MEET THE TEAM
MARK WEST
Ko Takitimu toku maunga
Ko Awarua toku awa
Ko Te Ara a Kiwa toku moana
Ko Takitimu toku waka
KoTe Rau Aroha toku mareae
Ko Ngai Tahu toku me Nagati Mamoe toku iwi
Ko Mark West taku ingoa
No Whangarei ahau
Ko Mark West tōku ingoa. I am the Founder and Managing Director of the Indigenous Pacific Trading Co, and a proud Ngāi Tahu entrepreneur, driven by a deep belief in the collective strength of our people.
This business was created from a simple but powerful idea that Māori and Pacific businesses are stronger when we stand together. Indigenous Pacific Trading Co is about more than trade or buying power; it is about unity, cultural integrity, and creating pathways where our people can grow side by side while remaining true to who we are and where we come from.
Throughout my career, I have worked across automotive, commercial trade, procurement, and supply-chain sectors, leading large organisations and diverse teams. Those experiences shaped my understanding of scale, structure, and partnership but more importantly, they reinforced the value of trust, relationships, and long-term thinking. These principles sit at the heart of how this collective has been built.
I am proud to build this kaupapa alongside Stacey Waaka, our Ambassador and part-owner, whose leadership, mana, and commitment to culture strengthen the authenticity and integrity of the Indigenous Pacific Trading Co. Together, we share a vision of representing our people with pride and taking Indigenous excellence to the world stage.
My role is to guide the strategic direction of the organisation, steward strong supplier relationships, and ensure our governance and operating model genuinely delivers value back to our members. I am passionate about building a culturally certified trade network that protects authenticity, strengthens communities, and shapes a future where Indigenous businesses thrive together.
Originally from Whangārei and educated at Whangārei Boys’ High School, my leadership is grounded in community, connection, and the belief that when Indigenous businesses support one another, we are not just participating in the economy, we are shaping it.
Founder / Managing Director
STACEY WAAKA
Ko Maungapohatu raua ko Ngongotaha oku maunga
Ko Ohinemataroa raua ko Ngongotaha oku awa
Ko Mataatua raua ko Te Arawa oku waka
Ko Ngai Tuhoe raua ko Ngati Whakaue oku iwi
Ko Tawhaki raua ko Te Ngakau oku Wharetipuna
Ko Tongaokioki raua ko Hinetai oku Wharekai
Ko Ngati Tawhaki raua ko Ngati Te Ngakau oku Hapu
Ko Ngahina raua ko Tarukenga oku Marae
Ko Stacey Waaka ahau
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Stacey Waaka tōku ingoa. I am proud to be the Ambassador and a co-owner of the Indigenous Pacific Trading Co, a kaupapa that reflects my whakapapa, my values, and my passion for our people.
While my sporting journey has given me a platform on the world stage, my true purpose is grounded in culture, community, and creating opportunities for Māori and Pacific businesses to succeed in their own way. Everything I do is guided by authenticity, integrity, and a deep respect for who we are and where we come from.
As Ambassador, I represent the organisation across marketing, outreach, and community engagement, helping connect with members and share our story. As a co-owner, I am deeply invested in protecting the cultural integrity of the collective and ensuring this business remains values-led, people-focused, and true to its kaupapa.
I am honoured to build this alongside Mark West and our leadership team, working together to grow a culturally certified trade network that supports Indigenous enterprise and showcases our excellence locally and internationally. I am incredibly excited about taking Indigenous Pacific Trading Co onto the world stage and being part of a movement that empowers our people to thrive together.
Co-Owner / Brand Ambassador
JON RANDLES
Ko Mauao te maunga.
Ko Tauranga te moana.
Ko Randles tōku whānau.
Nō Ingarangi, nō Kotimāna hoki ōku tīpuna.
Nō Ōmokoroa ahau. Kei Te Puku o Tāmaki tōku kāinga.
He kaiārahi pākihi tāku mahi.
Ko Jon tōku ingoa.
Ko Jon Randles tōku ingoa. I lead Operations and Online Strategy for the Indigenous Pacific Trading Co, with a focus on building strong systems, clear processes, and digital pathways that support sustainable growth for the collective.
My role centres on the day-to-day operations of the organisation, ensuring members are onboarded smoothly, supported effectively, and connected into the network with ease. I am passionate about creating operational frameworks that are practical, scalable, and people focused, enabling the collective to grow while maintaining consistency and quality.
Alongside operations, I oversee the Co’s digital strategy, including its website, onboarding platforms, and digital communication channels. My focus is on driving meaningful engagement, improving conversion and retention, and ensuring our digital presence reflects the values, professionalism, and purpose of the kaupapa.
I bring experience across digital growth, operational leadership, and commercial environments, with a strong understanding of how strategy, systems, and execution work together. Through this role, I am committed to building infrastructure that genuinely serves our members, strengthens the collective, and helps position Indigenous enterprise for success both in Aotearoa and beyond.
Director of Operations & Online Strategy
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COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL INTEGRITY
Our certification process reassures partners and customers that every member business is genuinely indigenous owned and aligned with Māori and Pacific values.
