Kono CEO Rachel Taulelei awarded prestigious scholarship
Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Rarua, Ngāti Koata), CEO of Kono, a Maori-owned, top 100 New Zealand food and
drinks company, joins 13 other senior New Zealand executives and business owners as a recipient of a 2017 Prime
Minister’s Business Scholarship. Ms Taulelei will receive her award at a ceremony in Wellington next week.
The Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships are aimed at managers and executives of New Zealand companies with an
international focus, to fund study at world-class business schools. The scholarships are designed to improve the
international competitiveness of businesses by providing access to top international business programmes unavailable in
New Zealand.
“Receiving this prestigious scholarship is a tremendous recognition for Kono as one of New Zealand’s thriving and
successful businesses,” Ms Taulelei says. “The scholarship will enable me to attend a leading international business
school and connect with latest thinking on organisational excellence and leadership, and bring this knowledge back into
the business. The opportunity to explore new models of business, social enterprise and networks will benefit Kono, and
help us in our ongoing journey as we strive for excellence.”
“A benefit of attending an international business programme is the ability to learn from and share experiences with
other business leaders from all around the world. Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and legacy) is one of the core values that
directs our business and our relationship with our environment. It will be interesting to learn how others are ensuring
that their business practices are not only profitable, but are also right for people and the environment. At Kono, we
recognise that wellness of our people is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of our environment. Love for the land and
respect for the sea must be ever present,” Ms Taulelei says.
Ms Taulelei plans to take up her scholarship in 2018.
Notes for editors
Rachel Taulelei has been the CEO of Kono NZ since 2015. Kono is a Maori-owned, top 100 New Zealand food and drinks
company employing over 400 staff, farming over 530 hectares of land and sea, and exporting to over 25 countries. Their
products include Tohu and Aronui wines, Kono mussels, Annies fruit bars, and Tutū cider.
Kono is an associated business of Wakatū Incorporation. Based in Nelson, Wakatū has approximately 4,000 shareholders who
descend from the original Māori land owners of the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay Regions – Te Tau Ihu, the top of the
South Island.
Whenua is the foundation of Wakatū’s business with 70% of assets held in Iand and waterspace. Wakatū manage a diverse
portfolio from vineyards, orchards to residential properties, large retail developments, office buildings, marine farms
and waterspace.
More information about Kono www.kono.co.nz
More information about Wakatu www.wakatu.org
Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships Awards
The Awards were established in 2010 to provide scholarships to improve the international competitiveness of New Zealand
companies by developing the management and leadership skills of business owners, senior managers and executives. Since
2010, 73 executives have received scholarships.
The people who are awarded scholarships are reimbursed 50 per cent of course costs and other costs directly related to
their study. The rest of the costs must be paid for by the firm or by the recipients themselves.
More information about the Awards
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