Max Barnett (Ngāti Porou) and his whānau are in the business of baking. Max owns Elgin Bakery & Lunch Bar in Gisborne. Every morning he gets up at 3am and bakes delicious treats.

As well as food like pies, filled rolls and donuts Max also has Māori kai including muscle chowder, kina, seafood and fry-bread.

After 13 years of driving a Coca Cola franchise van Max decided it was time to start working for himself. “I use to deliver Coca Cola in Gisborne. Then this opportunity came up, so I saw a lawyer and made an offer,” says Max.

“It had always been my daughter’s dream to own her own bakery. At first I was scared of change but I worked through that. I am so happy I did,” he says.

Elgin Bakery employs one part-time and two full-time staff. “It’s definitely a whānau business my son helps out, my girl is a baker and my wife helps out on the books,” says Max.

Max sought help with his business from a number of experienced business people including Te Puni Kōkiri’s Business Facilitation Service.

“We talked with Max about his business goals. Then we entered him in the business mentoring programme and matched his business with a great mentor,” says Te Puni Kōkiri Account Manager Deanna Harrison.

“Max has turned around what was a run down business to a thriving whānau business and we are very proud of his achievements,” she says.

For more information call Max at Elgin Bakery in Gisborne on 07 867 5935.