About | Kāuru

Our story

Te Whatanui Winiata founded Kāuru Limited in December 2018 to provide employment opportunities and experiences for his people. With the ability to contribute to a variety of kaupapa, Te Whatanui was approached by various organisations and agencies in need of services in te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, te Ao Māori, Māori engagement, and Māori art and design.

This was also an opportunity for him to expose his kaimahi (staff) to new and creative experiences that would help them grow and develop. Becoming a dad not long after provided the impetus to open new branches of the business, thereby helping to secure the company's future for his tamariki and future generations.

Kāuru has met with a variety of government agencies, tertiary institutions, and Māori businesses along the way to make a difference and a positive impact for change within their organisations.

Kāuru works to achieve positive transformation and desired outcomes through contributions that are informed by Te Ao Māori and stages of universal creation that see others through to Te Mārama – successful outcomes. Kāuru provide:

Carved wooden taiaha with pāua eyes on a woven whāriki

Our values

Ngā mātāpono

Kāuru is guided and inspired by the principle values of the organisation, which outline the most appropriate ways to behave. All have a close correlation with acting in ways that are ethical and mana enhancing.

01

Māiatanga

Evolving into a force of nature emitting the confidence tūpuna Māori possessed and the courage our kaumātua held to overcome feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty. Kāuru serves as a natural Māori force trumping obstacles and helping others see safe passage through to Te Ao Mārama.
02

Whakokētanga

Disruptive innovation that promotes uniquely unorthodox resources, solutions and outcomes that hold the interests of Māori at heart. Kāuru aspires to promote creativity and the advancement of natural capabilities possessed by all Māori persons and those alike seeking existence within the world of light.
03

Takohatanga

Achieving positive transformation into Te Ao Mārama through contributions to an endless continuum of creation that entails vast depths of knowledge. Kāuru and its kaimahi are a tightly woven group of workers who have dedicated themselves to serve others and give tirelessly for the greater good and the betterment of all who seek their contributions.
04

Rangatiratanga

Serving as a beacon of light illuminating pathways out of the darkness of Te pō into the light of Te Ao Mārama. Kāuru as a beacon stands strong with self-determination like the trees of a maunga standing steadfast in the harshest storms, yet possessing the grace and calm of an unobstructed free flowing awa.
05

Manaakitanga

Striving for outcomes that go beyond the "extra mile" towards a genuine space warmed by manaakitanga. Our natural resources need to be cared for, so do humans that essentially depend on those resources. Therefore kaimahi are committed to promoting strong positive connections that are founded on genuine support and care, meeting desired outcomes for all to benefit from.

How we work

Mai i te Kore ki te Ao Mārama — four stages

These four stages take an idea from a place of nothingness to implementation. Our motto guides us in our thought, analytical, developmental and creative processes throughout our work.

01 · Discover

Te Kore

An empty and dark space

Te Kore is the stage of discovery where all ideas are good ideas and anything can eventuate. Our approaches might include; brainstorming, mindmapping, research and consultation through hui.
02 · Define

Te Pō

A dark space with potential for illumination

Te Pō is the stage of identifying and defining the parameters of what was discovered in Te Kore. Our approach might include; negotiation, consideration and resourcing to create an action plan.
03 · Develop

Te Ao

An illuminated space with vast opportunities

Te Ao is a phase that promotes understanding, enlightenment and ultimately achieving the desired outcome. All roads lead to the pae tawhiti.
04 · Deliver

Te Mārama

A thriving space where ideas are realised

Te Mārama is the stage of deliverables and realisation. Our approach is to ensure that a co-designed action plan meets the desired outcomes, goals and objectives set out in Te Ao.