- Issue date
- 3 November 2023
Whare Isaac-Sharland (Ngāti Manawa ki Murupara, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāi Te Rangi ki te moana o Tauranga), co-founder and Manahautū-CEO of Tai Huki Consultants, was honored with the prestigious Te Pou Whirinaki Business Collaboration Award at the 2023 MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards in Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday 27 October.
Whare Isaac-Sharland (L) and her mum Erana Clark (R) with the Te Pou Whirinaki Business Collaboration Award at the Māori Women's Development Inc. Māori Businesswomen's Awards in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Friday 27 October 2023.
The award, sponsored by Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women, recognises Whare’s excellence in creating a collaborative working environment between iwi, pakihi (business), and across sectors to achieve collective impact to grow Māori enterprise.
The ceremony highlighted the remarkable strides made by wāhine Māori in business here in Aotearoa and internationally.
Founded in 2020, Tai Huki Consultants is a transformative Māori, indigenous, Mātauranga and education group committed to empowerment for ākonga, whānau, hapū, iwi, and the wider community.
"We are driven by providing a level of excellence to and or for our people, so they may be better supported to grow their love of learning. Everything we do is to strengthen their learning journey, and we are privileged to be in the space to provide this," said Whare.
Reflecting on her own personal journey, Whare expressed deep gratitude for the recognition received, and emphasised the importance of self-determined learning journeys for Māori.
“This award is another way I can validate all the hard work and effort I put into our business, as well as the projects that I am passionate about. For so long, many Māori have, and continue to be, denied a self-determined learning journey. This is one of the fastest ways we can feel empowered – driving our own goals and aspirations, whilst being provided the tools and resources to support our choices."
Her unwavering commitment to empowering ākonga, whānau, hapu, and iwi through transformative Mātauranga and education programmes stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring business leaders.
When asked about her proudest moments, Whare highlighted the significance of her whānau, and dedication to serving the education ecosystem and wider community.
“My whānau are a source of immense pride. I have been with my husband for 30 years and have three tamariki who continue to make me proud. They are really good humans, and I know they will also be good servants for our people.
“Providing our services to the education ecosystem and whānau, is an honour and a real privilege.”
Whare's advice for young wāhine Māori looking to get into business highlighted the importance of courage, integrity, tikanga and Kawa, manaakitanga, and nurturing strong relationships.
“Tūwhitia te hopo e hoa mā, take the leap, feel your fear and do it anyway. Have a strong vision and mission that makes your soul smile—don't be apologetic for having to lead."
As she sets her sights on furthering her governance skills and expanding her knowledge base, Whare’s success serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of Māori-driven enterprises.
Her journey symbolises the potential for growth and prosperity within the Māori business landscape, providing inspiration for future generations of Wāhine Māori.
Whakamihi to Whare on her award, and congratulations to all of the other inspiring finalists and winners.
Find the full list of winners on the Māori Women’s Development Inc. website.