks to The Generator, William is turning his passion for traditional tattooing into a livelihood. William was overwhelmed to see how proud his parents and community are of him. His enterprise is blossoming.

After a life-changing injury, Tongan born architectural draughtsman, Osaiasi Pasikala, changed careers. Thanks to a course in art and design and the help of The Generator, Osaiasi Pasikala has turned his artistic flair into a growing T shirts design enterprise. Osaiasi specializes in producing unique Pasifika and customized designs at affordable prices. Anosai Teez Limited - https://www.facebook.com/Osai525A

Thanks to the Generator, Pasifika enterprise has record sales over lockdown - Jacinta Tuitavake, owner of Nom Nom Seafood Ltd, is deeply appreciative of The Generator team’s support, particularly over Lockdown. She believes the tools, mentorship and care provided by The Generator team, were instrumental to her success. The Generator’s help has meant over Lockdown her business is booming and she is now ready for the next step in growth.

Kalio shares his expertise as a chartered accountant, successful businessmen and father of five, so Pasifika Generites can successfully grow their enterprise. Arriving in New Zealand on a Tongan Scholarship, Kalio completed a Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting Major) and became a Senior Accountant. In 2013 Kalio turned his hand to the construction industry, starting up Sky Contracting Ltd. In 2015 he and his wife started Homebased Childcare Company (Poimaino Homebased Childcare Services Ltd). Kalio wants only the best for Pasifika whanau.

“Made in the Dark” are a husband and wife team; Mara Tauilili Smitlen and Tologataua Natopai Tauiliili Smilten (Norman). Norman is completely blind and Mara has limited vision. For the past ten years, Norman has designed and made handwoven bags from strapping tape. Mara finishes and decorates them.  The bags include handbags, shopping bags (in response to the removal of plastic bags) and sturdy laundry bags. The bags sell like hot cakes in New Zealand and Samoa.

Due to the cost of living, Tania (Nia) and her cousin Nina needed to generate more income for their families. Tania also wanted funds to enable her autistic son to attend a programme that would better meet his learning needs, but she needed more income in order to cover the cost. With the help of the Generator, Tania and Nina set up NiuEats to bring Polynesia to the plate through desserts, platterboards and grazing tables. In December 2019 NiuEats had their first corporate catering with Air New Zealand and continue to grow in popularity.

Papamama Pokino (Pa) moved to Aotearoa New Zealand from Rarotonga in 2017.  After a period of personal challenges he renewed his interest in making Pareu Boards - wooden boards used for creating traditional clothing to earn money to support his wife and family. He credits The Generator with not only enabling him to purchase essential work materials, but introducing him to financial support, workshops and the communities where he can sell his boards. Pa says he is now selling boards faster than he can make them and may need to hire staff.

Lekooti (Reco) Tonga is proud of his Tongan language and heritage. The Generator has helped Reco to utilise his skills and knowledge as a welder fabricator to establish PRM. PRM is a micro-enterprise where Reco manufactures pig spits so families can roast their own pigs and cater for the many events Pasifika celebrate throughout the year.

The Generator has enabled Maraea Hawea to bring MC Leathers to life. MC Leathers has successfully combined Maraea’s love for Aotearoa, Māori culture and design. It’s a winning combination with her stock flying off the shelf around New Zealand and across the Tasman.

In Whanganui, George Jackson is preserving the traditional art of rewena breadmaking. Thanks to the Generator, George Jackson is preserving the traditional art of rewena breadmaking using a recipe handed down to him by his Grandmother. He is now able to share his authentic Jackson’s Rewena Bread with his tamariki, whānau and Whanganui community. In fact, Jackson’s authentic Rewena Bread is so popular he has supermarket chains interested too.

Tangianau Kokaua too takes the humble Cook Island donut to the next level through Tangeez Donutz. With an ever increasing army of faithful followers, Tangianau struggles to meet demand, hand kneading 1500 donuts every Saturday. Juliana Henry sells her revamped Island donuts in the one and only Pasifika food store in Pukekohe, Lil Chef's Kitchen. Her donuts are legendary. Foodies travel over 30kms for her Island inspired donut experience.

