Photo of a group sitting around a wooden table

Our Kaupapa

We empower community-led action towards generating positive social and environmental change through growing innovation and entrepreneurship

Kiko exists to catalyze innovation in Tairāwhiti, create sustainable business models, and make Tairāwhiti more prosperous and inclusive through the enormous potential of technology, creativity and entrepreneurship. Through empowering community-led action and collaboration, Kiko Innovation is at the forefront of driving the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in Tairāwhiti.

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  • We are thought leaders, connectors and doers
  • We disrupt, collaborate and create
  • We seek to solve some of the most complex challenges facing our region, that no organisation or individual can solve alone
  • We identify solutions through evidence-based data and research and ‘what works’ testing
  • We have a passion for action and results

Meet the Team

  • Photo of Cain Kerehoma

    Cain Kerehoma

    Director / Innovator

    Ngāti Raukawa, Muaupoko, Ngāti Porou

    BA/LLB (Hons), LLM (Hons), PhD Student

    Cain has worked across a range of sectors and disciplines including social policy and research, social enterprise development and indigenous community development. He lived in Canada working alongside First Nation communities on a number of innovative community development projects, including a significant health system transformation initiative in British Columbia. Since returning home to Aotearoa and to Te Tairāwhiti, Cain has been engaged in the social entrepreneurship and innovation sectors on a number of local and national initiatives. Cain is currently studying towards his PhD through Massey University. The title of his thesis is: Exploring indigenous models of social entrepreneurship and economic theory: the Aroha Economy.

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  • Photo of Renay Charteris

    Renay Charteris

    Director

    Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa

    Born and raised in Ruatoria, Renay is a proud Nāti and is an master exponent of manaakitanga, teachings afforded to her in her upbringing. Renay is a central figure at Tāiki e! Impact House and operates within a humble leadership model (she didn't write this up!) She is a weaver of people and brings skills and expertise in event coordination, finance, administration and marketing. She has held finance roles with Kiwibank and BNZ. She is passionate about empowering whānau with the tools to create and define their own success.

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