SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Establish social enterprise initiatives to support economic development and sustainability, such as the cafe/gallery/native nursery/tours etc.

THE PROJECT

Samara Nicholas from the Leadership Group and from ‘Experiencing Marine Reserves’ has helped champion the Native Nursery initiative in this initial phase. Samara has planned a future visit to Whaingaroa Environment Centre (in Raglan) who run a successful nursery and eco venture. They also have a past relationship with Whananaki . http://whaingaroa.org.nz

The first year of this initiative has focused on researching the feasibility of a native nursery to create pa harakeke, rongoa gardens and native groves on the land adjoining the marae. The intent is that the native nursery will be part of a community wide eco tourism initiative that will bring employment opportunities for the locals and perhaps encourage people to return to Whananaki.


SEWF 

Coordinators attended the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) in Christchurch and came away highly motivated about the potential for social enterprise in Whananaki. The Forum was also an opportunity to network with a whole range of entrepreneurs. There have been discussions with Northland Inc, CBEC a social enterprise based in Kaitaia, Kaiako for Rongoa Māori at TWOA and Biogrow regarding organic certification. A working group visited Akerama Marae to generate ideas for the nursery and the coordinator visited Minginui Nursery, a social enterprise established by Ngati Whare. The nursery started small and in partnership with Scion have developed world leading technology to grow native trees. Minginui Nursery is happy to work with and support WCLD. http://www.minginuinursery.nz/nursery/

Coordinators are working with Jan Marsh who is helping build capability on how to pitch for investment.

The nursery concept plan will be due by the end of 2018. WCLD will look at developing a legal entity for the social enterprise. Representatives will attend the next SEWF Conference and gain further information from others who have similar experiences with similar community based enterprises. http://sewfonline.com/sewf2018/

Once this project is fully scoped a proposal will be submitted to various funders including DIA.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Native Nursery progress
  • What has happened?

    2020 The leadership group have developed a masterplan, and we have obtained quotes to begin siteworks and build of the Native Nursery. 

  • Who participated or will benefit?

    The Whananaki Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association committee, The Emergency Services Committee, and community representatives.

  • What has been achieved?

    A small temporary site with native plants has been erected, and seedlings have been planted on halverson road, and dune regeneration has taken place at moureeses beach dunes.