It has been a rise of epic proportions for Maraenui-based Kaitime. The pakihi (business) is owned and founded by Tina Sheree Rangi and partner Jonny Tawhara with the mission to fuel the next generation by ensuring every child has at least one sufficient meal a day that is packed with nutrients and all the good things that our region has to offer. They are the only local Māori-owned business specialising in healthy packed lunches.
Launching in February 2020 Kaitime mooted their idea to provide affordable and nutritious packed lunches via Facebook, testing the market by running a competition and giving away their first product for free. Fast-forward to October and they now have three sites across Hawke’s Bay and are a provider for the Healthy Lunches in Schools programme. They make thousands of lunches each weekday and have grown to a team of 20.
For Tina and Jonny the key to their successful launch was research and accessing the right support for them. Driven by values and motivated by the need they saw in the community, they knew they needed practical and purpose-fit start-up support. They utilised the KETE Programme through Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga specifically the business start-up module and looked to trusted friends and whānau. “We are so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who are business owners. They have really helped shape what we have tried to create for the betterment of our community,” explains Tina.
First published by The Profit. Click here to read the full article.