I proudly trace my whakapapa to Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi, and was raised under the korowai of both iwi. My childhood was spent in Reweti near the Kaipara Harbour. Growing up next to my marae, Te Whiti Te Rā, and living under the guidance of my whānau, I developed a deep passion for Te Ao Māori.

After 11 years of teaching, I felt compelled to create a whānau business that connects communities with our rich cultural heritage. At its core, our business believes that carrying our past into the future is a source of strength, as our tupuna remain ever-present and empower us to inspire others. We strive to foster a deep understanding of Te Ao Māori among all those we encounter, and to help build a more culturally-rich and inclusive future for us all.

Mauri ora e te whānau

Kia ora!

I am of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai and Tainui descent. Although I was raised knowing I was Māori, and experienced marae and tikanga, the depth of my knowledge of my own culture and reo is a journey in itself and one I will continue working on every day. I have learnt the most since having my babies as we raise them in a bilingual world – how awesome is that.

After 12 years in the fast-paced corporate world, I decided to go ‘all in’ with Te Pūheke and use my financial and general management skills to run our whānau business. I’m so proud of what we do, and where we are going. It’s a feel good role every single day.

Ngā Manaaki

I was raised under the mountain of Putahi in Kaikohekohe. I was fortunate to grow up on my whenua which kept me connected to the importance of my whakapapa.

I have over 20 years of experience teaching in Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kura ā Iwi, and Mainstream education. I spent the majority of my teaching career in Rotorua which help develop my teaching philosophy. I have now returned back to my tūrangawaewae to work with whānau, rangatahi and help guide their learning through positive learning experiences.

Mihi Maioha

I am a proud Māori of Taranaki, Ngāi Tahu, and Ngāti Maniapoto whakapapa. It is a blessing to work in a Te Ao Māori space and to be able to share my culture with others.

For the past three years, I have worked as a youth worker, gaining valuable training in youth and community counseling, motivational interviewing, AOD, facilitation, and group dynamics. Working in South Auckland, I have had the opportunity to facilitate personal development programs in schools, including sexual violence prevention and alcohol and drug programs. It is truly humbling to connect with young people and share my passion for my culture with them.

I believe that true peace and harmony can be achieved when we embrace and honor our cultural heritage. With this in mind, I strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for young people to learn about their own culture and connect with others from different backgrounds.

Kia tau te rangimarie

I have ancestral ties to Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Wai. Growing up, I was immersed in Māori language and culture through my education at Kōhanga Reo and Te Aho Matua, and I continue to value bilingualism and the ability to navigate between two worldviews.

For the past 19 years, I have been involved in kapa haka as a performer with Te Waka Huia and the Haka Experience, as well as a tutor, translator, and kaiārahi o te Reo Māori for four years. Currently, I am completing a bachelor’s degree in education.

I feel grateful to have had strong Māori role models and opportunities to engage with my culture in urban environments. My goal is to inspire cultural awareness, reconnection to Te Ao Māori, and a sense of pride in Māori identity for all.

Mauri Tū e te iwi!