Mentoring generates hive of export potential [Video]

After Cyclone Gabrielle made Gisborne-based Pauariki Honey rethink their business’s future, a mentorship with Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) helped open exciting export growth opportunities.

Following the hammering that the North Island’s East Coast endured in early 2023, Pauariki Honey owners Cate and Mike King suddenly found themselves having to rethink their business’s direction.

While Mike focused on bee health recovery and staff support, Cate searched for new, innovative ways to progress the business. Exporting had long been on their radar.

They had successfully exported to Asia for six years. but finding new networks and contacts in New Zealand for offshore sales was challenging.

Cate had always believed mentoring was “an expensive luxury”, but after hearing BMNZ’s CEO Sarah Trotman on Radio New Zealand promoting a free mentorship for a year, she was convinced it was the right thing to do.

Cate requested a mentor with export and strategy skills …