What does Matariki mean to ŌKU?
Matariki is a time for our company ŌKU to gather and reflect upon the previous year and what we have achieved, how we achieved it and plan for the year ahead. In particular, being a Māori owned business we reflect upon, how we have given back to the whenua and our community.
We take stock of our native planting projects in gratitude for how well our plants have grown and also reflect upon what hasn’t gone so well. We use this information to help plan and guide us through for the following years planting. It’s also the perfect time to reflect upon how we as individuals and as a company have developed our knowledge of Māori culture and language and plan for what we hope to nurture and develop in the following year. Matariki is also a time where we as a company can give thanks and gratitude for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon the business over the year and a time for us to celebrate that.
How do we celebrate Māori culture at ŌKU?
At ŌKU we are constantly striving to incorporate Māori culture into our business model. We begin our weekly staff hui with karakia, we use traditional rongoā planting and harvesting methods, and stay in communication with my Hapū and Iwi (Ngati Moko and Tapuika). My uncle Hōri Ahomiro plays an important role at ŌKU as our Cultural Advisor and I consult with him over cultural issues pertaining to Māori. Scott and I are in a constant learning mode of Te Reo and make efforts to use Te Reo in our company communications and advertising. This year we have made concerted efforts to be more proactive in using correct macrons in our written communications, labeling and advertising. We specifically chose a Māori-owned digital marketing company to work with because we felt they had the expertise to accurately represent ŌKU at a kaupapa Māori level. They are also there to help guide the business and promote kaupapa Māori business ideas, innovations and decisions.
What does leading a Māori owned business mean to us?
Leading a Māori-owned business is an honour for us that comes with a certain amount of responsibility. At ŌKU we have a responsibility to uphold kaupapa Māori principles which require respect and integrity of the culture. It means forging the path of incorporating more Māori ways of being that aren’t typically the “norm” for businesses in Aotearoa. It means reaching out for guidance in helping us to continually upskill our knowledge of te ao Māori which means to acknowledge the interconnectedness and interrelationship of all living and non-living things. It also means to continually reflect on decisions that are being made and the potential impact they may have on our cultural principles and overarching kaupapa.
When we incorporate kaupapa Māori principles into our business it means that not everything is about profit. It’s also about giving back, back to nature and back to the community/whanau. This in my opinion is spiritually rewarding and a healthier way to run a business because on a soul level, it feels right. It also means that we are unique, we are indigenous, and the principles that guide us help to make this world a better place.
Nga mihinui
Helen Paul-Smith
Co-Founder of ŌKU NZ
