In this episode we catch up with Tiffany Witehira and Aroha Harris. We talk about the challenges of language learning, the realities of juggling kura with parenting and mahi, we celebrate the achievements and talk about what lies ahead.

NUKU Tōku Reo // WHA

In this episode we catch up with Chelsea Winstanley and Leonie Kapea Hayden to discuss our rūmaki reo journey, safe reo speaking places, anxiety about leaving an immersive environment, expectation Vs reality, and our diverse experiences throughout the year.

NUKU Tōku Reo // TORU

In episode two we speak to filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley and Journalist Leonie Hayden about language learning feeling like we're all in kohanga reo, and how that realisation creates safe to fail spaces in the language reclamation journey. We discuss the good and bad of te reo Māori in the film and media industries and chat about the responsibility of language learners and speakers. We share our favourite kupu and the deep meanings behind them and, give you lots of learning tips regardless of where you are on your journey.   Following on from the acclaimed NUKU podcast and book that showcased 100 kickass Indigenous women doing things differently, our new series Tōku Reo is focussed on language. Across 10 special episodes we will be sharing the language reclamation journeys of Indigenous women, including our host Qiane Matata-Sipu who has returned to kura in 2022 studying Rumaki Reo at Te Wananga Takiura o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.  To watch the video version of this podcast visit: https://youtu.be/n8T4fBSWrNk  To buy the book, NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Women visit:  www.nukuwomen.co.nz/shop  For more about NUKU visit www.nukuwomen.co.nz

In episode two we speak to filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley and Journalist Leonie Hayden about language learning feeling like we're all in kohanga reo, and how that realisation creates safe to fail spaces in the language reclamation journey. We discuss the good and bad of te reo Māori in the film and media industries and chat about the responsibility of language learners and speakers. We share our favourite kupu and the deep meanings behind them and, give you lots of learning tips regardless of where you are on your journey. Following on from the acclaimed NUKU podcast and book that showcased 100 kickass Indigenous women doing things differently, our new series Tōku Reo is focussed on language. Across 10 special episodes we will be sharing the language reclamation journeys of Indigenous women, including our host Qiane Matata-Sipu who has returned to kura in 2022 studying Rumaki Reo at Te Wananga Takiura o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.  To watch the video version of this podcast visit: <a href="https://youtu.be/n8T4fBSWrNk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/n8T4fBSWrNk</a> To buy the book, NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Women visit:  <a href="http://www.nukuwomen.co.nz/shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nukuwomen.co.nz/shop</a> For more about NUKU visit <a href="http://www.nukuwomen.co.nz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nukuwomen.co.nz</a>

NUKU Tōku Reo // RUA

We speak with Māori Midwife Camille Harris and fragrance developer Tiffany Witehira who are both at the beginning of their year-long total immersion Māori language course.  The pair share the stories behind their desire to reclaim te reo, share their lived experiences of language being looked down upon as a result of colonisation and, give us an insight into the first month of their study. They also share some study tips and tricks they have picked up along the way. Following on from the acclaimed NUKU podcast and book that showcased 100 kickass Indigenous women doing things differently, our new series Tōku Reo is focussed on language. Across 10 special episodes we will be sharing the language reclamation journeys of Indigenous women, including our host Qiane Matata-Sipu who has returned to kura in 2022 studying Rumaki Reo at Te Wananga Takiura o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.   To watch the video version of this podcast visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCfy1KKLvlA   To buy the book, NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Women, visit www.nukuwomen.co.nz/shop For more about NUKU visit www.nukuwomen.co.nz

We speak with Māori Midwife Camille Harris and fragrance developer Tiffany Witehira who are both at the beginning of their year-long total immersion Māori language course.  The pair share the stories behind their desire to reclaim te reo, share their lived experiences of language being looked down upon as a result of colonisation and, give us an insight into the first month of their study. They also share some study tips and tricks they have picked up along the way. Following on from the acclaimed NUKU podcast and book that showcased 100 kickass Indigenous women doing things differently, our new series Tōku Reo is focussed on language. Across 10 special episodes we will be sharing the language reclamation journeys of Indigenous women, including our host Qiane Matata-Sipu who has returned to kura in 2022 studying Rumaki Reo at Te Wananga Takiura o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.   To watch the video version of this podcast visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCfy1KKLvlA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCfy1KKLvlA</a> To buy the book, NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Women, visit <a href="http://www.nukuwomen.co.nz/shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nukuwomen.co.nz/shop</a> For more about NUKU visit <a href="http://www.nukuwomen.co.nz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nukuwomen.co.nz</a>

NUKU Tōku Reo // TAHI 

Karen Matata

Kia ora e te whānau. Today is a very special day, we celebrate NUKU //100!  Through this series we have met and interviewed wāhine right across the motu - the matauranga holders, the frontliners, the carers, the whale whisperers, the teachers, the researchers, the ahi kaa, the boundary pushers, the leaders, the workers, the innovators, the motivators, wāhine who are empowering across generations by being unapologetically themselves.   NUKU //100 holds a special place in my heart. It is my honour to introduce you to my māmā, this 100th wāhine is a reminder to us all that we will come across so many inspiring wāhine on our journey, from all over the world in all walks of life, but we must never forget those who make us who we are - our mothers, our grandmothers, our aunties, our sisters, our daughters. Meet Karen Matata (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao, Arorangi (Rarotonga), Temakatea, Oneroa (Mangaia) Karen has been an early childhood educator for more than 40 years. She has worked for her marae, Makaurau, as secretary for more than 25 years, and holds governance positions across education and community groups in Tāmaki Makaurau. In this episode we talk about her Māori girls boarding school experience, she shares her perspective on single motherhood and sharing her eldest daughter with her parents to raise, we discuss the power of education and talk about the reality of working for your people.

Kia ora e te whānau. Today is a very special day, we celebrate NUKU //100!  Through this series we have met and interviewed wāhine right across the motu - the matauranga holders, the frontliners, the carers, the whale whisperers, the teachers, the researchers, the ahi kaa, the boundary pushers, the leaders, the workers, the innovators, the motivators, wāhine who are empowering across generations by being unapologetically themselves.   NUKU //100 holds a special place in my heart. It is my honour to introduce you to my māmā, this 100th wāhine is a reminder to us all that we will come across so many inspiring wāhine on our journey, from all over the world in all walks of life, but we must never forget those who make us who we are - our mothers, our grandmothers, our aunties, our sisters, our daughters. Meet Karen Matata (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao, Arorangi (Rarotonga), Temakatea, Oneroa (Mangaia) Karen has been an early childhood educator for more than 40 years. She has worked for her marae, Makaurau, as secretary for more than 25 years, and holds governance positions across education and community groups in Tāmaki Makaurau. In this episode we talk about her Māori girls boarding school experience, she shares her perspective on single motherhood and sharing her eldest daughter with her parents to raise, we discuss the power of education and talk about the reality of working for your people.

//100 Karen Matata

Meet NUKU //099 Dr Acushla Dee Sciascia (Ngāruahine Rangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātiawa)  This incredible wahine is a business woman representing Indigenous perspectives and narratives in research, evaluation and strategy development. Her studies found her researching digital tangihanga long before Covid-19 had arrived, exploring how tikanga in te ao Māori is changing with modern times. In this episode we talk about her mahi and explore the inter-generational kōrero around tikanga, today.

Meet NUKU //099 Dr Acushla Dee Sciascia (Ngāruahine Rangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātiawa) This incredible wahine is a business woman representing Indigenous perspectives and narratives in research, evaluation and strategy development. Her studies found her researching digital tangihanga long before Covid-19 had arrived, exploring how tikanga in te ao Māori is changing with modern times. In this episode we talk about her mahi and explore the inter-generational kōrero around tikanga, today.

//099 Dr Acushla Dee Sciascia

Kurahapainga (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is the founder and artistic director of Hawaiki TŪ, a Māori performance company specialising in kapa haka and haka theatre. She is also a member of the renowned Te Waka Huia kapa haka roopu. In this episode NUKU //098 talks to us about the foundation of haka theatre, she shares her experiences growing up as a child of a gang member and tells us about the realities of trialing for one of our country’s top kapa haka groups.

Kurahapainga (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is the founder and artistic director of Hawaiki TŪ, a Māori performance company specialising in kapa haka and haka theatre. She is also a member of the renowned Te Waka Huia kapa haka roopu. In this episode NUKU //098 talks to us about the foundation of haka theatre, she shares her experiences growing up as a child of a gang member and tells us about the realities of trialing for one of our country’s top kapa haka groups.

//098 Kurahapainga Te Ua

Te Raina (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu, Italy) runs education programmes about Māori culture from her whare wānanga, Kurawaka. Based in Pōrangahau, she teaches wāhine to find their karanga voice, teaching the foundations of karanga and the mātauranga of mana wāhine, mana atua and mana motuhake. In this episode we kōrero about kurawaka, kapa haka and karanga, and get completely immersed in the stories of this wonderful whaea.

Te Raina (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu, Italy) runs education programmes about Māori culture from her whare wānanga, Kurawaka. Based in Pōrangahau, she teaches wāhine to find their karanga voice, teaching the foundations of karanga and the mātauranga of mana wāhine, mana atua and mana motuhake. In this episode we kōrero about kurawaka, kapa haka and karanga, and get completely immersed in the stories of this wonderful whaea.

//097 Te Raina Atareta Ferris 

Geneva Harrison

We have a special double episode for you. NUKU 095 and 096 are Geneva Harrison (Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri) and Mihi Tibble (Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Whānau a Hinerupe, Rakairoa, Te Whānau a Karuwai, Te Aitanga a Mate).  The friends are the founders of Tuhi Stationery. They create notebooks, diaries, maramataka resources and other stationery products inspired by Māori language, culture, environment and values. They also have a Sāmoan range. In this episode we talk about the realities of small business. The pair share with us their personal stories of growing up with grandparents who lived according to the maramataka and tell us how they are helping to revive our connection to our lunar calendar system.

We have a special double episode for you. NUKU 095 and 096 are Geneva Harrison (Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri) and Mihi Tibble (Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Whānau a Hinerupe, Rakairoa, Te Whānau a Karuwai, Te Aitanga a Mate).  The friends are the founders of Tuhi Stationery. They create notebooks, diaries, maramataka resources and other stationery products inspired by Māori language, culture, environment and values. They also have a Sāmoan range. In this episode we talk about the realities of small business. The pair share with us their personal stories of growing up with grandparents who lived according to the maramataka and tell us how they are helping to revive our connection to our lunar calendar system.

//095 Geneva Harrison + //096 Mihi Tibble

Dame Hinewehi Mohi (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe) has been iconic in the development of puoro Māori for the past 30 years. In 1999, she released her Oceania album and made history singing the national anthem in te reo Māori. Today, she is championing a bilingual music industry for Aotearoa. In this episode we talk about her passion for te reo Māori, she shares the story of Raukatauri Music Therapy Centres inspired by her daughter, Hineraukatauri. And, she tells us about her dream to see Aotearoa musicians record in both languages.

Dame Hinewehi Mohi (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe) has been iconic in the development of puoro Māori for the past 30 years. In 1999, she released her Oceania album and made history singing the national anthem in te reo Māori. Today, she is championing a bilingual music industry for Aotearoa. In this episode we talk about her passion for te reo Māori, she shares the story of Raukatauri Music Therapy Centres inspired by her daughter, Hineraukatauri. And, she tells us about her dream to see Aotearoa musicians record in both languages.

//094 Dame Hinewehi Mohi

Interviews with kickass Indigenous women doing things differently! I invite you to look at the world through a different lens, a personal lens, a cultural lens, a lens made by and made for us – mā hine, mō hine, kia hine!

NUKU

Chelsea Winstanley

Chelsea Winstanley is a filmmaker. She directed the documentary Tame Iti: The man behind the moko, and co-directed Waru, the heart-wrenching film about child abuse, made by 8 Māori female directors. Her producer credits include What We do in the Shadows, and the short film Night Shift. And most recently, she helped Hepi Mita make a documentary about his mum, the pioneering Merata Mita – sharing the stories of how she decolonised the screen.  Now Based in Los Angeles with her husband and children, Chelsea is a world away from her home town of Mt Maunganui. And while there might be a few more red carpets in her life these days, this Te Puna girl has never forgotten how she got there.  Today, we talk about that journey. She shares what it was like being a 21 year old single māmā having to rely to on a benefit, through to the life changing car accident that forced her to have to learn to walk again.  She also talks about the realities of the film industry and the importance of indigenous representation on our screens.

