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?
“connection + creativity + play = wellness”
“whanaungatanga + mahi toi + tutū = hauora”
Whare Hau Tutū is a space that is fully resourced with resources, tools and equipment to play and create to your hearts content. From leatherwork to painting, to block/lino printing to jewellery making to collage to sewing, to design to screen-printing to anything you can conjure up. We supply some new, recycled and sustainable resources and welcome koha to supply creativity at its fullest!
We offer memberships [think creative gym sessions], casual sessions, Kaitiakitanga, Professional Development through creativity as well as Community and Bespoke Workshops.
All as pathways to engage in connection to others and new mediums , re-connection to our own creativity (we are all creative!), to experience the magic of the creative process, to be inspired to inspire, and importantly as adults to celebrate and reconnect to the memories of play and the joy this brings.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
In 2021, creatives and longtime friends of 30+ years, Julz Nonoa and Kiri Leach , began a journey of exploring the foundations for Whare Hau Tutū, that was kaupapa Māori, for everyone.
Based on the premise of whanaungatanga, Julz and Kiri undertook several projects to not only test and cement friendships in work but also lead and be a part of projects that contributed to our collective values and intent of connection and building the capacity of our communities.
Our Vision: To provide creative spaces and places for adults to play, share, learn and engage in the creative process, encouraging connection and creativity.
Simple yet not simplistic – to celebrate the magic of the creative process, and the wellness this brings, through a resource space and connection to each other.
What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?
We are loving working with Saara Tawha through Start Up Aotearoa.
In 2021 we had the mentorship of Felicity Letcher of Main Reactor as a Creative Mentor. The balance of these two approaches has been priceless.
We would also encourage the power of saying YES and taking the leap required to take a vision and dream to reality!
WORKING ON SOMETHING NEW, INTERESTING OR IMPORTANT? JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF FOUNDERS AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENTURE HERE.
