Waikato District Businesses Win
with Free Mentoring and Chamber Memberships
In partnership with Business Mentors NZ and the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, Takitini recently launched an exciting competition to boost local business resilience.
The goal?
To support Waikato District businesses in navigating today’s economic challenges with practical, high-value support – and the results are already making a difference.
We know the last few years have been tough for the business community, so together with our generous partners, we set out to offer tangible support.
Thanks to sponsorship from Business Mentors NZ and the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, we gave away:
• 2 x Annual Waikato Chamber of Commerce Memberships
(Category A – 1-20 FTE, for new members. Valued at $350+gst each)
• 5 x One-Year Business Mentorships through Business Mentors NZ
(Valued at $295+gst each)
With an easy entry process and lots of engaged businesses across our platforms, the initiative reached into our local business eco-system with some much-needed support in these challenging time for businesses.
On 11 April, seven deserving businesses were announced as our winners – and their stories are already inspiring others.
We recently caught up with two of our business mentorship winners to learn more about their businesses, their aspirations, and how this opportunity will help them grow.
Renew Electric
Powering Homes and Empowering Communities
Ngaaruawaahia-based business, Renew Electric, is run by husband-and-wife duo Issac (Ihaka) and Shaila.
Specialists in residential electrical services and solar energy solutions, the pair are passionate about not only delivering quality work – but doing it with a social purpose.
“We were pleasantly surprised to win,” says Shaila. “You hear a lot about small businesses struggling to get help, but we’re grateful for the support systems out there. This mentorship is a huge boost for us.”
As a proudly Maaori and Pasifika-owned whaanau business, Renew Electric operates with a strong kaupapa: to make energy solutions more accessible for households with lower incomes and educate communities about the benefits of solar.
Operating from their home base on River Road, Ngaaruawaahia they’re deeply connected to the local area and committed to building a business that uplifts others alongside their own whaanau.
“Having a mentor with experience will be invaluable. We’re still early in our business journey, and we know there’s a lot to learn. But our vision is big – we want to grow Renew Electric into a business that supports the wellbeing of our people and the planet.”
The small team at Renew Electric are 100% behind any initiative that encourages local businesses and communities to connect and support one another. They are excited about Takitini and having a platform designed for Waikato district businesses to connect and support one another.
To find out more please visit their website or follow them on facebook
Breaking Bread Café
Serving More Than Just Great Food
Based in the heart of Ngaaruawaahia, Breaking Bread Café is a well-known local favourite.
Owner-operator Mandeep Rajput and her husband purchased the café in May 2024, and since then, they’ve been working hard to refresh the business operations with their own community-first vision.
Winning a business mentorship gives Mandeep and the team a chance to explore business growth with expert advice and guidance on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities a small business has to manage.
“Having access to a Business Mentor gives us a chance to grow strategically. We’re committed to this community, and this support will help us take things to the next level” says Mandeep.
With 80% of their customers coming from Ngaaruawaahia and surrounding areas, Breaking Bread has become more than just a café – it's a hub for local connection. Mandeep and her team have also adjusted pricing, extended opening hours, and employ 50% local staff.
“We’ve made a lot of changes this past year,” says Mandeep. “From upgrading our signage to making our menu more affordable and accessible for local customers – we’re here for the community that supports us.”
Looking ahead, they plan to expand their evening hours to cater to families seeking more dining options locally. They are also looking to build up the catering side of the business. Mandeep is optimistic about what the mentorship will bring.
For those locals who have not had a chance to visit Breaking Bread we encourage you to find out more and stay up to date with their latest offerings on their facebook page
This is just the beginning
Takitini is proud to walk alongside local businesses like Breaking Bread cafe and eatery and Renew Electric. These stories are proof that with the right support, vision, and connection to community, our businesses can not only survive – they can thrive, and support our Takitini brand vision to "Foster strategic partnerships to stimulate sustainable economic growth within our district, enabling the hauora of our natural environment, towns and communities to facilitate intergenerational prosperity"
We look forward to sharing more updates with our community as these businesses continue their mentorship journey over the coming year.
Thank you to our partners Business Mentors NZ and Waikato Chamber of Commerce for their generosity and ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Waikato business community.