Chelsea Winstanley is a filmmaker. She directed the documentary Tame Iti: The man behind the moko, and co-directed Waru, the heart-wrenching film about child abuse, made by 8 Māori female directors. Her producer credits include What We do in the Shadows, and the short film Night Shift. And most recently, she helped Hepi Mita make a documentary about his mum, the pioneering Merata Mita – sharing the stories of how she decolonised the screen.  Now Based in Los Angeles with her husband and children, Chelsea is a world away from her home town of Mt Maunganui. And while there might be a few more red carpets in her life these days, this Te Puna girl has never forgotten how she got there.  Today, we talk about that journey. She shares what it was like being a 21 year old single māmā having to rely to on a benefit, through to the life changing car accident that forced her to have to learn to walk again.  She also talks about the realities of the film industry and the importance of indigenous representation on our screens.

//016 Chelsea Winstanley

Recently Pualani Case travelled to Aotearoa to bring us the stories of Hawaii and her fight to protect her maunga, Mauna Kea.  Aunty Pua, as she is affectionately known, is a spiritual and cultural leader. She is a Kumu Hula, a teacher of traditional dance and chant, and is a passionate advocate for the Kanaka Maoli indigenous people of Hawaii.  She holds multiple degrees, and was a public school teacher for more than 30 years, but today, she and her family work tirelessly to protect their ancestral spaces from destruction and desecration.  In this episode we talk about religious colonialism, indigenous solidarity, and of course, her beloved Mauna Kea.  #KūKia'iMauna 

Recently Pualani Case travelled to Aotearoa to bring us the stories of Hawaii and her fight to protect her maunga, Mauna Kea.  Aunty Pua, as she is affectionately known, is a spiritual and cultural leader. She is a Kumu Hula, a teacher of traditional dance and chant, and is a passionate advocate for the Kanaka Maoli indigenous people of Hawaii.  She holds multiple degrees, and was a public school teacher for more than 30 years, but today, she and her family work tirelessly to protect their ancestral spaces from destruction and desecration.  In this episode we talk about religious colonialism, indigenous solidarity, and of course, her beloved Mauna Kea.  #KūKia'iMauna

//022 Pualani Case

Mojo Juju is from Te Whenua Moemoeā, the land of dreamtime, Australia. She is an ARIA nominated artist of mixed Filipino and Aboriginal heritage, from the Wiradjuri people of NSW. Her latest album Native Tongue is her most personal yet. It talks about being mixed race and, that feeling of straddling a line between where you belong and, questioning if you are enough.  I sat down with the singer-songwriter in between sound check during a recent gig in Auckland to talk about identity, racism and what it feels like to be displaced and have lost connection to your Indigenous culture. We also discuss her views on being alienated by both the mainstream and, your own people. Mojo shares her journey of being a queer woman of colour, we talk Australian politics and, celebrate how she is proudly smashing stereotypes in the music industry.

Mojo Juju is from Te Whenua Moemoeā, the land of dreamtime, Australia. She is an ARIA nominated artist of mixed Filipino and Aboriginal heritage, from the Wiradjuri people of NSW. Her latest album <a href="https://www.mojojuju.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Native Tongue</a> is her most personal yet. It talks about being mixed race and, that feeling of straddling a line between where you belong and, questioning if you are enough.  I sat down with the singer-songwriter in between sound check during a recent gig in Auckland to talk about identity, racism and what it feels like to be displaced and have lost connection to your Indigenous culture. We also discuss her views on being alienated by both the mainstream and, your own people. Mojo shares her journey of being a queer woman of colour, we talk Australian politics and, celebrate how she is proudly smashing stereotypes in the music industry.

//003 Mojo Juju

Nikau Hindin

This full time artist is a bark cloth maker and currently living in Turanga (Gisborne). Her Aute pieces are adorned with celestial patterns, combining ancestral knowledge of Kapa and star navigation. In this episode we talk about how Hawaii helped Nikau find her calling, how art school almost turned her off being an artist and, that time she ran off to be in the circus.

This full time artist is a bark cloth maker and currently living in Turanga (Gisborne). Her Aute pieces are adorned with celestial patterns, combining ancestral knowledge of Kapa and star navigation. In this episode we talk about how Hawaii helped Nikau find her calling, how art school almost turned her off being an artist and, that time she ran off to be in the circus.

