Locals Supporting Locals
A new series celebrating the people, organisations and businesses who support our locals.
In Te Hiku, support doesn’t always come with a big announcement or a media release. It is given unconditionally. Often, it looks like a box of sausages for a fundraiser, donated goods for a school event, time volunteered at a local kura, or a quiet donation to help a sports team buy new jerseys. It’s practical, thoughtful, and deeply local.
As the cost of living rises and pressure builds on small businesses and whānau, the power of community has never been more important. This series, Locals Supporting Locals, shines a light on some of the people, organizations and businesses who continue to show up for Te Hiku. They don’t do it for recognition, and it’s not because they have plenty to spare. They do it because in Te Hiku, community matters. Helping each other is just part of who we are.
People say it takes a village to raise a child. Around here, it takes a whole community to help each other move forward. To achieve goals. To create opportunities. To live well at every stage of life, from our young to old.
Kinetic Electrical: In it for the right reasons
Fish Jones from Kinetic Electrical is quick to play things down, but the way his business continues to support local kaupapa speaks volumes.
Over the past year, Kinetic Electrical has backed the Far North Rodeo Association, Paparore School Gala, Awanui Rugby Club, and the newly launched Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy.
Even in a tough economic climate, Fish sees community support as part of the bigger picture.
"Our kids go to these schools. Our friends coach the teams. Our whānau are involved in these groups. Just because times are tight doesn’t mean you stop helping out."
For Fish, support doesn’t have to be big or flashy. It’s the small, everyday contributions that keep things going.
"Just back your people. It doesn’t have to be much, maybe a box of sausages for a school fundraiser, volunteering your time or skills, or helping a team with some gear. People notice when you show up. It’s about doing your bit."
That kind of support builds more than goodwill. It strengthens relationships and creates a deeper sense of connection across the community. For Fish, it’s about whanaungatanga. When people see you showing up, they remember.
"People know who we are and what we’re about. It’s not just the name on the van. They know we back their kids, their clubs, and their events. That kind of support sticks in people’s minds."
One moment that really brought this home for Fish was receiving a handwritten letter from a student after the 2025 Paparore School Gala.
"I reckon that’s one of the best things we’ve ever received since we started sponsoring anything up here. It reminded us why we do it. It’s not about getting attention. It’s about supporting the community. Something as simple as that letter made it all worth it."
Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy: Fuelled by belief and community
That same sense of connection and backing is exactly what’s helping drive the success of the Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy.
From the beginning, the focus has been broader than athletic development. The aim is to provide students with well-rounded opportunities that support leadership, wellbeing, and long-term growth. Deputy Principal Lydia Kerr says local business support has played a major role in bringing that vision to life.
“The backing from our local community and businesses such as Kinetic Electrical has been instrumental in turning that vision into a reality.”
The support has had both practical and personal impacts. Lydia says it has enabled the Academy to provide quality gear, bring in guest speakers and industry professionals, and give students access to training opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. But beyond the resources, it’s shifted how students see themselves.
“They feel valued, seen, and backed by their wider community. That sense of belief fuels motivation and builds pride not just in their individual performance, but in representing their school and hometown, which we believe is incredibly important.”
Lydia believes the ripple effect of that support will carry far into the future.
“These students are the future of the Far North. Our future workers, leaders, and community contributors. When a business backs local youth, it’s more than just sponsorship. It’s a partnership in building a stronger, more connected community.”
She says the support in their first year has been overwhelming, and they’re incredibly grateful to all the sponsors who stepped forward.
“Alongside Kinetic Electrical, we’d also like to acknowledge Northland Waste, Far North Roading (FNR), 9Tee Mile, North Contracting Ltd, and Adidas NZ. Their support has helped get the Academy off the ground and into action.”
If you’re a business, organisation, or individual who feels they can add value and are passionate about supporting youth development in the Far North, the Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy would love to hear from you. Whether it's sharing skills, volunteering your time, sponsoring equipment, or offering mentorship, every contribution helps create more opportunities for our rangatahi to thrive.
In return, the ability for local businesses to give often depends on the support they receive from the people of Te Hiku, the wider community of the Far Far North. When locals choose to buy local, recommend local services, and actively promote the work of our businesses and organisations within their whānau and networks, they help create the conditions that allow these groups to continue showing up for our schools, sports clubs, and community events.
Reciprocity and mutual support are what will keep Te Hiku strong through the challenges ahead. We all play a role in making sure this place we call home continues to survive, grow, and thrive.
Ngā mihi to Lydia Kerr, Deputy Principal at Kaitāia College, and Fish Jones from Kinetic Electrical for their contributions to this article, and to the Kaitāia College Sports Academy for providing some of the photos featured in this story.
Stay tuned for the next story in this series celebrating the people, organisations and businesses who support our locals.