Aotahi Limited - Guiding ideas into reality
Partnering with the North King Country Development Trust
When someone in the King Country has a business idea, the team at Aotahi Limited are often among the first people they’ll meet on their journey. Based in Te Kūiti, Aotahi is a long-established provider of community, education, and economic development services, and a trusted partner of the North King Country Development Trust (NKCDT).
Together, Aotahi and NKCDT help local people turn great ideas into viable, sustainable businesses - building confidence, knowledge, and capability along the way.
“Our goal is to make the pathway to business ownership clearer,” says Naomi Hughes, Managing Director of Aotahi. “We help people understand what’s involved, what’s realistic, and how to plan for success - without giving up on their dream.”
A local organisation with deep community roots
Established 21 years ago by Naomi Hughes and Miriama Stephenson, Aotahi has become a cornerstone of community and business development across the North King Country.
Operating from two locations on Rora Street, Te Kūiti, Aotahi’s team of 8–12 staff deliver services locally and nationally. Most of the team affiliate with Ngāti Maniapoto, and many hail from Piopio or Te Kūiti, giving them a deep understanding of the community they serve.
Aotahi’s expertise spans programme development, project management, business support, employment placement, and resource design - with a particular focus on small business education and personal finance.
The organisation also operates Heartlands Te Kūiti, a welcoming drop-in centre offering public computer access and hands-on assistance for tasks like registering a company, writing a business plan, or simply navigating online business tools.
“Heartlands is about accessibility,” Naomi explains. “Sometimes people just need a bit of support and somewhere they can come in, sit down, and work at their own pace.”
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Supporting entrepreneurs, step by step
Through NKCDT, local entrepreneurs are referred to Aotahi for a one-on-one hui - an initial meeting to explore the viability of their business idea. Naomi and her team help clients look beyond the excitement of the idea itself to understand the practical realities of running a business.
They cover everything from financial planning to marketing, pricing, and compliance.
“We do a break-even analysis, talk about what you need to live on, and how many customers it would take to achieve that,” Naomi says. “Often, people realise there’s a bit more work to do before applying for funding, and that’s okay. It’s about refining the idea, not giving up on it.”
Aotahi encourages clients to start small, test safely, and grow sustainably, whether they’re launching a new venture or buying an existing business. They also guide clients through due diligence, helping them ask the right questions, assess financials, and consider how to retain customers and assets through the transition.
“Business can be exciting - but it’s a journey,” says Naomi. “We want people to go in with their eyes open and a good plan behind them.”
Empowering education and local talent
In addition to supporting small businesses, Aotahi plays an active role in youth education and empowerment. Through programmes like Rangatahi Development and Young Enterprise, they inspire high school students to pursue qualifications - whether academic or trade-based - and eventually bring those skills home to the King Country.
“We love showing young people what’s possible,” Naomi says. “Whether it’s running their own business, gaining a qualification, or contributing to their community - it’s about planting the seed for the future.”
Programme development and delivery
Aotahi’s work also extends into wider community and organisational development, offering services such as:
Educational Programme Design for tertiary, community, and industry training
Project Management focused on local initiatives and outcomes
Resource Development for teaching and business use
Contract Delivery Support for organisations managing large-scale projects
Business Start-up Support and Employment Placement Services
Their team includes experienced writers and analysts who can quickly gather industry data, prepare business plans, and develop tailored learning materials for individuals or groups.
Guiding the next generation of business owners
For Naomi, the most rewarding part of working alongside NKCDT is seeing people grow in confidence, from the first tentative idea to a thriving business.
“A lot of people come in thinking small — or thinking they can do it better and cheaper, but they soon realise what’s really involved,” she says. “That’s where the support comes in. We walk alongside them, help them plan, and keep them motivated. There’s always a way - it just might not be the way you first imagined.”
Aotahi Limited
Call in to our offices: Level 1, 123 Rora Street, Te Kūiti
Phone us on (07) 878 5005
Email us: enquiries@aotahi.com
Visit Aotahi's website
Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga