OUR COMMITMENTs

We’ve had the privilege of working with Pasifika communities and organisations, refining and advancing projects already in motion. We step in to refine or develop feasibility studies and business cases to ensure the project is established in the most optimal way, providing confidence in our clients' vision.

• A key milestone has been the Central Pasifika Collective project—the first nationwide collaboration between Iwi and Pasifika communities to create a viable affordable development.

• We have also supported the Pacific Health Service in upgrading their main facility, guiding them through business cases, funding acquisition, and asset rationalisation to ensure clear, intentional outcomes.

We recognise that Pasifika clients core values such as 'Anga Fakatonga' and 'Fa’asamoa', so we approach every project with deep respect, humility, and a collective mindset. We understand our Pasifika clients are not motivated by profit, but by a desire to uplift communities, so we provide advice and recommendations for our clients considerations, so they have opportunity to adjust project processes to ensure alignment with their values.

We are committed to guide and protect our clients through the modern business landscape to manage the fear of ‘unknowns’, helping them navigate project challenges and risks with confidence.

The projects that we’ve worked on have used shared equity models to break cycles of poverty and address historical inequalities. We understand the need for cost-effective housing solutions and ensure affordability is prioritised. Equally important is maintaining Pasifika identity and values through every design and recommendation.

Our collaboration ensures that every project leaves a lasting, positive impact that reflects the vision and values of Pasifika communities.

Tē tōia, Tē Haumatia.

Nothing can be achieved without unity of purpose, planning, and effort.

Since our beginning, we have been committed to genuine partnerships with Iwi and Hapū across Aotearoa - from remote rural rohe to urban centres - supporting aspirations grounded in mātauranga Māori, wellbeing, mana motuhake, and sustainable built-environment outcomes.

As Iwi and Hapū Relations and Cultural Advisor, my role is to ensure every relationship and project honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and upholds the rangatiratanga of the iwi and hapū we work alongside.

We recognise that each iwi and hapū carries its own tikanga, kawa, and whakapapa. Our approach is based on listening deeply, responding authentically, and walking together in respect and reciprocity.

We do this by:

Ngā Hononga Te Tiriti | Treaty Partnerships
Partnering with iwi and hapū to transform settlement outcomes into developments that reflect their vision for whenua, whānau, and hapū - from housing and land use to commercial ventures and cultural revitalisation.

Ngā Rautaki ā-Rohe | Regional Strategies
Many iwi and hapū operate across remote rohe where costs are high and resources limited. We design practical, cost-effective strategies and local procurement approaches that empower iwi to deliver projects that achieve long-term impact and sustainability.

Ngā Whare Oranga | Healthy, Sustainable Homes
We focus on housing models that uplift health, wellbeing, and intergenerational equity - shared equity, community land trusts, co-operatives, and pāpākainga developments. These approaches align with iwi and hapū aspirations to restore and strengthen the connection between people and whenua.

Te Whakatipu Ōhanga Māori | Māori Economic Growth
We support iwi and hapū enterprises to thrive commercially while staying true to their values, ensuring ventures contribute to enduring prosperity, resilience, and cultural wellbeing.

Te Pūtake o te Tikanga | Cultural Foundations
Cultural understanding is central to everything we do. Our team collaborates with Māori design experts and professionals with whakapapa connections, and we continually grow our knowledge of te reo Māori and te ao Māori to ensure our work remains authentic, respectful, and relevant.

Te Ara o Te Tiriti | The Path of Partnership
Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we uphold the principles of partnership, protection, and participation. We work alongside iwi and hapū to strengthen tino rangatiratanga and embed shared decision-making through every stage of a project.

Whakawhanaungatanga | Lasting Relationships
Every project is part of an ongoing relationship - built on trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose. We focus on creating enduring connections that empower iwi and hapū aspirations for generations to come.

Our team is committed to having a positive impact on sustainability throughout our projects wherever possible. We are in the fortunate position where this proceeds the physical construction of the project and we have the ability to influence not only projects, but communities.

The consistent focus we have across all of our projects are captured with the following goals:

Wherever possible we REUSE materials, structures and available resources within the site.

Our efforts to REPURPOSE are front of mind - we have converted commercial buildings to residential and sent salvaged materials to Tonga to build new communities.

We actively DIVERT as much waste from landfill as possible, partnering with contractors who share our principles.

Our obligation is to design for LONGEVITY, minimising maintenance and maximising durability.

We are responsible for creating communities, INCLUSION through culture, demographic and generations is fundamental in our design and delivery.

The communities we work in and the wider benefits from our projects are very important to us. At any opportunity, our team strive to ensure that the social outcomes aspired to during the projects establishment are achieved.

ED holds the following commitment to the communities we work in:

• We utilise our supplier networks to provide increased opportunity to Māori and Pasifika owned and operated businesses.

• ED recruits directly through its clients and their extensive iwi and hapū membership networks.

• We seek to advance our industry and its talent through our ED internship placement.

• Through our contracting partners we have assisted in providing opportunities for apprentices, work experience and employment opportunities.

• We focus on sourcing locally wherever possible, maximising benefit to the local economies we work in.

He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. Our people are the most important part of our business. We are very proud of their commitment to our clients and the successes that come from this.

The commitment to our staff, their wellbeing and providing a positive environment for them to work in is front of mind for us and we continually look for ways to improve this. Our key focuses are:

WELLNESS:

• Fostering good mental well-being in the workplace by treating each other with respect and kindness.

• We acknowledge each individuals history, strengths and limitations with humility. We welcome the whole person into our whare not just the worker.

• We provide flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

• All staff receive company-provided health insurance.

• Our team has access to EAP support services for mental and emotional support.

• We prioritise staff development by offering paid training and tailored personal development opportunities.

• We facilitate mentoring programmes and regular team-building activities.

• Our staff engage in networking and personal development opportunities, helping them advance in their careers.

CULTURE:

• The strength and the health of our team is based on the strength and health of each individual. Our uniqueness is our strength. Diversity of thought and background makes us better as a group and results in better outcomes in all we do.

• Working hard and having fun together are the recipe for a rich and rewarding life at work.

• We are community-minded, fostering a sense of belonging and strong community connections.

With our people front of mind, it made sense for us to come together as a team and agree on the values for the business and how we operate. These are the core valules we established and which remain central to our success.

HONESTY: We act with integrity at all times.

QUALITY: Everything we do, we do to the highest standard possible.

COMMITMENT TO DELIVERY: We do what we say we will do.

TRUST: By empowering our people, we strive to build confidence with out clients.

INNOVATION: We think outside the square and look for continuous betterment and improvement in everything we deliver.

CURIOUS: We search for opportunities that align with our winning aspiration and desire for innovation.

SAFETY: We pride ourselves on our proactive engagement in health & safety, having regular and meaningful interactions with our colleagues and contractors.