Pounamu, jewellery and dreamcatchers are examples of several business ideas run by Haeata students. On Wednesday 10th some of these were sold at Te Iwi Māori Enterprise Market at the Town Hall.

Charlytte and Dyon are just one of many groups of children in Tuakana who have developed a business around their own interests and are gaining NCEA credits in business and maths in the process. They make both pre-made and custom made dream catchers online and in school. 

“Getting started they needed capital to start up... we (Haeata) put our hands up to be a part of the Like a Boss pilot," which helps students set up a business and provides them with a start up capital of $20. At the beginning of the year, their Puna Ako kaiako, Sue, started the class off with this programme, and many have continued developing successful products following on from this. 

Mahuika Design Solutions is another design business who makes "your imagination come to life" through custom made pieces. Creator Kayla Folwell uses Haeata's 'Maker Space' to make an amazing array of wooden carvings and designs including; vinyl stickers, wooden ferris wheels and graphic prints. 

Jaydah Coffin is another student who uses the Maker Space to make earrings and jewellery boxes.  "I combined my compassion for Te Ao Māori and passion for designing/creating into one...I have received support within school to help structure my business and bring in NCEA into what I am doing... As of now I just have earrings and jewelry boxes but am working towards producing other Māori designed items, just with the earrings the support has been amazing and that is what keeps me motivated! Im looking forward to this iwi Māori enterprise market to showcase my work, make connections and get inspired by other entrepreneurs out there." 

You will also find Trevor Devon on Wednesday at the Town Hall, as he has created some amazing pounamu work, pictured below.

If you didn't make it to the Iwi Māori Enterprise Market, to celebrate Te Ao Māori Enterprise, you can check out some of the businesses Facebook pages here:

Dreamer

Mahuika Design Solutions

Māhina Designs and Mahinadesign on Instagram 

There are many more creative ākonga at Haeata, so make sure you stop by if you're in need of a creative present!