//024 Nikau Hindin 

Veeshayne Patuwai

In this episode we meet Veesh Patuwai (nee Armstrong) and talk about life in the Far North, the gentrification and regeneration of her Glen Innes community and, how she playing her part in raising the next generation of Indigenous female leaders.  Veeshayne is most recognised from her days in radio as a DJ for the urban Māori station Mai Fm. In the 90s, she moved to the big smoke of Auckland from small town Moerewa, quickly making her mark in the industry by becoming the first Māori female to ever win Best New Broadcaster at the Mobil Radio Awards.  While she is known for her radio and acting career, it is her mahi supporting kōhine Māori that sits closest to her heart. As the creator and kaitiaki of Urutapu, a leadership programme for young Māori women, Veesh is championing indigenous women to transform our communities and recognise our potential and power. 

In this episode we meet Veesh Patuwai (nee Armstrong) and talk about life in the Far North, the gentrification and regeneration of her Glen Innes community and, how she playing her part in raising the next generation of Indigenous female leaders. Veeshayne is most recognised from her days in radio as a DJ for the urban Māori station Mai Fm. In the 90s, she moved to the big smoke of Auckland from small town Moerewa, quickly making her mark in the industry by becoming the first Māori female to ever win Best New Broadcaster at the Mobil Radio Awards. While she is known for her radio and acting career, it is her mahi supporting kōhine Māori that sits closest to her heart. As the creator and kaitiaki of Urutapu, a leadership programme for young Māori women, Veesh is championing indigenous women to transform our communities and recognise our potential and power.

//002 Veeshayne Patuwai

Dr Lily Fraser is a GP with a special interest in low carb high/healthy fat nutrition. With a 15 year medical career she has seen the effects of chronic illness and, on the flip side, the positive effects a lifestyle change can have on individuals. She wants to show that low carb is a normal way of eating. You could even say, a traditional way of eating.  In this episode we speak with the Turuki Healthcare Clinical Director about her Kai Tahu whakapapa and, being a Māori female in the medical industry. We learn about the low carb lifestyle and its effects on health and wellbeing and, we talk about healthy lifestyle options to help whānau realise we don't have to be resigned to a life of metabolic disease.

Dr Lily Fraser is a GP with a special interest in low carb high/healthy fat nutrition. With a 15 year medical career she has seen the effects of chronic illness and, on the flip side, the positive effects a lifestyle change can have on individuals. She wants to show that low carb is a normal way of eating. You could even say, a traditional way of eating.  In this episode we speak with the <a href="https://turukihealthcare.org.nz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Turuki Healthcare</a> Clinical Director about her Kai Tahu whakapapa and, being a Māori female in the medical industry. We learn about the low carb lifestyle and its effects on health and wellbeing and, we talk about healthy lifestyle options to help whānau realise we don't have to be resigned to a life of metabolic disease.

//007 Dr Lily Fraser

Donna Tamaariki

Donna Tamaariki and Moana Tamaariki-Pohe are twin sisters whose affinity for the Ocean was passed down to them from their tūpuna. Of Māori (Ngāti Whatua Orakei, Te Waiohua), Cook Islands, Tahitian and Tauiwi descent, the pair have spent their entire lives working to protect and preserve the ocean. Whether it be through waka ama, navigation, teaching, governance or policy change, they are working to have an everlasting positive effect on their tūpuna moana, the Waitematā.  The pair are also having great impact in the entrepreneurial space. Both are small business owners, with Donna currently in a role focussed on Māori economic outcomes. Moana wrote, and delivers, the HineBoss programme empowering indigenous women right across the country, into business.   In this episode we discuss ego vs eco, we talk about the true measure of success and, we find out which twin has paddled enough nautical miles to have circumnavigated the world three times! 

