Welcome

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder/s: Julz Nonoa [Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Tangahoe, Ngaruahine, Tainui] and Kiri Leach [Ngati Konohi, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti] Business: Whare Hau Tutū Founded: 2021 HQ: Waikato Can you tell us a bit about your business? […]

When Wei Sun fell in love with New Zealand while on holiday in 2016, little did he know that he would be back nearly a decade later, launching a healthcare technology startup in Christchurch to build an affordable, effective AI gastrointestinal (GI) health management platform. Sun – a seasoned entrepreneur with a 25-year track record […]

Unconference and Workshops at AUT in Auckland on 7 and 8 August 2025. The event brings together entrepreneurs and supporters from all over New Zealand in a two day festival of networking, collaborative education, and getting sh!t done. At the Unconference on 8 August, the attendees set the agenda, and discuss items of importance on […]

It started with a fishing trip, a smoker, and a piece of Mānuka wood. A few years later, a simple stick has been transformed into an exciting natural pet product – Bonno, a uniquely Kiwi chew for dogs. But Bonno is more than just a dog chew. It’s a product with iconic New Zealand roots, […]

This is the story of an unusual games company making unusual games, built by a woman who followed an unusual career path.  Melanie (Mel) Langlotz is the founder and CEO of Geo AR Games, a game design studio that utilises augmented reality for “creating digital experiences that positively impact the world, fostering education and empowerment […]

The final four episodes of the PowerUp Podcast Season Five have now dropped, rounding out a compelling seven-part line-up of trailblazing Taranaki entrepreneurs who are making waves with their bold ideas and can-do attitudes. Brought to you by Regional Development Agency, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, and hosted by business advocate and NZ Story CEO, […]

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder/s: Kate Forward & Stephen Ponsford Business: puawai Founded: 2024 HQ: wellington Can you tell us a bit about your business? Puāwai helps users ideate, execute, and scale their business in one […]

Part two of this series explores seven ways to improve CRM adoption and deliver maximum value. You’ve got a new CRM to support sales success. Why won’t your team use it? Part one of this series dealt with the practical steps to set up your CRM (customer relationship management system) for success. In Part two, […]

The PowerUp Accelerator officially kicked off last month, with six ambitious founders from Taranaki embarking on a high-impact, 10-week journey designed to grow their early-stage ventures into investable, scalable businesses. The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer […]

As the first co-working space in South Taranaki, Te W’anake The Foundry is proudly celebrating its second anniversary. With a strong base of full-time residents, the facility has become a thriving hub for freelancers, remote workers, startups, and entrepreneurs — and is looking to welcome many more through its doors. Since opening in February 2023, […]

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founders: John Parker Business: Maddox Photography birding adventures Founded: January 2025 HQ: Waikato Can you tell us a bit about your business? Maddox Photography NZ offers boutique birding adventures and my signature […]

Part of Tech Week 2025 Tuesday, 20 May 2025, Pullman Hotel Auckland – Join Stripe during Tech Week 2025 for an afternoon focused on SaaS growth strategies. We’ll cover pricing models, embedded payments, and international expansion. Hear real customer stories from New Zealand SaaS businesses, get familiar with Stripe’s tools, and connect with the local […]