If the COVID-19 Pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that being a digitally enabled business creates pathways for growth and continuity in the face of disruption. 

During lockdown we were able to continue working from home with little disruption.  This was possible due to our strategic plan being in place and already in the implementation phase. 

As an organisation, we are always looking to the future, along with reflecting on the past, as to how we can do better for our people and moana. 

In late 2019 we conducted a review to assess the digital maturity of Te Arawa Fisheries.  The areas of review included organisation, leadership, service, marketing, products, operations, innovation, and research and development (R&D). 

By assessing these key areas we identified the need to improve communication to Iwi members as a key focus .  To do this we have committed to a website capable of delivering targeted information in a simple and easy to understand format with the aim of giving our Iwi members a place to find information.  To enable more two-way kōrero, we have also linked our social media pages.

Another kaupapa (project) we have implemented is the shift from paper board packs to a digital platform.  We are using a Stellar Software secure platformwhere we can safely share information with Trustees and Directors. 

Governors now access, review and note take via smart devices like IPADS and tablets.  In addition to security, the other major benefit of cloud based storage is the reduced environmental impact as we lower paper waste and carbon emmissions.

Over the next 12 months we plan to further digitize our Te Arawa Fresh Seafood stores to enable online sales, product tracing, accurate reporting and growth in new markets as we move from a commodity based retail to the creation of high value products. 

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