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Michael Mansvelt describes himself as a connector, someone who brings people closer to spaces, nature, and a sense of belonging. His career spans landscape, interior, and architectural design, alongside Jungle Nurseries, a nursery and creative hub based on the outskirts of New Plymouth. In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, Michael reflects on the experiences that shaped him as both a designer and an entrepreneur. Growing up in South Taranaki, surrounded by rainforest, farmland, and historic architecture, he shares how those early observations continue to inform his work today. Leaving school early due to dyslexia pushed him toward a creative path that eventually led to working on one of Britain’s largest private estates — reshaping his understanding of legacy, time, and design. Michael also speaks candidly about building his business in the 1990s, the role television played in establishing credibility, and his philosophy of Everyday Opulence, finding beauty in both grand spaces and daily life. A thoughtful kōrero about creativity, longevity, and building a values-led business grounded in place.

Jesse and AJ come from very different backgrounds, but a shared passion for hospitality brought them together to create Shining Peak, a brewery that has been a cornerstone of the Taranaki hospitality scene since opening in 2019. In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, they share the journeys that led them into hospitality. Jesse reflects on growing up in Inglewood and discovering brewing through curiosity and connection, while AJ talks about arriving in New Zealand from Mumbai to study hospitality at Pacific International Hotel Management School, building the foundations for his career in Taranaki. Together, they discuss the evolution of Shining Peak, the values behind its growth, and the thinking behind the 5% Project, which directs a portion of revenue back into local charities. The conversation also explores what it means to create welcoming spaces where people feel part of something bigger. A candid kōrero about partnership, purpose, and the future of hospitality in Taranaki.

A patch of struggling soil on a Taranaki lifestyle block sparked a line of questioning that wouldn’t let Michelle and Frank Lachmann go. What began as hands-on experimentation soon turned into years of trial and error, obsessive research, and a deep fascination with the invisible world beneath our feet. That curiosity became Herbi.nz, a next-generation soil and plant food now trusted by home gardeners, market growers, and international partners alike. In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, Michelle and Frank share the real story behind Herbi.nz’s evolution. From the failed hemp crop that sparked it all, to the decisions, values, and practical lessons that transformed a side project into a fast-growing business. They speak openly about parenting while building a company, navigating uncertainty, and staying true to their beliefs about health, nature, and simplicity. They also reflect on the role Taranaki played in their journey, offering space to experiment, strong community support, and a grounding connection to the land. Herbi.nz began with a problem and that’s often where the best ideas grow.

A garage, a roaster, and a shared love of hospitality set Tane Morgan and Adrianna Greenhill on a path that would become Proof & Stock, now one of the most respected coffee brands in Taranaki. In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, Tane and Adrianna talk about the values that sit at the heart of their business and the care they bring to every interaction, from the customers who walk through their doors to the rangatahi they support through their barista training programme. For them, coffee is never just a product, but a way to build confidence, connection, and meaningful pathways into work. Throughout the kōrero, Taranaki remains central to their story. The lifestyle, surf, friendships, and sense of belonging have helped shape Proof & Stock’s steady, values-led growth. A warm, honest conversation about purpose, people, and building a business with heart.

Marianne Archibald didn’t set out to become a lettuce farmer. But when an unexpected opportunity emerged in rural Waverley, she and her family stepped into the world of hydroponic growing, transforming a rundown site into Salad Brothers, a thriving, family-run operation supplying fresh greens to cafés, wholesalers, supermarkets, and households across Taranaki and beyond. In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, Marianne shares how she, her husband, and her brother-in-law taught every part of the business from scratch. From building systems and efficiencies to maintaining consistent quality, she reflects the realities of running a values-led family business in a demanding environment. The kōrero also explores the importance of holding firm on price and standards, and what it means to reach a crossroads and thoughtfully prepare a business for its next chapter. A grounded conversation about determination, teamwork, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

Brooke Lean never planned to build an international fragrance brand. Her journey began in photography, before scent emerged as the creative medium that brought everything together. In the opening episode of season six of the PowerUp Podcast, Brooke shares the unfiltered story behind the evolution of The Virtue. She reflects on the instincts she trusted, the pivots she made, and the moments where she chose creativity over certainty. Starting without a roadmap, Brooke followed an idea that kept pulling her forward and learned how to navigate a tightly guarded global industry with no clear template. While creativity sits at the heart of her work, this kōrero also reveals Brooke’s sharp business instincts. Her ability to recognise opportunity, act decisively, and commit fully has taken The Virtue from a local idea to an internationally stocked brand. A grounded, generous conversation for anyone building something from the gut.

Jai Huta is in the business of supplying high quality sports kit at affordable prices. His business Game Changer is doing exactly that, particularly when it comes to kitting out teams, clubs and schools that don’t have privileged backgrounds. Game Changer is at the intersection of sport and social enterprise. In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, Jai talks about why it’s important to him, and how Game Changer grew from a hobby to a full time job. He discusses how having good kit makes people feel, the reality of growing a challenger business in a competitive space, and why he likes the flexibility of self employment.  Jai’s story is riddled with passion, both for his business and for the people it supports.

