Our Storytellers
Tukiri Tini
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu, Mataatua
About me:
I particularly enjoy sharing the wero, haka pōhiri, and kai. These are sacred practices in our culture. The kai is especially important as it’s the way we move from the tapu (restricted) state to noa (unrestricted). I am a trained kaiwhakairo (Māori carver). I love to travel to experience everything the world has to offer and hang out with whānau and friends. From our manuhiri (visitors) I’ve learned about many cultures, customs inspiring me to learn and explore the world.
Rangimaewa (Alyssa) Webster
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Te Arawa, Tūhoe, Ngapuhi, Te Whānau ā Apanui
About me:
My favourite space is the Poroporoaki (farewell) where we acknowledge the cultures of our manuhiri (visitors) by performing a song, a dance in their language. It’s a really special moment of reciprocity. I am studying Theatre Studies, Māori and Indigenous Studies. I love to dive for kaimoana (seafood). I am very competitive and play with many sports including netball and basketball. My favourite of all things is spending heaps of time with my family – I love spoiling all my little baby cousins.
Te Rauna Webster Tarei
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau ā-Apanui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa
About me:
My favourite moments are learning Māori martial arts and the different weapons my tūpuna used to defend their mana (honour), whenua (land), and whānau (family). It’s something I belong to; handed down through generations. It’s humbling and heartwarming to learn a little about our manuhiri – their culture, language and stories. Outside of Te Pā Tū, I enjoy kapa haka, playing rugby, a bit of golf, and going to the gym but what I cherish the most is time with my whānau and friends.
Maia Kemp
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Tūhourangi Ngāti-Wāhiao, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāi Tūhoe
About me:
I’m passionate about sharing our culture, especially the practice of Poi. Poi is an extension of the body, used to mimic the environment, especially the movements of birds. I love watching our manuhiri engage with this art form – giving it a go. I’ve learned from manuhiri, there are so many similarities and how easy it can be to connect with each other. Outside of Te Pā Tū, I enjoy spending time with my Nan – I’m her favourite grandchild.
Mahururangi Rangawhenua
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Ngāi Tūhoe, Tainui
About me:
I love teaching the haka to our whānau (families). The best moment is when finish their very first haka together – a cool feeling. Another part is being here alongside my siblings, it feels true to who I am. Everything just feels right. Helping on my Koro’s (Grandfather) farm has deepened my connection to the land and taught me the importance of hard work. I’ve learned from our manuhiri (visitors) how much we have in common with other cultures especially indigenous people.
Arahia Edwards
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Te Arawa, Tauranga Moana
About me:
My favourite space of Tū Te Rā is the village. I feel proud seeing people connect with our heritage as they take part in the different interactive activities. Manuhiri often share and connect us to their cultures too and we appreciate their diverse perspectives. In my spare time I enjoy performing kapa haka, competing in kapa haka competitions, as well as performing in my own tribal festivals. It helps me express myself and do what I love at the same time.
Kaiaua (Josh) Yates
Iwi | Tribal affiliations:
Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Kuki Airani hapū
About me:
I really enjoy the activities which are centred around combat training as I am passionate about these traditions. We practice blocking and striking with the rākau (sticks), and I can share learnings from the taiaha wānanga (warrior art workshops). Sharing our culture daily keeps me grounded, builds my confidence, makes me step out of my shell and engage with people from all over the world. I meet and learn about other indigenous cultures too and see the values we share.