At 17, Georgia (Kai Tahu, Ngāpuhi) is the CEO of a thriving, culturally-rooted, poi manufacturing company.
Poi is a performing art originated with the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and also the name of the equipment used for its performance.
The enterprise first started when Georgia was fundraising for a school trip when she was 12 years old. With support from her mother, grandmother friends and family, Pōtiki poi business became a household name when Georgia supplied over 30,000 poi to the crowds at the International Women’s Rugby World Cup finals in Auckland, 2021.
She saw the international event as an opportunity to educate Aotearoa (New Zealand) about the significance of the traditional Māori artform.
“This is a way to educate the world of what our poi are, and to uplift everyone,” says Georgia. “There’s not a better event to do this. Through this experience, Aotearoa know what poi are and know how to use them, how to look after them and how to respect them.”
Supplying poi to more than 60 retail stores around the world, Georgia won the Young Māori Business Leader Award (2022).
At the heart of her business lies respected cultural, environmental and ancestral values. She also uses second-hand materials, biodegrading plastic and employing people with diverse abilities.
Georgia, who grew up speaking Māori fluently fell in love with the poi ever since she picked one up and swung it as a young child.
“Being a young Māori wahine in business, there are so many barriers already. I want to create change. If I don’t do it, then who will?
“Wāhine (womanhood) – we’ve got the goods. We can bring it to the table. We are all in this waka together.”
“With Pōtiki Poi, I have time to create equality for our whānau and create change. That’s the wave I want to ride. I feel really humbled to be a part of history-making opportunities and revitalising our precious taonga Māori. We’ve never seen poi used in this way before. To be on that waka with my whānau and my community is amazing!”
She says her business would not be the success it is today without the support from her whānau, especially her mother.
“My mum takes care of the finances, all of the accounting side. We also have a whānau full of accountants. I look after the face of Pōtiki Poi and am active on social media.”
Georgia’s love for poi stems from her love for Māori heritage and culture. She loves to perform the traditional art form on stage with her school kapa haka group.
“Poi is a way for me to express my taha wahine (womanhood). I love performing poi, I love making poi. I live and breathe it. For me, it’s a way for me to express who I am as Māori. I didn’t choose the poi. The poi chose me.”
