AKAROA MOTUTERE
Taiao Ranger ki Tauranga Moana
Ko Mauao te maunga
ko tauranga te moana
ko takitimu te waka
ko ngati ranginui te iwi
ko pirirakau te hapu
Kia ora, I’m Akaroa, a passionate kaitiaki at Te Pu-a Nga Maara, driven by the wisdom of our Taiao and the stories it holds.
Water has memory. This speaks to the enduring connection between wai, whenua, and our people—every drop carries the knowledge of our past and the hope for our future.
Tōku ao Māori, my Māori worldview is my strength. It shapes how I see, feel, and act, grounding my mahi in mātauranga Māori and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all things.
I envision a Taiao regenerated through kaupapa Māori, thriving across the motu. I dream of circular economies, food sovereignty, and widespread rainwater harvesting. I envision a future free from ferals, pests, and plastic, where our whenua and wai are restored to their full mauri.
Spending time in nature and connecting with others who share a fire for the Taiao fuels me. There’s nothing like learning from and alongside those with deep knowledge and passion for our environment.