4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Stronghold Group T T Bernadette Cooney Excellence recognised at inaugural awards T T to page 6 “Since our win, we’ve continued to refine and grow our network of diverse suppliers – creating strong relationships and contributing to a thriving Māori and Pasifika economy.” West Auckland construction company Stronghold Group has firmly established its place as a leader in the Māori and Pasifika business landscape, winning the inaugural Amotai Supplier of the Year Award 2024. This accolade recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence in supplier diversity and a commitment to growing Māori and Pasifika business capability. The Amotai Supplier Diversity Awards celebrate organisations that are levelling the playing field in procurement. Stronghold Group stood out for going well beyond the 5% procurement guideline with more than 20% of its subcontractors being Amotai-verified suppliers. “Building a strong, highly capable Māori and Pasifika supply chain is deeply important to us,” says managing director Karalee Tangiau. “Since our win, we’ve continued to refine and grow our network of diverse suppliers – creating strong relationships and contributing to a thriving Māori and Pasifika economy.” Stronghold directors Karalee Tangiau (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara) and Quincy Tangiau (Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea) expressed pride in the recognition. “Our work is grounded in Tikanga Māori and Pasifika values,” says Karalee. “To be recognised at this level validates our vision to build with purpose and bring our communities with us. It also assures procurement leads and clients that we are a trusted, capable, values-driven contractor.” Stronghold’s impact extends beyond procurement. The company received the 2024 BCITO Leaders Award for Commercial Construction, recognising its commitment to workforce development and Māori and Pasifika advancement in the trades. With 87 staff – 80% Māori and Pasifika – the company is investing heavily in upskilling and leadership pathways. The business currently supports 19 apprentices across all stages of training, with half a dozen expected to graduate this year. Stronghold Group has also been selected for Air New Zealand’s 12-week Ka Rere accelerator, which aims to grow the capability of Māori and Pacific businesses and increase supplier diversity. Stronghold directors Karalee Tangiau and Quincy Tangiau - BCITO, Building Whānau campaign. Johnston Associates Level 1, One Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland Unit 3, Level 5, 74 Grey Street, Gisborne www. johnstonassociates.co.nz Office 09 361 6701 Our Congratulations to Stronghold Group Johnston Associates has enjoyed a long-term relationship with Quincy, Karalee and the Team at Stronghold Group, and we feel privileged to have experienced their exceptional Ylj`e\jj aflie\p Çijk _Xe[% BXiXc\\ Xe[ Hl`eZp¿j c\X[\ij_`g n`k_ _\Xik _Xj Zi\Xk\[ X k\Xd Zlckli\ k_Xk `j kilcp `ejg`i`e^ Xe[ \dgfn\i`e^% :fe^iXklcXk`fej fe pfli n\cc [\j\im\[ `e[ljkip XnXi[j# `e i\Zf^e`k`fe f] k_\ Zfeki`Ylk`fe Xe[ [`Ÿ\i\eZ\ pfl dXb\ kf k_\ kiX[\j# k_\ g\fgc\ Xifle[ pfl# Xe[ pfli gfj`k`m\ \Ÿ\Zk fe k_\ n`[\i Zfddle`kp% C`Xd 8Çkl $ GXike\i# Af_ejkfe 8jjfZ`Xk\j% Email: lXÇkl@aXZXl%Zf%ez# DfY`c\ ')( -)' ((-% BUS I N E SS ADV I SORY, ACCOU NT I NG & TAXAT I ON
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=