Kaupapa | Initiative
K&J Growth is an internationally renowned, growth marketing firm that prides itself on being a leader in digital innovation – and it all started in Ōtepoti (Dunedin).
Founded by Kale Panoho (Ngāpuhi) and his Los Angeles based business partner,
Jonathan Maxim, K&J Growth has delivered successful digital growth campaigns for some of the biggest international brands – including TikTok, Microsoft and Comcast, as well as government agencies, start ups and other growth minded companies across the world. After incredible growth overseas, Kale decided it was time to turn their attention to New Zealand and support other home grown businesses.
Wero | The Challenge
“We knew there was a need to support kiwi businesses along their growth journey. However, a key piece we were missing was the right local relationships that we could tap into to get ourselves in front of those businesses.”
Te Āhua Mahi | Our Approach
“In the short time we’ve worked with Awhi, we’ve had some incredible opportunities – we’ve featured in articles of some of the most respected business news outlets in Aotearoa, supported Māori entrepreneurs through the Kōkiri Accelerator and won a national award for business and innovation.”
An unexpected benefit of working with a kaupapa Māori firm like Awhi has been the cultural impact on both Kale and his business.
“Working with Awhi has given me the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Māori business owner, and seek out ways to help Māori getting into business.”
“It’s also been really cool to see the flow-on effects on our own business.
There’s something really special about hearing our Los Angeles based team pick up Māori kupu, to a point where they’re now regularly greeting each other with Kia ora or Mōrena.”
Awhi has a robust network across the motu, invaluable to any business looking to establish relationships and build credibility.
Ngā Hua | The Outcome
“All of us want PR, and Awhi has been able to tell some really good stories about our business and our mahi, which has helped us continue to grow locally.”
The best kupu to describe Awhi is authentic: the whole tīma has helped us connect authentically to a range of new and unique audiences, which has expanded our reach far beyond that which we could have ever imagined.”