Donna Tamaariki and Moana Tamaariki-Pohe are twin sisters whose affinity for the Ocean was passed down to them from their tūpuna. Of Māori (Ngāti Whatua Orakei, Te Waiohua), Cook Islands, Tahitian and Tauiwi descent, the pair have spent their entire lives working to protect and preserve the ocean. Whether it be through waka ama, navigation, teaching, governance or policy change, they are working to have an everlasting positive effect on their tūpuna moana, the Waitematā.  The pair are also having great impact in the entrepreneurial space. Both are small business owners, with Donna currently in a role focussed on Māori economic outcomes. Moana wrote, and delivers, the HineBoss programme empowering indigenous women right across the country, into business.   In this episode we discuss ego vs eco, we talk about the true measure of success and, we find out which twin has paddled enough nautical miles to have circumnavigated the world three times!

//017 Donna Tamaariki + //018 Moana Tamaariki-Pohe

Hinewirangi is one of those kuia that you want to sit with for hours. Her knowledge, her experience and her stories, are mesmerising.  She is a writer and poet. An activist and a tohunga of taonga puoro. She has worked in rape crisis centres and, in prison rehabilitation. In this episode we cover so many topics, as you do when you sit at the table with wahine full of wisdom. We talk about racism, Atua wahine and kaitiakitanga. Hinewirangi shares her personal story of sexual assault, how she faced her rapist years later and, the tools she used to help her forgive. We talk about art and Indigenous knowledge. About being strapped at school for speaking te reo Māori and how today, we need to decolonise our reo. And, we hear the fascinating story of her waka tūpāpaku, the vessel she is making to house her ashes, when she dies.  Content warning: This episode may be confronting for some, it shares details about sexual abuse. Hinewirangi’s story is raw, and uncut. We do not shy away from challenging topics of conversation. For those who listen to NUKU with their daughters, you may want to screen this episode before you let your tamariki listen. There are adult themes, but I promise you, there is also some great wisdom we can all learn and grow from. 

Hinewirangi is one of those kuia that you want to sit with for hours. Her knowledge, her experience and her stories, are mesmerising.  She is a writer and poet. An activist and a tohunga of taonga puoro. She has worked in rape crisis centres and, in prison rehabilitation. In this episode we cover so many topics, as you do when you sit at the table with wahine full of wisdom. We talk about racism, Atua wahine and kaitiakitanga. Hinewirangi shares her personal story of sexual assault, how she faced her rapist years later and, the tools she used to help her forgive. We talk about art and Indigenous knowledge. About being strapped at school for speaking te reo Māori and how today, we need to decolonise our reo. And, we hear the fascinating story of her waka tūpāpaku, the vessel she is making to house her ashes, when she dies.  Content warning: This episode may be confronting for some, it shares details about sexual abuse. Hinewirangi’s story is raw, and uncut. We do not shy away from challenging topics of conversation. For those who listen to NUKU with their daughters, you may want to screen this episode before you let your tamariki listen. There are adult themes, but I promise you, there is also some great wisdom we can all learn and grow from.

//013 Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan

Hana Tapiata

Hana Tapiata is a lifestyle blogger living by indigenous philosophies and mātauranga Māori. Her passion is promoting tūpuna mātauranga in as many different mediums, and on as many different platforms, as possible.  With a combined online following of more than 20,000, this self-published author believes that if you know yourself, and your whakapapa intimately, nothing will stop you living into your potential.  In this episode we talk about rugby, and rock lifting. About Tahiti’s ancestral games and, about becoming a self-published author. We learn how to adapt ancient knowledge into a modern context and, how to connect with tūpuna and atua, to interperet their pūrākau, their legends and stories, to help guide our lives. 

Hana Tapiata is a <a href="https://www.hanatapiata.com/blog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lifestyle blogger</a> living by indigenous philosophies and mātauranga Māori. Her passion is promoting tūpuna mātauranga in as many different mediums, and on as many different platforms, as possible.  With a combined online following of more than 20,000, this self-published author believes that if you know yourself, and your whakapapa intimately, nothing will stop you living into your potential.  In this episode we talk about rugby, and rock lifting. About Tahiti’s ancestral games and, about becoming a self-published author. We learn how to adapt ancient knowledge into a modern context and, how to connect with tūpuna and atua, to interperet their pūrākau, their legends and stories, to help guide our lives.

