Since late 2015, a group of residents and hapū members in the Ruatoria area have been working on economic development plans for the local area. In addition to existing cultural, educational and environmental projects supported by our hapū trusts, we are supporting job creation through enterprise development initiatives, particularly social enterprise. Hikurangi Enterprises is a charitable company
designed to help support local economic development – both job creation and sustainable lifestyles in our community. Sustainable livelihoods as the basis for local community development is critical to the wellbeing of whānau and hapū in our community. Through our activities we want to create employment and make it possible for residents and hapū members to maintain sustainable lifestyles in the local area. We plan to create income from business activity to fund our charitable activities. HEL works closely with land owners, residents, businesses, entrepreneurs, marae committees and hapū trusts to progress ideas and opportunities that result in job creation for the area between Waipiro Bay and Rangitukia on the East Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand.
