Overcoming Pain to Build a Thriving Business: The Journey of Steven Allan
Four years ago, Steven Allan’s life took a significant pivot. He injured his back and unable to work as a concrete pumper, enrolled in a business course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with a friend.
He thought the course, Certificate in Small Business and Project Management, would be a good way for him to upskill and get a management job, but it ended up being the catalyst for starting a successful business.
While managing immense physical pain and grieving for the life he thought he would lead, he attended classes with kaiako Ra Winiata at the Tauranga campus, learning about business plans, compliance, tax, and finances. He recalls being in so much pain once he had to lie down at the back of the classroom. But something Ra said in an early class stuck with him.
“He said we’d all be able to start a business by the end of the year. I found that so empowering. He didn’t know us, or anything about us, but he believed we could all start a business.”
This was where the spark started for Steven, and fortunately, his wife was already working on it. After observing her gaining respect with her cleaning skills, Steven decided to turn it into a proper business, providing a residential cleaning service. In November 2021, with the skills and knowledge learned from his studies, he did just that. Within four months, their revenue grew 700%, and they secured contracts with Fulton Hogan. They now employ three cleaners and have had to cap their client list to ensure they provide the same standard of care.
Steven continued his studies with Ra, completing the Diploma in Small Business and Project Management in 2022. It was a struggle sometimes – both the pain and the course requirements – but with Ra’s support, he was able to complete both courses. Steven feels very lucky to have had Ra as his kaiako and sees him as a mentor.
“The best thing was being able to ask Ra anything, anytime. He’s always there to talk or to help you.”
Steven values his time with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for the inclusive and welcoming environment on campus. This experience has helped him approach managing staff within his business differently, playing to each person’s strengths and individuality. He now has a strong vision of what is good practice and what is important in business.
“It’s about the people, how you treat them. Business is the same; it is all about the people”.
Steven has big goals for 2023. He has 3, 5, and 10 year plans for the current business, and a new venture he is considering starting. He’s pleased he took his leap of faith, and encourages those considering studying to do the same.
“If you are considering doing something like this, you should go for it. Don’t keep waiting for the opportunity; you could be waiting forever. Just do it!”
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
Wānanga launches first of their kind mātauranga Māori certificates, marking a new era for Indigenous knowledge education
Responding to the growing needs and aspirations of tauira, iwi and communities, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is breaking new ground with the launch of 2 new Level 4 certificates that will be the first standalone programmes of their kind in Aotearoa.
Learning tikanga to strengthen community work
After making the move to Aotearoa in 2014 from Germany, Almaz Bergz set out to gain a better understanding of the people, whenua, and culture that shape life here.
Thriving as a kaiako after He Korowai Ākonga
When Marlena Martin began her studies in He Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) in 2023, she never imagined where it would take her and how much she would grow as an individual.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa launches new international reo Māori learning
iReo is a flexible, self-directed, online short course made up of 5 standalone modules, each running over 6 weeks. Learners can study at their own pace, weaving te reo Māori into everyday life alongside work, whānau, and other commitments.
Wānanga business programme helps launch The Dog Nanny
Ōtautahi local Jane Dungey turned her passion for animals into The Dog Nanny after completing the Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
From closed doors to open pathways
After the closure of Grace Foundation Whanganui, Craig Kara used his Manaaki Tāngata studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to create Te Ara Kimihia, a kaupapa supporting tāne toward positive futures. His journey of healing, leadership, and transformation now inspires others to find their own pathway forward.
Governance grounded in te ao Māori for future generations
Discover how Māori governance grounded in te ao Māori is shaping future generations. Learn about Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau, a unique programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that empowers whānau with tikanga-based leadership and decision-making skills.
Companion of Te Apārangi, Champion of Te Reo Māori
Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart, has been inducted as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover her inspiring journey of music, haka, and te reo Māori, and how her lifelong dedication to Māori culture shaped generations.
Keil Caskey – former tauira, now kaiako
Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa shows the transformative power of toi Māori education. Discover how his passion for taonga pūoro and commitment to whānau and whakapapa inspired him to teach and give back to his community.
Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts
Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Certificate in Māori Performing Arts goes beyond kapa haka, empowering tauira with skills in drama, screen acting, and public speaking. Hear how graduates like Niquita Samuel are building confidence, careers, and cultural pride.
Making connections between media and Māoritanga
Lizzie Dunn created Te Arawhata to help people reconnect with te ao Māori through media, resources, and kōrero. Discover how her reo journey and passion for sharing knowledge are inspiring thousands to embrace Māoritanga and strengthen cultural connections.
