"Two young Maori women are turning heads in the business world – and it’s everything to do with their looks", says Tariana Turia, Co-Leader of the Maori Party.

“Bianca Ranson and Melissa Crockett are the look of our future”, says Mrs Turia. “Their Maori tourism company, Potiki Adventures, combines the strength of our cultural integrity, the beauty of our natural landscape and the entrepreneurial edge that Maori have come to be distinguished by”.

Potiki Adventures won the Best Maori Women in Business Award, Te Mana Wahine Tohu, at the Maori Women’s Development Incorporation's national Mana Maori Business Awards held on Saturday in Auckland.  

This Award comes on top of Melissa being awarded the PATA Young Tourism Professional Award in 2006 (the first Maori to do so); and Potiki taking out the Outstanding Business Citizenship Award and the Best New Business Award at the national Women’s Business Awards (Her Business Magazine).

“Their achievements are literally breath-taking” said Mrs Turia.  “Their company is little more than three years old, and has already picked up the supreme awards in the tourism industry, the business sector, and the Maori business community”.

“And while I’m thinking of innovation, it’s hard to go past Ahu Developments” said Mrs Turia.  “Their U-Parkit multi-level fully automated car park stacking system has put Tokoroa on the map as far away as Nevada with their incredible success in achieving the US licence to install the systems throughout the United States”.

Ahu Developments, led by Te Arawa man, Phil Jones as managing director, has won accolades for its achievements in advancing “the next generation in parking solutions”. 

“It is fantastic that the MWDI has honoured Phil and Ahu Developments in winning the Mana Tane award (Best Maori Men in Business) for a concept which is not only cost-efficient and convenient, but also environmentally responsible” said Mrs Turia.

“The Maori Party was delighted to congratulate Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga in winning the Tino Taumata; Overall Excellence in Business Award, as well as Te Ahu Mahi, the Best Business Employment Creation Trophy” said Mrs Turia.

“Alayna Watene is an incredible operator – and when you look at the range of services the trust offers in health, education, social services and community development, I’m always blown away with the results they achieve” said Mrs Turia.

“What impresses me most about Te Taiwhenua is the strength of their governance capacity by virtue of the seventeen marae within the Heretaunga boundaries being represented in the 15 strong membership of Te Haaro” said Mrs Turia.

“They are an organisation which is truly community-led, the seven runanga and nga tangata Maori ki Heretaunga being fully involved in their strategic direction” said Mrs Turia.

“And while I'm giving out bouquets, it’s a good time too, to recognise the inspiration and leading edge practice that the Maori Women’s Development Incorporation has demonstrated since it was established in 1987” concluded Mrs Turia.

“The Maori Party congratulates Nga Whaea o te Motu – the Maori Women’s Welfare League, and the Trustees of the Incorporation for the leadership they have shown us all” said Mrs Turia.  “Their initiative in mentoring, managing and nurturing Maori businesses has played a significant role in Maori investing in success.  Twenty years on from their initial dream, the results are evident”.

Background Information

• The Maori Women’s Development Incorporation trustees are: Dame Georgina Kirby; Aroha Reriti-Crofts; Druis Barrett; Katerina Bennett; June Mariu; Areta Koopu; Jacqui te Kani and Linda Grennell.


• Dr Pita Sharples, Member of Parliament for Tamaki Makaurau presented the Auckland Best Business Trophy; and Hone Harawira, Member of Parliament for Tai Tokerau presented the Northland Best Business Trophy at the 2007 MWDI Awards held on Saturday 30 June at Langham Hotel in Auckland.

> Back to news archive