Amotai database empowers Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission to connect with new suppliers

Amotai, with its extensive database of Māori and Pasifika businesses is playing a vital role in connecting organisations with suitable suppliers.

A recent example of this was when Te Ara Ahunga OraRetirement Commission (Te Ara Ahunga Ora)were able to utilise the database to secure a new videography supplier, Māori and Pasifika-owned Moving Films Ltd to deliver a series of training videos.

By leveraging the Amotai directory, Liline Hewett, Stakeholder Specialist at Te Ara Ahunga Ora was able to identify potential videography suppliers for the project and initiate a request for a quote.

For Liline, using the Amotai database was convenient, easy to navigate and made it much easier to engage with potential new suppliers.

‘I was able to filter potential suppliers by region and type of business which was really useful,’ says Liline.

‘The comprehensive information provided by Amotai enabled me to shortlist suitable suppliers based on their previous work, alignment with our organisation’s marketing guidelines, and their expertise in developing learning content.’

Selecting the Ideal Supplier

Gemma Fulton, Te Ara Ahunga Ora’s Finance and Procurement Lead, emphasises that, while the Amotai database facilitated the connection, the ultimate selection of Moving Films was based on their outstanding quote and suitability for the project.

‘Whilst the database is what gave them the opportunity to put forward a quote, they won the work based on their response and merit – we were so impressed by their responsiveness, flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond during the project’, says Gemma.

A smooth collaboration

For Moving Film’s co-owner ShanelHall, it was about delivering authentic content that would resonate with Pasifika communities. With a candid documentary shooting style, Shanel loves what she does and says it was a privilege to be involved.

Likewise, Te Ara Ahunga Ora expressed their satisfaction with their excellent work,receptiveness to constructive feedback and quick turnaround.

‘They were great to work with and really proactive,’ says Liline.

‘Our talent fell through at short notice but Shanel and Gray were so helpful and supportive with finding a replacement – it was a real pleasure to work with them.’

If the opportunity presents again, both parties will be keen to collaborate further in the future.

Embedding supplier diversity

Through Amotai, Te Ara Ahunga Ora have gained exposure to a wide range of diverse suppliers, challenging the agency to refresh their thinking and consider new options for their contracts. The goal now, says Gemma, is to further embed supplier diversity across the organisation.

‘We recognise the importance of supplier diversity in our programmes, particularly in creating content that is culturally appropriate for our audiences,’ says Gemma.

‘Amotai’s comprehensive database has been instrumental in diversifying our supplier base andenabling us to engage with Māori and Pasifika businesses effectively.’

Moving Film’s experience

Moving Film’s Shanel Hall initially registered as a supplier with Amotaibased on a recommendation from her sister-in-law. As a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about what they do, they’ve deliberately grown their business slowly to enable them the time and flexibility to prioritise raising their three young children.

When approached by Te Ara Ahunga, Shanel says she felt honoured to be selected from a pool of potential suppliers.

‘At first, I was nervous about competing with larger industry players,’ says Shanel.

‘But I’m so glad we gave it a go - it’s been a really positive experience and we now have the confidence to respond to and work with large government agencies, we’re so grateful for the opportunity.’

For Amotai’s CE Anna-Jane Edwards, this is what it’s all about.