Whanau/Hapu:

Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti

Background:

I live in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) and my day job is working for Te Wananga o Aotearoa in its Central Library. My role is Kairaupapa Takawaenga or reference/liaison librarian. I have 4 brothers and two sisters. One sister passed away two years ago. I have one daughter who lives in Perth, Australia. I was born in Wairoa and have lived most of my life on the Coast.  My interests include V8 engines - petrol & diesel, Te Ao Maori and trying to keep fit. I get inspired by listening to our pakeke from home and how they relate to Te Ao Hou me Te Ao Hurihuri. What challenges they face in moving from the old world into the new world.

Aspirations for Ngati Porou:

Its our time - there is no time like the present. We as part of Ngati Porou have the ability to really work on some massive kaupapa for our marae and our mokopuna. The money is a means to an end.  It’s about succession planning and ensuring that we all work together to awhi and tautoko this kaupapa. Even though we will have our 'moments' with each other it’s about moving forward as one and providing transparency in the process.