Far North Thrive Expo unearths great ideas

"We believe these Thrive participants will strengthen their skills and confidence to take their ideas forward." Photo / Supplied

Celebrating success and seeking support was the theme of the Far North Thrive Expo for 24 budding social entrepreneurs, which took place on Friday 21 August.

Ākina CEO Alex Hannant said the Expo in Kerikeri was an opportunity for the participants who have worked hard on the Thrive programme to find new supporters, reflect on how far they've come and celebrate their achievements.

Far North Thrive was a four-month development programme for individuals with social enterprise ideas run by Ākina Foundation and the Far North District Council from April to July.

"Social enterprise offers a way to tackle social and environmental challenges through a sustainable business model - it's a hybrid between business and charity - and it's clear the Thrive participants have some great ideas", he said.

"They are talented and passionate people and they have strengthened their skills and confidence to make a positive difference. They also now have each other."

Through the face-to-face workshops held in locations throughout the Far North (Kerikeri, Rawene, Kaitaia and Kaeo), the diverse group of participants learnt about social enterprise, how to start one up, and honed their leadership and business skills.

Their project ideas range from addressing food insecurity and strengthening local growers' supply chain and market connections, to tackling unemployment among young people, to dealing with environmental and waste management issues.

Far North District Mayor John Carter said the council was proud to be part of the first Thrive programme with A?kina Foundation.

Mr Carter said: "Many communities in New Zealand's Far North face social and economic challenges but it is also a region of breathtaking beauty and rich natural resources. It has passionate and active people who understand the challenges and opportunities in the region. So who is better placed than these locals to kick-start enterprises that solve social or environmental problems while helping their communities prosper?"

The mayor challenged the wider community to find a way, big or small, they could contribute to taking these ideas forward. "By investing in people, by building capability and confidence in communities, we will find solutions to help us thrive," Mr Carter said.

Thrive participants include local business leaders that wish to leverage skills and experience for social purpose businesses, community leaders that want to harness business to achieve positive outcomes for their community and individuals that care about the Far North and want to gain skills to lead the creation of community social enterprise.

"We believe these Thrive participants will strengthen their skills and confidence to take their ideas forward - plus they gain a support network that believes in them and can help them get there", Mr Hannant said.

Review the 24 participants and their ideas in the Far North Thrive Expo booklet available online. To get involved in a future Thrive programme or to connect with a Thrive participant, email thrive@akina.org.nz or phone 04 384 9676.

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