Describe your experience as a Pūkenga (Tutor) for this programme. 
It has been an absolute pleasure working as a Kāuru Pūkenga working with our Kaiako (Teachers) from all whakapapa and backgrounds taking on the pathway of learning Te Reo and Tikanga, to further enhance their capabilities not only as a teacher, but as a mindful kiwi.
 

I have witnessed unimaginable growth in some of these people that otherwise may not have ever happened. I applaud the commitment and courage that these people have exercised in allowing themselves to go through moments of vulnerability to achieve and connect to a deeper understanding of their students through intellectual empathy and emotional mastery.

What responsibilities come with being a Champion of te reo Māori?
What is your WHY?
Being an example of ‘Te WhakaCOOLtanga O Te Reo’. We must have commitment and courage to be an agent of the progressive cultural change for Aotearoa NZ, but we also have the swagger and balance that comes with the journey. This is what builds authenticity, and a genuine heart in how we contribute to society through the mahi that we do. This is what makes being a Champion of Te Reo Māori so attractive.
 

MY WHY? Is to build the Aotearoa that is congruent with nature, and position my tamariki and mokopuna well, to be able to have Aotearoa lead the way forward for the rest of the world to follow.
 

To be an example of how Indigenous Peoples (Tangata Whenua) and Governments (Tangata Tiriti) can relate in harmony for the benefit of all life.

What would you say to teachers/kaiako who are still deciding if this kaupapa is for them?
If you are;
- Ready to contribute to the future generations of Aotearoa,
- Ready to be the change you want to see in Aotearoa
- Ready to work and build the quality of your life,
Then this is the pathway forward for you.
I promise you that you will get tired, you will get grumpy, you will feel vulnerable and challenged throughout this journey. This will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Any final words of encouragement?
Whether you think you can or you can’t, either way you are right. It’s you’re ready or you’re not.
But ask yourself this,
"Am I willing to watch my colleagues significantly grow ahead of me in
value, contribution, and service?"


"Am I willing to, as a human, be non-progressive in this space at a time
where the world is more mindful than ever about nature?"
 

"OR… change ‘am I ready?’ to I AM READY"