Andrew Blanche didn’t exactly follow the normal route to become a baker, but we’re certainly glad he got there in the end. As the founder and head baker at Baked by Blanche, Andrew supplies bread and other baked goods all around Taranaki. This episode of the PowerUp Podcast walks through Andrew’s unconventional journey, from a chef and hospitality worker to a funeral director, and now business owner with Baked by Blanche. There are two common threads that bind Andrew’s story together - commitment to doing things properly and an emotional connection. Andrew connects people with food and to each other with his earnestness, and this shines through in the community he is building around his business.  A fantastic listen from someone who has an amazing story, and tells it exceptionally well.

Terry Boon has left his fingerprints all over Taranaki - almost literally. As the founding director of acclaimed design and architecture firm BOON, he has steered the business from its beginnings to its current status as a local giant in all aspects of building design. In this episode of the PowerUp podcast, Terry talks through more than 50 years of highlights, from the development of New Plymouth’s iconic Bowl of Brooklands to all the McDonalds in New Zealand, and even the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Terry has an encyclopedic recollection of his incredible array of work, but this conversation is about much more than that. He is a passionate contributor to culture and the arts and a huge advocate for Taranaki as a region.  In this fascinating discussion, he reflects on his relationships, family and environments - many of which he has shaped, both literally and figuratively.

If you met Ben and Tess Annabell 15 years ago, you’d probably never have known they’d end up running a business advisory firm. Ben was a qualified plumber, and Tess had gone away from her marine biology degree into chartered accountancy. Their life experience and shared passion eventually led them to start Recharge; an accountancy firm with a focus on supporting trades businesses to be both profitable and enjoyable.  In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, they talk about their own struggles running a plumbing company, and how that led to starting Recharge. Ben and Tess discuss mental health and wellness, burnout, financial education and the toll of running a business.  It’s a fascinating look under the hood at the reality of small business owners, and how to prioritise yourself and your lifestyle alongside the health of your business.

Lisa Deken and Leeanne Snowdon are two school friends that run Down to Earth Organics; New Plymouth’s hub of holistic health. It’s packed wall to wall with nothing but good stuff for the mind and body. In this episode of the PowerUp podcast, Lisa and Lee talk about the beginnings of their work relationship, taking over a long-running Taranaki institution at the height of the Covid pandemic.  They discuss the skyrocketing wellness industry and their place in it, how they manage their relationship, getting the right expertise involved and what it’s like taking over an existing business rather than starting one from scratch. So many good lessons here for anyone in a similar position, be it in the wellness space, buying an existing business, or starting something with a friend.

Abby Packer is the founder of Neat NZ, an online health and beauty business that sends out thousands of orders a month all around the world. But she never really intended to get to this point. In fact, the start of the business was a complete accident.  In this episode of the Venture Taranaki PowerUp podcast, Abby talks through the serendipitous beginning of Neat and her journey growing the business to become an online powerhouse. She talks about the challenges of sustainability, team management, sacrifice, looking after your own mental health, advice for female founders and a lot more. There’s so much good stuff in here for aspiring entrepreneurs, whatever field you’re in!

James Donald is one of New Zealand’s shining stars in the tech and startup scene. He is the first repeat guest on the PowerUp Podcast, and he’s come full circle since his last appearance. Having exited his first venture, tourism-tech company Yonder, he then co-founded the fast-growing market research company Ideally. James is a highly respected SaaS leader and his lessons cover the complete spectrum of growing a tech startup - from founding and growing to exiting, and taking all those lessons to do it all again! He picks out the most powerful insights across his journey, together with learnings about technology, AI, the power of accurate market research and the personal aspects of business ownership. This is a comprehensive conversation with so much for budding entrepreneurs to learn from - it’s not one to miss!

As a nine year old growing up in New Delhi, Simon Singh dreamed of being CEO of an IT company. Now, he’s made that dream happen, but not in a way he could ever have imagined.    In this episode of Venture Taranaki’s PowerUp Podcast, one of Taranaki’s most restless entrepreneurs tells the story of how he came to New Zealand and grew an ever-expanding tech network. Simon talks through his rise within the IT sector, to the power of a good mentor and a capable team, and how he gained perspective on New Zealand and the world.   This is a super inspiring episode packed with gold for any budding tech entrepreneur.

Vizlink is a clever business based on a simple problem - how hard it is to communicate things using just words. Gemma Adams started the business to give farmers simple maps of their land and other tools to help communication and planning.    It’s a perfect fit for her - Gemma has a design background, is a dairy farmer, and is also dyslexic. She would often struggle to understand people because of the way her brain was wired, but she discovered how visual communication is a great leveller that puts people on the same page.   This episode talks through the journey of Vizlink, from the first moment of inspiration through to making it an international business. Gemma’s done it all while working on the farm, raising a family and ensuring she has a life outside of work, which is enough of an achievement on its own!