| 87 CONTRACTING Wired Together Electrical A vision for sustainable energy Maihi says the business started as a natural progression of their skills and ambitions. Hawke’s Bay’s newest Māori-owned electrical company, Wired Together Electrical, is making its mark with a strong family foundation, a vision for sustainable energy, and a commitment to creating career pathways for future Māori electricians. Launched in March this year, Wired Together Electrical is the brainchild of co- owner and operator Maihi Joe, his two brothers, and his niece. The family business is based in Flaxmere, Hastings and services residential and commercial clients across the region, including Hastings, Napier, and wider Hawke’s Bay. Maihi says the business started as a natural progression of their skills and ambitions. “My brother is a qualified and registered electrician, I’m in my final year of training before registration, and my niece and other brother are both doing their apprenticeships too. We wanted to do something together as a family, and we saw the opportunity to grow something that could eventually help other Māori into the trade.” That goal is deeply personal for Maihi, who recalls the challenges he and his whānau faced securing apprenticeships in the industry. “While we’ve been training, it was hard to find employers willing to take us on. Sometimes they didn’t have work, other times they didn’t see the value in taking on someone who wasn’t fully qualified yet. We want to change that by building our business to a point where we can offer apprenticeships and give people that first step into the industry.” Wired Together Electrical is already building strong relationships with other Māori enterprises, community organisations, and Te Puni Kōkiri with the aim of securing a steady flow of work to support future staff. For Maihi, electrical work isn’t just about wires and switches, it’s about innovation and sustainability. “Electricity has always interested me,” he says. “How it works and how it can be harnessed. With all the new technology coming through, like solar power and energy-efficient systems, we have so many opportunities to create sustainable solutions that give back to the land instead of taking from it. Now we’ve got the opportunity to be part of that innovation.” Wired Together offers a comprehensive range of services for homes and businesses, from wiring and repairs to solar power systems, air conditioning installations, EV chargers, and smart home automation. The business prides itself on transparent, fixed-price services, so clients know exactly what to expect, with no hidden costs. The team’s focus on sustainability is reflected in their promotion of solar and energy-efficient upgrades, helping clients reduce power bills and environmental impact. They also offer specialised services such as off-grid systems and Starlink satellite internet installations for rural properties. Underlying all of this is a commitment to treating clients like whānau. “We give our customers the same level of service we’d give our own family,” says Maihi. “If we wouldn’t be happy with it ourselves, we won’t deliver it to them.” As Wired Together Electrical powers ahead into its first year, Maihi and his team are balancing the demands of growing a business with their long-term vision — creating a successful enterprise that uplifts their community. “This is about more than just us,” he says. “It’s about the future, creating opportunities for people, and making sure our work benefits the place we live.” With its blend of whānau values, skilled workmanship, and forward-thinking solutions, Wired Together Electrical is set to become a trusted name in Hawke’s Bay, and a powerful example of Māori enterprise driving positive change. With a dedicated team of Trade Account Managers, n3 TRADE provides specialised support and services to help you maximise the benefits for your trade business. You’re one step closer to getting the best deal for your building supplies. Start saving now at n3trade.co.nz
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