For the past two years Cushla Tangaere of Ngāti Porou has been self-employed running a successful media and communications business in Gisborne called Ekoe Productions.

Cushla is a seasoned and experienced journalist, having worked with TVNZ and Māori Television Service as a television presenter, researcher, director and producer.

After working for Māori programmes at TVNZ Cushla decided it was time to move home to Gisborne when her husband Russell got a job back there. “It hasn’t always been an easy road being self-employed with a media business in Gisborne,” says Cushla.

“At first it was difficult – you’re unemployed one week and then you’re self-employed the next week. People often ask what exactly my business is about. I have trouble describing it, so I tell them I’m in the business of talking,” she says.

Cushla decided to seek help to further develop her business, so she got in touch with Te Puni Kōkiri’s Business Facilitation Service, who enrolled her in their mentoring programme.

“I was really impressed with my mentors, McCulloch, because they were truly reflective of what I wanted to achieve in business and I always left their offices inspired,” says Cushla. “They helped me understand that I can still do kaupapa-based mahi and not be afraid to earn money,” she says.

Cushla’s carving out her niche in Gisborne by providing DVD production services, archiving, corporate DVDs, television and radio presenting, master of ceremony services and more.

Currently Cushla is presenting the latest series of Māorioke on Māori Television and is quite excited because she got a dressing room while filming the last series.

“Kingi and I were stoked we got dressing rooms,” laughs Cushla.

“We’ve got text voting for the live grand final of Māorioke on Friday 5 December so whānau make sure you are watching and you vote for your favourite singer.”

For more information about Ekoe Productions or to contact Cushla, email: cushla@xtra.co.nz