Whānau Supporting Whānau: The Story of Mīharo Maintenance Services
By:
Matt Pryor
Rooted in te Ao Māori business practices, Mīharo Maintenance Services' work goes beyond maintenance - it provides vital support to whānau facing life’s toughest challenges, proving that through manaakitanga, there is nothing we cannot overcome.

Ko Whakapunaki te Maunga
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te Iwi
Ko Te Reinga te Marae
Ko Ngāti Hine Hika te Hapū
Ko Albert O’Brien tōku ingoa
Ko Tainui te Waka
Ko Ruahine te Maunga
Ko Whakawehi te Marae
Ko Poutū te Wharenui
Ko Ngāti Whakatere te Hapū
Ko Ngāti Raukawa te Iwi
Ko Vennice Whiti tōku ingoa
Te Ao Māori business practices have always aimed at ensuring the collective well-being of whānau, hapū, and iwi rather than individual gain. These values continue to influence pakihi Māori today, with many whānau starting enterprises specifically for the well-being of their own communities. This belief lies at the very heart of Mīharo Maintenance Services Ltd, a Māori-owned business in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay), founded by Vennice (Venn) and Albert (Alby). Their journey is one of resilience, aroha, and a commitment to their community.
Venn and Alby’s story began with a deeply personal challenge - Venn’s battle with cancer. When she was diagnosed for a second time, Alby became her caregiver, standing by her side through every step of her recovery. But beyond caring for his beloved, Alby saw the greater need within their community. He recognised how many whānau struggle to keep up with essential home maintenance while navigating personal hardships.
With Venn’s recovery came a new purpose. Together, they formed Mīharo Maintenance Services Ltd, a business built on the values of whānau, resilience, and tautoko. Their mission is clear - to provide practical, reliable maintenance services to those who need them most. Whether it’s fixing a broken fence, repairing a home, or tackling those tasks that often fall by the wayside, Mīharo Maintenance Services is more than just a business - it’s a lifeline.

The name Mīharo carries deep meaning. It comes from their mokopuna’s middle name, symbolising the next generation and reinforcing the importance of whānau. The red in their logo represents Scarlett, their oldest moko, whose energy and spirit inspire them daily.
At Mīharo Maintenance Services, every job is more than just a task - it’s a way of giving back, of ensuring whānau can focus on what matters most without the stress of home repairs. Venn and Alby’s business is a testament to the power of whānau supporting whānau, proving that even in adversity, we can rise together.
Through their mahi, Mīharo Maintenance Services Ltd continues to embody the strength of community, the resilience of whakapapa, and the unwavering aroha that binds us all. Their story is a powerful reminder that through manaakitanga, there is nothing we cannot overcome.
You can keep up to date with Venn and Alby on Mīharo Maintenance Services Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/miharomaintenanceservices