Shayd Tahu - Grower and Supplier of Organic Produce, Herbs, Flowers, and Natives.
Maara Kai enthusiast Shayd Tahu, of Ngāpuhi descent, has always gravitated towards a service-orientated career path. Shayd has spent many days travelling and working in the hospitality industry. While he has a love for people and whanaungatanga, Shayd recognised that the higher up in the hospitality industry you become, the less connected you are with the people you serve.
Settling down and re-igniting his passion for contributing to his community and incorporating kaupapa Māori values of ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ was his idea of the ‘finest service’. However, this proved not so easy. During a period of unemployment, Shayd could not afford the simple necessities to keep himself fit and healthy, such as fresh produce or even petrol to obtain this kai. After suffering a life-threatening head injury that forced him into a health journey at 18, Shayd firmly believes that healthy kai is the key to a healthy hinengaro and wairua (mental and spiritual well-being). Unfortunately, this he was lacking. Searching for a solution to fulfil his need for nutritious kai, a flame within Shayd was ignited, and his journey towards learning about growing his own organic produce began. He started studying Horticulture with Land-Based training and E.I.T., as well as utilising the many community supports readily available throughout Hawke’s Bay.
Eventually, with encouragement from the Ministry of Social Development, Shayd found a solution to accessing healthy kai for himself and the wider community. ‘Shade and Sun’, his business idea, was conceived, where Shayd would aim to become a ‘Grower and Supplier of Organic Produce, Herbs, Flowers, and Natives’.
This was when Shayd knocked on Tipu Ake Tonus door for assistance in applying for the Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment and actioning his plans for the business. He was introduced to Kaiārahi Pakihi Rebecca, and they immediately hit it off.
Shayd explains, “Rebecca is a busy lady, and their team has a big job with much responsibility. A lot of mahi goes on behind the scenes with Tipu Ake Tonu, and I'm lucky to be able to see their vision unfold. The whare in Maraenui is awesome, and no matter what's going on, Rebecca has time for me.” Rebecca also shares, “Shayd has been proactive and driven from day one, always ensuring he understands what is expected before getting on and doing what is needed to start his business.”
Shayd hopes to inspire and motivate communities to source kai high in nutrients through Shade and Sun, encouraging healthier lifestyles. Shayd has two approaches: firstly, creating unique and organic maara kai for his customers with an interactive element that incorporates teaching how to maintain a flourishing maara. Secondly, by providing fresh organic produce for the community to purchase and consume and flowers to enjoy. Shayd delivers his produce twice a week locally for free! “No more buying conventionally grown cauliflower for $5 to sit in your fridge for a week. $5 should get you a selection of good vegetables for yourself and your family for a night.”
Through the values of manaakitanga, Shayd aims to create a mana-enhancing experience for whānau, “Aroha ki te tangata goes a long way; I think consuming organically grown nutrient-dense produce enhances our mauri, so we are more effective in practising this”. Shayd is in the start-up phase of his pakihi, “This project is exciting. I want to build a platform for people to come together and learn more and share the excitement, so in due time, I will supply that as well. I’m lucky to have been supported by MSD and Tipu Ake Tonu to do this”. We believe Shayd is a pioneer of kaupapa Māori food sovereignty for whānau, community and all; Shayd is destined for big things!
For information on Shade and Sun, feel free to email Shayd at:
shadeandsun@outlook.com