IndigiShare is proud to distribute our first pilot loans through Te Whare Manaaki, a koha-lending model that’s building a supportive ecosystem where pakihi Māori can thrive.
We’ve seen first-hand the obstacles pakihi face. Access to capital is a widespread challenge, but the path is even steeper for many Māori enterprises. Te Whare Manaaki aims to address some of these challenges, ensuring Māori pakihi have the resources to succeed.
Our first success story is FE Roofing, a kaupapa Māori construction company in Rotorua and recipient of Te Whare Manaaki’s pilot loan enabling them to significantly increase operational capacity.
“The support from Te Whare Manaaki and IndigiShare has been transformative. It allowed us to purchase an essential asset, allowing our company to gain safer and better access for our mahi and our kaimahi, says Tiare Teepa (Ngāi Tūhoe), Owner and Manager of FE Roofing.
Like many other small businesses, Tiare has faced challenges when looking to scale his business beyond the start-up phase.
“Some of the challenges I faced in the early stages of business was around financial literacy. Things such as understanding the numbers effectively, how to make informed decisions, where to re-invest profit and how to better money manage and budget.”
Having utilised traditional financing in the earlier stages of business, Tiare credits IndigiShare’s wraparound support as a point of difference and a contributing factor in FE Roofing’s success.
“The support from IndigiShare has been a seamless, transparent and ngākau mahaki approach to lending. At every step of the way, Maria has been available to kōrero, any questions or concerns are open for discussion, and whanaungatanga and manaakitanga has been embodied throughout this process.
“My advice to other pakihi or entrepreneurs seeking support or advice is to ‘rangahau’ and ‘ask for help’. Reaching out and seeking wisdom from experts or more knowledgeable others is a great investment in yourself and your business.”
With the support received from IndigiShare, Tiare now plans to expand FE Roofing nationwide and set the benchmark for roofing in Aotearoa.
“Fe Roofing envisions a future where our influence extends beyond the Bay of Plenty, reaching across Aotearoa as the exemplar of Māori roofing excellence. To achieve this, we are dedicated to continuous improvement, innovation, and fostering partnerships that reflect our commitment to our craft and community.”
Are you a Māori business looking to scale, or interested in becoming a koha lender? Register your interest here
