Arotahi Spotlight Series 2024 – Mahia Recruitment

Spotlight on Mahia Recruitment: Empowering Māori and Pasifika in Tech

Hassana Kirkwood founded Mahia Recruitment with a clear vision: to build a recruitment agency that would go beyond the transactional nature of the industry and do more for people. Guided by the whakataukī “Mahia te mahi hei painga mo to iwi”, (do what is necessary for the wellbeing of the people). Mahia focuses on adding value beyond simply filling roles. The company prioritises the personal and professional growth of both candidates and clients, creating connections that are meaningful and enduring.

For Hassana, recruitment is about more than matching technical skills to job descriptions. It’s about understanding the cultural and community aspects that lead to lasting success. Mahia is dedicated to empowering Māori and Pasifika talent, ensuring that they find roles where they can thrive and contribute not only to their workplaces but also to their communities. This commitment to people-first recruitment is what sets Mahia apart in New Zealand’s tech sector.

Alongside Mahia, Hassana is the Co-Founder of Tech Taniwha, a community initiative designed to help Maori people find their inner taniwha – their unique strengths, resilience, and potential. Through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and support, Tech Taniwha creates a space where individuals are encouraged to grow and lead in the tech industry.

Hassana believes that by fostering this sense of capability and confidence, Tech Taniwha is helping to shape a future where Māori voices are not just present in tech but are leading the way. Both Mahia Recruitment and Tech Taniwha are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment in tech, where diversity is celebrated and empowered not just talked about. 

Click the image below to watch Hassana share her experiences and why she was driven to found Mahia Recruitment.