Story

The Birth of Merit Mana – A Fusion of Experience and Innovation

Jonathan Merit and Pomana Bennett first crossed paths during a mentorship program where Jon was leading a workshop on business strategy. Pomana, attending the event to gain insights into applying AI to small business development, was struck by Jon’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Similarly, Jon was impressed by Pomana’s technical expertise and her ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies.

Their shared passion for empowering small businesses and a mutual love for the outdoors sparked a natural connection. Over numerous conversations, often held during hikes in the Waitākere Ranges or over coffee in Piha, the idea for a new venture began to take shape. They envisioned a digital consulting platform that would combine Jon’s proven business mentoring methods with Pomana’s advanced AI-driven tools. This platform, they realized, could democratize access to high-quality business advice, making it affordable and accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Thus, Merit Mana was born—a digital consultancy firm that leverages the latest advancements in AI to offer personalized business strategies at scale. The name "Merit Mana" reflects their shared values: "Merit" representing the excellence and credibility Jon brings from his years of experience, and "Mana" symbolizing the spiritual power, authority, and respect deeply rooted in Māori culture, which Pomana upholds.

Their mission is clear: to help as many businesses as possible achieve their true potential. By combining their unique skill sets, Jon and Pomana have created a platform that allows businesses to access tailored advice based on proven models, at a fraction of the cost of traditional consulting services. This approach not only helps businesses overcome their challenges but also allows Jon to extend his impact far beyond what was possible with his one-on-one coaching sessions.

Merit Mana operates on the principle that while every business is unique, the problems they face are often shared. By using AI to analyze data from thousands of businesses and matching it with Jon’s time-tested strategies, Merit Mana provides customized solutions that are both practical and effective. Their goal is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or budget, has the opportunity to succeed.

Together, Jon and Pomana have built a company that embodies their passion for helping others, their love for New Zealand’s natural beauty, and their commitment to family and community. Merit Mana is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of who they are and what they stand for. Through their combined efforts, they are empowering businesses to thrive and leaving a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Meet the Team

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Senior Business advisor

Jonathan Merit

Jonathan, is a seasoned business coach and mentor with a rich tapestry of experience spanning over three decades. Known for his wisdom, practical insights, and deep understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses, Jon has spent his career guiding entrepreneurs through the complexities of growth, strategy, and leadership. His journey into business coaching began in his early 30s, after successfully running his own businesses and realizing his passion for helping others achieve their potential.

Jon’s approach to mentoring is grounded in real-world experience and a deep empathy for the struggles of business owners. His extensive portfolio includes a diverse range of clients, from fledgling startups to established enterprises. Over the years, Jon has developed a reputation for turning around struggling businesses and helping them achieve sustainable growth. However, the demand for his services grew beyond his capacity, leading to an extensive waiting list. Jon knew he needed to find a way to help more businesses, especially those that couldn’t afford the premium fees of personalized coaching.

Outside of his professional life, Jon is deeply connected to his roots in New Zealand. He owns a property in the Waitākere Ranges, where he finds solace in the lush native bush and rolling hills. His love for the outdoors is a central part of his life, and he often spends his free time hiking, exploring, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Family is also a cornerstone of Jon’s life, and he values the time spent with loved ones, fostering strong connections that have sustained him throughout his career

Tech Lead

Pomana Bennett

Pomana is a talented data specialist and coder with a deep passion for artificial intelligence. Growing up in a close-knit Māori community, Pomana was raised with a strong sense of whānau (family) and community, values that continue to guide her both personally and professionally. After studying computer science, Pomana embarked on a career that saw her working on cutting-edge AI projects, where she honed her skills in data analysis, machine learning, and software development.

Pomana’s expertise lies in her ability to harness the power of data to drive decision-making and innovation. She has always been fascinated by the potential of AI to transform industries, and her work has been instrumental in developing AI-driven solutions that have improved efficiency and outcomes across various sectors. Despite her success in the tech world, Pomana felt a strong desire to apply her skills to something more personal and impactful—helping small businesses succeed.

Living in Piha, a stunning coastal community known for its black sand beaches and iconic surf, Pomana balances her tech-savvy career with a love for surfing and the outdoors. She is deeply connected to her Māori heritage and often participates in community events, using her skills to give back to her people. Like Jon, family is central to her life, and she strives to maintain a work-life balance that allows her to be present for her whānau while pursuing her professional passions.

Business Coach

Daniel Dale

Daniel Dale is a dynamic entrepreneur with a rich background in business, finance, and marketing, and a strong commitment to community engagement. He transformed a struggling retail business into a top-performing outlet, increasing turnover by 210% and securing contracts like the Ka Ora Ka Ako healthy school lunch program.

Daniel's entrepreneurial journey began at 21 when he doubled the turnover of his first business, a distribution company in Canterbury, within 12 months. His career spans various sectors, including banking, marketing, and auctioneering, where he gained global insights by traveling to over 70 countries.

As a dyslexic, Daniel values AI's role in overcoming challenges like spelling errors, fueling his passion for integrating technology into business. Now a business coach at Merit Mana, Daniel combines traditional mentoring with AI-driven tools to help small business owners achieve success.

Outside of business, Daniel enjoys family time, community activities, and exploring New Zealand’s natural beauty. At Merit Mana, he is dedicated to helping businesses succeed and making a positive impact on communities.

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