The Generator process has enabled Kay and Joe (Pito Press) to grow their hobby into a flourishing design, writing and publications enterprise in Whanganui..

The Generator and LaValla provided the support that has enabled the Kai Sisterz to move from a fledgling part-time catering team in 2020 to a prosperous and sustainable social enterprise today. April 2020 Lockdown During 2020 lockdown Kai Sisterz and LaValla worked in partnership with the Generator, Foundation North and the Council to produce 2000 emergency meals a week (approximately 13,000 in total). Above is their story. Fast forward to April 2021 The partnership has blossomed. Kai Sisterz (Click this link https://bit.ly/2QsPJAR for their story in Oct 2020) have joined LaValla’s catering team and last week the partnership launched a commercial community kitchen to deliver a full time local community catering contract and provide access for locals.

Paetuia: Lee Williams stitches together a micro-enterprise. Paetuia: The Realm of Sewing, Whanganui. Lee Williams returned to her home town of Whanganui to be close to her children and mokopuna. In the lockdown last year, Lee lost her community employment. She decided the solution was to set up her own micro-enterprise, Paetuia. This enterprise would enable her to weave together her lifetime of skills and experience as a sewer and costume designer, that she could share with her community through face to face and online workshops. The Whanganui community got in behind Lee, provided disused industrial sewing machines and a space. The Generator provided tools, resources and support too. The gift is that the disused space and tables Lee now uses were once occupied by a thriving business, where her Mother worked many years ago…standing at the same tables… cutting and sewing fabric.

The Generator, Ministry of Social Development, Vaka Tautua and Monte Cecilia provide the stepping stones that enable Ann Gafo and her children to move from despair to a future filled with safety, hope and promise. Ann and her family moved to New Zealand four years ago. After living with family in temporary conditions and a rental property that was hazardous to their health, MSD provided the Gafo family with emergency housing until the Monte Cecilia Housing Trust re-homed them. Throughout this journey Ann did what she knew best to help make ends meet- she sewed. In 2020 the Generator provided Ann with the resources she needed and her home sewing business, La Norah’s Sewing and Crafts, has blossomed.

Generite: Te Hira Horua-Waiariki Ko Ngati Porou, ko Tūhoe potiki e mihi atu nei. No Te Wairoa ahau. Ko Te Hira Horua ahau. While living in Wairoa, 1 began my Generator journey late in 2019. At the time I was on a benefit and supporting my whānau through challenges, but had a dream to be a film maker and digital warrior. The Generator enabled me to purchase a camera to set up “At the Bay Productions”, a video and photography enterprise. Unfortunately, after getting a few weddings and events under my belt- COVID 19 Level 4 lockdown hit, and, my work dried up overnight. But I didn’t give up. I used the Generator camera to make a short film, Youth of the Day, which featured at the Wairoa Short Film Festival. I also took up a 12 month digital apprenticeship with Koru Digital; an MSD and Provincial Growth Fund project in Wairoa. Now everything has come together for me. Creating that short film with the help of Māoriland, means I am now a part of their Rangatahi Film Crew, Nga Pakiaka. I am proud to be helping facilitate one of the biggest Indigenous film festivals in the southern hemisphere this year. Along side that as I finish my apprenticeship, I will be crowdfunding to start a Creative Hub; a music, film and game production company called “Kumara Productions” in Wairoa.

Part Three: Journey Towards Better Futures Local Board, Council and Business Association collaborate with Generites to transform the local town centre and economy Franklin Local Board, Panuku (Auckland Council) and Pukekohe Business Association hear the Franklin Generator’s stories. As a result the Generites have now been invited to be part of the consultation, development and testing of the Pukekohe town re-design. Mia King, The Generator Expert Coach Danyelle Hughes, The Sugar Box Henare Tuwhangi, Squad Chat Inc Mauriora Kaihau, Kapukeke Custom Bakes Aroha Nepia, Eco Pristine Cleaning Services, Franklin Juliana Henry, Little Chef’s Kitchen

Part Two: - Council and local Boards working alongside the Generator. See Auckland Council and Franklin Local Board connect, listen and identify support and opportunities for collaboration with local Generites.

