Kiwis’ Lives Changed By Enterprise Initiative

Over 200 New Zealanders’ financial situations have improved thanks to The Generator financial capability initiative delivered by Vaka Tautua and Emerge Aotearoa. The national initiative provides business, mentoring support and seeding grants to individuals, whānau, and community groups to help them start sustainable business enterprises.

Launched in August 2020, the initiative has exceeded its first-year targets. Indications are second-year targets will be achieved by December. Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, said her organisation and Emerge Aotearoa are pleased with the initiative’s success.

“We are thrilled we have been able to help so many people start enterprises that will help improve their and their family’s financial situation,” said Dr Dunlop.

“The initiative has shown that “grass-roots” approaches to addressing financial hardship, whereby people and communities develop their own solutions to financial challenges, can work and be successful.”

The enterprises that have been supported by The Generator are wide-ranging and include catering businesses, educational resources, arts and crafts, and health and wellbeing services. Ninety percent of the people who have registered on to the initiative are Maori and Pacific, of which thirty-three percent are Pacific.

Vaka Tautua Community Generator, Fa’ulu Tomuli-Afoa, who leads The Generator work for Pacific peoples is inspired by the initiative, and the communities’ ideas, talents, and innovation.

“It’s a privilege helping our people bring to life their small business ideas by providing a pathway [The Generator]… to turn their ideas and dreams into plans and action. Also seeing the positive impact it is having on their lives and those of their families,” said Ms. Tomuli-Afoa.

The four-year initiative is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and is currently active in South Auckland, North Waikato, Porirua, Whanganui, and Tairawhiti. To be eligible to apply all you need to have is a Community Services Card.

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider that delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, financial capability, and social services.

For more information, https://thegenerator.org.nz/

Annie Hemopo and Girlie Albert, The Kai Sisterz catering business (photo: courtesy of Emerge Aotearoa)

Norman and Mara Tauiliili Smitlen, Made in The Dark bag weavers (photo: courtesy of Emerge Aotearoa)