Hokianga eco-tourism business boosted by win

Whispering Trails owners Maria Kire and Joe Wynyard with whanau, looking to take the next step.

The winners of this year's Top Energy Business Development Fund grant really have something to shout about.

Winning this year's $30,000 development grant means Maria Kire and Joe Wynyard, owners of Hokianga-based eco-tourism business Whispering Trails, have the chance to take the next step, at a time when increasing tourist demand is providing significant opportunities.

Ms Kire described Whispering Trails as an invitation for people to share in their lifestyle, to participate in traditional hunting and gathering practices and to embrace a cultural experience that is far removed from mainstream tourism.

The business is an extension of cultural values and commitment to environmental sustainability. Ms Kire speaks of her desire to ensure the knowledge of her Ngapuhi ancestors is not lost. The concept of maanaki - to cherish, sustain and conserve - is at the heart of the business.

The couple have extensive experience in tourism. Mr Wynyard, who founded the business two years ago, worked for many years as a hunting guide and has intimate knowledge of the area.

His extensive networks have given him access to private and tribal land blocks, opening up remote sections of bush and coast to allow a full immersion in the Whispering Trails experience.

They offer a broad spectrum of guided packages that cater for all levels of fitness and interest, from foraging bush walks in the Waima Forest ranges, gathering shellfish, land-based fishing and hunting wild game such as pigs, goats and a variety of game birds.

The Top Energy Business Development Fund would allow them to reach out to new markets, nationally and internationally, they said.

Ms Kire is also looking forward to making use of the business mentoring package included in the fund, and recognises that the success of the business will create sustainable employment opportunities for local people.

The judges were impressed by the level of detail shown and the completeness of the couple's "outstanding" business plan. It was clear they had done their homework, they said, adding that they liked their idea of digital detox holidays, which would appeal to corporate customers wanting to switch off and immerse themselves in nature.

Top Energy launched its business development fund in 2014 to encourage and promote economic growth in the Far North. Grants of up to $30,000 are awarded twice a year for local business ideas or initiatives that have the potential to grow or diversify the Far North economy.

For more information on Whispering Trails go to: www.whisperingtrails.co.nz or Facebook whisperingtrailshokianga.

For more information on the business development fund go to www.topenergy.co.nz/sponsorship/business-development-fund.