People. Products. Services. 2024

Background

Puutahi Innovations Limited has come a long way since its founding eight years ago. Through the many challenges we remain true to our purpose and values. Puutahi in Maaori is a meeting place between landscapes and people. Puutahi Innovations means a meeting place between people and ideas. We support Enterprises, Businesses, and Organisations to work through complex Social, Environmental, and Cultural Issues.

The Birth of Pūtahi Innovations Limited

Puutahi was founded by Terence Hikawai in 2017, during the Techstars Startup Weekend PASIFIKA in Porirua. Terence pitched a smartphone app idea; an app that would compare the cheapest priced items, and their location, on your grocery list called it Cheap Kai. Cheap Kai used crowd sourced data to update prices, creating a digital community of like-minded shoppers. Although it did not win, there was a high interest in the app. With zero experience and a long 'to do' list, a lot needed to be done. This experience offering a small insight into entrepreneurship.

The Growth of Pūtahi Innovations Limited

Puutahi was registered as a Limited Liability Company in 2019, with Cheap Kai being a subsidiary. This allowed a lot more flexibility to grow other ideas. We enlisted the services of Little Monkey, a small web/app developer based in Wellington, to build a working prototype. Which won the Good Food Boost Mentoring Programme in 2020. Puutahi also joined the Regional Food Network, Lower Hutt. A network that supports community based initiatives such as Kai Security and Kai Sovereignty. Wellington Regional Council and Wellington District Health supports and guides the network.​

Changing Gears during a Pandemic

The Pandemic Alert Level Lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand gave Puutahi a chance to evolve. Upskilling was severely needed. Terence leapt an opportunity to join the Pop Up Business School Online Course. This 10 Day Free Business Course drew together entrepreneurs from across Wellington City. We witnessed a growing need for support for Startups and small Businesses.

Terence also completed a Diploma in Te Reo Maaori through Te Wananga o Aotearoa. This heightening his understanding of Te Ao Maaori. Later he completed a Small Business Certificate, also through Te Wananga o Aotearoa. This giving him the focus and confidence needed to pivot the business once more.

With over 20 years experience in teaching, facilitation, and Te Ao Maaori advocacy, Terence included a Te Ao Maaori Consultancy Service. Offering online and in-person workshops supporting organisations to explore Te Ao Maaori in fun and interesting ways.

On the Horizon

In 2023, Laura Hikawai-Goodall joined as Co-Director. We continue to explore ideas and entrepreneurial endeavors through the development of new and interesting products and services. We are broadening the scope of products and services we can offer individuals, enterprises, businesses and organisations.

Te Maatanga

We are exploring how we can provide the same consultancy, facilitation and advocacy support from the UK. We are looking to expand into other markets.​

RuaTek

We are exploring how Cheap Kai can expand into the UK market. This offers an opportunity to re-brand. Cheap Kai will come under 'RuaTek', an arm of Puutahi. RuaTek will focus technological solutions for social, cultural and environmental issues.​

Paahau Studios

This passion project draws on our love for creativity. We started with low-content notebooks and digital products. We will move into printable and physical products towards children's storybooks.

Te Puna Tuihono

Our previous online and in-person workshops lead to the development of an online courses. Te Puna Tuihono means The Online Spring. Our online courses will be on offer through our website and platforms like Udemy and EdX.

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