Part One: Makareti Skipper- Ataahua Sweets and Treats Makareti Skipper is a young Mum studying a Bachelor of Social Work via distance learning with Massey University. Having come from a childhood spent in foster care, Makareti wants to create a positive life for her whānau. so she created a home-based micro-enterprise called Ataahua Sweets N Treats https://www.facebook.com/AtaahuaSweetsNTreats specializing in making homemade Pavlova that she can fit in alongside her family and studies.

On the 8 October, 2020 Kai Sisterz's #Generites celebrated their one anniversary with The Generator. The Generator provided stepping stones to increase their wellbeing, knowledge skills and income, which includes helping to establish a community kitchen and securing a long term full-time contract for 2021. The video shows you their journey and growth and how The Generator has changed their minds and lives and that of many others too (See below). TRANSITIONED OFF THE BENEFIT TAIRAWHITI - Joanne Jo-Anne Campbell-dyer- Jo_Anne’s Grassroots Arts and Crafts, East Cape https://www.dropbox.com/s/0z0ndmtkrbtg9zc/Generatorv7.mov... - Lynda Akuhata -Brown https://www.facebook.com/lynda.akuhatabrown.5 ENABLED ACCESS TO PROVINCIAL GROWTH FUND - Ripeka and Leonard Walker East Cape Camp Grounds FROM OUT OF WORK TO EMPLOYMENT IN WAIROA - Amanda Claire - Wātea Yoga and Holistic Wellbeing Hub Te Hira Horua-Waiariki https://www.dropbox.com/s/k9wbb6s4exby8zx/Wairoav8.mov?dl=0 At the Bay Productions and Korou Digital Agency apprentice then salesman - Josh and Arlou Brooking, Str8native - Cristall Brooking McClutchie, Coffee That FROM THE BENEFIT TO EMPLOYMENT - SOUTH AUCKLAND - Peter Lilo https://www.dropbox.com/.../The%20Generator%20MSD... WHANGANUI - John Wilson – Sourbros https://www.facebook.com/sourbrosbakery/ WAIROA - Amanda Clare Watea Studio https://www.wateayogastudio.com/ Te Hire Horua-Waiariki

Enabling Better Futures for All On the East Cape, The Generator has been used as a tool to enable hapu enterprise and development to flourish “enabling better futures for all. ” Hear from Ani Pahuru-Huriwai - REAP Tumuaki and Te Aroha Kanarahi Trust Project Hoake/The Generator - Project Manager and members of her hapu about the positive impact the Generator is having on their lives and futures. Jo-Anne Campbell-dyer- Jo_Anne’s Grassroots Arts and Crafts Ripeka and Leonard Walker East Cape Camp Grounds Josh and Arlou Brooking, Str8native Tor Bjorn Ahman and Joshua Hovell Lightshift Pictures Cristall Brooking McClutchie, Coffee That The Generator wishes to thank the Innovation Fund for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Matt and his family struggled to make ends meet as he was on a minimum wage working with a roofer. The Generator helped Matt and his whanau set up their own roofing business themselves and linked him to a business mentor in the industry. His partner does the books for the business and his brother in law was able to move off the benefit and work with him.

The Papatoetoe Food Hub is located in the heart of Old Papatoetoe next to the Auckland Teaching Gardens on an under-utilised piece of council land and has the aim of making it easier for people to get good kai, at a time when the community is saturated with unhealthy food options.

Members of the Generator share stories about their experiences bringing their ideas to life. Listen to the stories of others and get inspired by some of the amazing mahi that they are doing.

Raquel tells the story of her journey on the Generator. Her dream was to create her own dance academy. Here she explains she used the Generator to help bring Kohatu Dance Company to life.