Huntly’s 10-year-old lawn mowing sensation gives back to kaumātua

A 10-year-old entrepreneur from the Waikato town of Raahui Pookeka|Huntly is gaining attention well beyond his local community - not just for his business skills but for his generosity.

Harry Muru-Kete, a student at Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga, is the young Māori business owner behind Second 2 None, a lawn mowing service that has gone viral for its focus on mahi (work), hauora (health), and hāpori (community).

Muru-Kete started mowing lawns at just five years old, having learned the ropes from his older brother. What began as a household chore soon turned into a business opportunity.

“I started at five years old. My brother taught me how to mow. Then he went to heaps of other kaupapa,” Muru-Kete told Pacific Days.

“So I took a few lawns off him, and I decided to make my own business.”

What makes Second 2 Noone stand out is Muru-Kete’s decision to mow lawns for kaumātua (elderly) for free.

Muru-Kete is self-employed and supported by his parents who drive him to over 16 houses across Huntly and Hamilton.

He usually charges between $45 and $100, but refuses to accept payment from kaumātua, even when they insist.

Muru-Kete’s Instagram page has grown to 22.1K followers where the comment section is filled with people praising his work ethic. He has even received requests from as far as West Auckland.

The business name was suggested by his father, Epiha Kete. Muru-Kete explains the meaning behind it: “We thought we would be in competition with anyone else. But you’re only in competition with yourself.”

Kete told Pacific Days that the online attention took them by surprise, but has been “awesome”. He encouraged his son early on to think about what would make his business different.

“I just asked him, ‘What’s your point of difference?’

“I came up with an idea of maybe doing a free giveaway once a week. And he just said, ‘Oh, what about free kaumātua lawns?’ Ever since then, he’s just taken off.”

Kete speaks proudly about his son’s character and work ethic.

“He’s a hard worker. I don't know many 10-year-olds that would outwork him aye. He’s a good boy…going for his runs and keeping fit. Just trying to inspire his mates at kura (school). He’s got a couple of his mates to help him with the lawns and he pays them.”

Muru-Kete balances school and runs his business after school and on weekends. He also prioritises his physical and mental health, sharing running videos and motivational messages online.

Despite his growing social media following, he remains humble. “I’m just new and I’m just going with the flow.”

Muru-Kete hopes to inspire others, living by his simple motto: “Do the mahi, get the treats. Work hard and set some goals”.

His plan for 2026 is to grow his business and continue living by its message - to be second to none.