Building Koha.Kiwi: A Partnership in Technology and Cultural Understanding
At Abletech, we are not just developers; we are partners in innovation, and sometimes, we have the privilege of being part of something that transcends technology. Our journey with Koha.Kiwi has been one such experience. Beyond building a web application, it has been a kaupapa (collective purpose) that has deepened our connection to Te Ao Māori, strengthening our understanding of Māori perspectives on business, relationships, and community.
The Vision and Cultural Connection
Koha.Kiwi is more than a tech project—it embodies manaakitanga (care and generosity), whanaungatanga (relationships), and utu (reciprocity), all deeply rooted in tikanga Māori (Māori cultural practices and values). This partnership provided us with an opportunity to listen, learn, and embed Māori ways of thinking and being into our mahi. We worked closely with the founders of the platform, Te Awanui Reeder and Ngahu Potaka, understanding how kaupapa Māori values shape their approach to business and relationships. This was not just about developing a digital platform; it was about ensuring that Koha.Kiwi is a taonga (treasure) that truly serves and uplifts Māori communities.
Our Role and the Learning Experience
As strategic partners, we worked kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) with the founders of Koha.Kiwi to bring their vision to life. This collaboration was not a conventional client-service provider relationship—it was a whakawhanaungatanga (relationship-building) process that required aroha, commitment, and humility. We were guided by kaupapa Māori business principles, which prioritise collective success, whakapapa (connections and ancestry), and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination). This perspective reshaped our approach to technology development, ensuring that the platform served not only functional needs but also upheld cultural integrity and community aspirations.
Investing in More Than Just Technology
Our decision to take an equity share in Koha.Kiwi reflects more than a business decision—it is a commitment to the kaupapa. We have learned that kaupapa Māori businesses prioritise people and relationships over transactions, valuing collective success and long-term impact over short-term gain. Working alongside Māori leaders has challenged us to rethink how we measure success, shifting from individual outcomes to whānau, hapū, and iwi well-being. This experience has enriched our team, reinforcing the importance of mahi tahi (working together), pono (integrity), and mana-enhancing relationships.
Impact and Reflection
Koha.Kiwi is a taonga tuku iho (a legacy project), where Te Ao Māori and technology merge to create meaningful impact. For us, this journey has not just been about building some software—it has been about transforming the way we think, work, and engage with Māori communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from our partners, Awa and Ngahu, and are committed to deepening our cultural competency, so that our work continues to be a space where tikanga Māori is upheld and celebrated.