Te Waka launches Business Growth Advisory Services in Te Kuiti

Te Waka, Waikato's regional economic development agency, is expanding its successful business growth advisory services into Te Kuiti.

Based at Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton, the advisory service operates a successful hub and spoke delivery model where advisors visit each district within the region to meet with local businesses to provide free advice. They do this by taking a holistic look at a business, and help connect business owners with the right resources and experts to enable capability and growth.   

Alongside servicing the wider Hamilton area, business advisors also visit Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Raglan, Paeroa, Tuakau, Huntly, Thames, Tokoroa, Taupo, and now Te Kuiti.

Te Waka CEO Michael Bassett-Foss and board members will be in Te Kuiti on Thursday 18 April to formally launch the business growth advisory service at a breakfast event hosted by volunteer community group Legendary Te Kuiti.

Bassett-Foss says the business growth advisory service is an important part of the work Te Waka does to enhance regional economic growth in Waikato and helps connect them with businesses throughout the region.

“It also gives us the opportunity to hear the challenges that face the different parts of our region from those doing business there every day.

“As the last of the hub and spoke districts to come on board we now feel like we are connected with the region, and we look forward to the businesses in Waitomo, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti benefiting from the expertise of our advisory team.”

The dedicated business advisor for the district is Ashleigh Turner, who originally hails from Otorohanga. A trained lawyer and economic development professional, Turner understands the challenges facing small businesses and start-ups in general, and the issues unique to businesses based in the South Waikato who have significant work to do to catch up with other parts of the region.

Turner says she’s looking forward to helping businesses from her home district.

"I am really looking forward to helping the businesses based in the Te Kuiti, Otorohanga and Waitomo area. This area is significant to me; it’s my home, I grew up here and much of my whanau still live and work here, so to support the aspirations of this business community is something I feel passionate about.”

Turner will be in Te Kuiti once a month based at the Waitomo District Council building. Appointments to see her can be made by emailing businessgrowth@tewaka.nz.