PAINE NICHOLAS
Taiao Ranger ki Tamaki ki te Tonga
Ki te taha o taku koro
Ko Mauao te maunga
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Tauranga te moana
Ko Ngāti Ranginui te iwi
Ko Pirirakau te hapū
Ko Tawhitinui te marae
Ko Tamatea Arikinui te rangatira
Ki te taha o taku kuia
Ko Maungatautari te maunga
Ko Tainui te wakaKo Waikato te awa
Ko Ngāti Hauā te iwi
Ko Ngāti Werewere te hapū
Ko Rukumoana te marae
Paine, a committed Taiao Ranger, lives by the whakataukī "Ū ai tāua! Ū ai nawa!" embracing a steadfast dedication to collective purpose and action. Her greatest strength is her astuteness, bringing sharp insight and clarity to her work. Paine aspires to deepen the connection between Te Reo Māori and the taiao, envisioning a future where the whakapapa of the language can be traced through physical entities like rākau, manu, and wai. What she loves most about her mahi with Te Pu-a-nga Maara is the opportunity to revitalise and live tikanga, strengthen intergenerational bonds, and create meaningful outcomes that honour both the people and the whenua.