Can you believe it's already been 6 whole months since we launched Good Impressions? To celebrate, we’ve put the spotlight on the incredible Māori Women's Development Inc. (MWDI) a proud, local organisation who have been supporting wāhine and their whānau starting new or expanding their existing businesses for over 35 years. We're so thrilled to have MWDI onboard as one of the benefitting organisations in our Uplifting our People/Piki te tangata pillar and making a difference in the lives of wāhine every day.

For those of you who don't know, MWDI empowers, uplifts and boosts the growth of wāhine and their whānau by offering opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills in business through their programs and services like lending while also fostering connections to other like-minded wāhine. This encourages Māori women and their whānau to reach their full potential in the economical world and ensure that Māori contribute equitably to Aotearoa’s cultural, economic, social and political achievements.

Through MWDI, Māori women are given the tools and resources they need to turn their business dreams into realities. And, by being a part of Good Impressions, they're continuing to show their commitment to creating positive change and making a real impact in the world.

One such resource is the HineBoss program: an online course that runs from Fri to Sun – 4 hours per day, where participants will meet other Kaipakihi wahine and complete at least 80% of their business plan. It is here that MWDI can recommend Te Aka mentors to help wāhine tweak their business plans and position them to make an application for a MWDI Business Loan.

This program amongst others that have been recently launched have been hugely successful, opening up new opportunities for wāhine while continuing to position MWDI as a leader in supporting wāhine in business.

Given our indigenous roots and leadership via our Director (and Girl Boss) Andrea Rongonui, our Go Media team understand the importance of uplifting and promoting Māori-led companies – sharing the belief that through our support we help preserve and promote traditional cultural values, customs and practices and unique Māori product and service offerings that reflect tikanga and Te Ao Māori.

Also providing economic opportunities and financial independence for individuals and communities, to help close the wealth gap and create sustainable economic growth.

In amongst the various programs and mentorship, MWDI also hosts its annual Māori Businesswomen’s Awards in October, honouring the accomplishments and success of all wāhine in business. In 2022, Go Media were proud to be a category sponsor of the awards and play a part in such an incredible evening.

Nominations for these prestigious awards will soon be open to the public, so be sure to keep an eye out!  

It goes without saying that our partnership with MWDI is the epitome of what our Good Impressions initiative is all about - supporting businesses that are making a positive impact in our communities. We can't wait to see all the amazing things these wāhine will accomplish and we're honoured to be able to support them every step of the way.

Hoake tātou, let’s GO!

For more information on Māori Women’s Development Inc and their programs and services please visit www.mwdi.co.nz or contact us on 04 4996 504.

Blog resources provided by:

Linda Clay

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Māori Women’s Development Inc