Tuatahi First Fibre

Tuatahi First Fibre is leading the fibre revolution across the central North Island, focused on bridging the digital divide to create connected, thriving, and growing communities. General Counsel, Hiramai Rogers (Te Arawa), has found the Awhi team’s knack for relationship-building fits perfectly with their goals.

When Tuatahi First Fibre reached out for assistance, they had begun wrapping up part of their UFB build and Hiramai was reviewing their legislative instruments. “We were interested in widening our engagement with stakeholders to get our name out there. We had been told to go and talk to Wellington, but weren’t exactly sure who to talk to and how to go about it.”

With support from Awhi, Tuatahi First Fibre was able to map out an engagement plan that pin-pointed both priority areas of engagement, and spaces for future opportunity. “It was helpful to have a strategy around developing relationships that looks beyond the Executive branch of Government and into the Legislature as well as bureaucracy. It means that when decisions are made, all of Wellington has a clear understanding of who we are and what our position is.”

Awhi also brought their signature personal touch to engagement. “Their relationships with people across Parliament are second to none. Awhi brings a human element to government relations. It lets you step out of the politician-client dynamic and into a more personable space.”

Hiramai believes the help of Awhi has given their team the confidence of knowing what to say (and what not to!) when meeting with political leaders, due to the heightened awareness of process and insight, which someone looking from the outside in wouldn’t have.