//009 Hana Tapiata

Amber Aranui

Dr Amber Aranui (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) has a special job. As a researcher for the Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme at Te Papa Museum, she has spent the past 10 and a half years searching the world for our tūpuna, and working to bring them home.  The bones and body parts of some of our ancestors are in museums, universities and private collections. Old. Young. Tāne. Wāhine.  Amber’s mahi is to find them, learn about how they came to be there, investigate who they are, then try to reunite them with their descendants. It isn't an easy job, but it is an important one. And is one that gives her a lot of fulfilment.  In this episode we talk about the history of ‘scientific research’ on Māori and Moriori, Amber shares some of the emotional realities of her mahi and, she teaches us about the issues related to repatriation.  www.NUKUwomen.co.nz 

Dr Amber Aranui (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) has a special job. As a researcher for the Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme at <a href="https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Te Papa Museum</a>, she has spent the past 10 and a half years searching the world for our <a href="https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&amp;phrase=&amp;proverb=&amp;loan=&amp;histLoanWords=&amp;keywords=tupuna" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tūpuna</a>, and working to bring them home.  The bones and body parts of some of our ancestors are in museums, universities and private collections. Old. Young. Tāne. Wāhine.  Amber’s mahi is to find them, learn about how they came to be there, investigate who they are, then try to reunite them with their descendants. It isn't an easy job, but it is an important one. And is one that gives her a lot of fulfilment.  In this episode we talk about the history of ‘scientific research’ on Māori and Moriori, Amber shares some of the emotional realities of her mahi and, she teaches us about the issues related to repatriation.  <a href="http://www.NUKUwomen.co.nz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.NUKUwomen.co.nz</a>

//021 Dr Amber Aranui

Michele Wilson

In this episode we talk about growing up outside of your culture and reclaiming our Indigenous practices and systems. We have a great conversation about ikura (menstruation),  going right back to Hine-nui-te-pō and the first period. We discuss the way our tūpuna would celebrate ikura and, how colonisation has changed those practices. We also discuss Michele’s determination to end period poverty in Aotearoa. Of Tainui &amp;Ngati Pāoa descent Michele grew up identifying as an ‘urban’ Māori. And although she didn’t learn te reo me ōna tikanga as a child, she always felt an incredible connection to her tūpuna and te ao Māori. After working (unhappily) as a corporate lawyer and then suffering with postnatal depression after the birth of her second child, she was led into the ngahere to begin her healing and her journey to reconnect with her culture. Now, the owner of Frankie Apothecary, a rongoa-based skincare company, is helping other women and their families heal through natural remedies. Michele is also the CEO and creator of IamEva, New Zealand’s first period-proof underwear brand.

In this episode we talk about growing up outside of your culture and reclaiming our Indigenous practices and systems. We have a great conversation about ikura (menstruation),  going right back to <a href="https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&amp;phrase=&amp;proverb=&amp;loan=&amp;histLoanWords=&amp;keywords=hine+nui+te+po+" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hine-nui-te-pō</a> and the first period. We discuss the way our tūpuna would celebrate ikura and, how colonisation has changed those practices. We also discuss Michele’s determination to end period poverty in Aotearoa. Of Tainui &amp;Ngati Pāoa descent Michele grew up identifying as an ‘urban’ Māori. And although she didn’t learn te reo me ōna <a href="https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&amp;phrase=&amp;proverb=&amp;loan=&amp;histLoanWords=&amp;keywords=tikanga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tikanga</a> as a child, she always felt an incredible connection to her <a href="https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&amp;phrase=&amp;proverb=&amp;loan=&amp;histLoanWords=&amp;keywords=tupuna" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tūpuna</a> and te ao Māori. After working (unhappily) as a corporate lawyer and then suffering with postnatal depression after the birth of her second child, she was led into the <a href="https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&amp;phrase=&amp;proverb=&amp;loan=&amp;histLoanWords=&amp;keywords=ngahere" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ngahere</a> to begin her healing and her journey to reconnect with her culture. Now, the owner of <a href="https://frankieapothecary.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frankie Apothecary</a>, a rongoa-based skincare company, is helping other women and their families heal through natural remedies. Michele is also the CEO and creator of <a href="https://iameva.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IamEva</a>, New Zealand’s first period-proof underwear brand.

//006 Michele Wilson

Kiri Nathan

Designer and weaver Kiri Nathan has spent the past 9 years building a fashion brand from competition-winning garments at Style Pasifika to a high-end label dressing some of the world’s most influential people, including Beyonce, Barack and Michelle Obama and, our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. In this episode she shares her journey. We talk about her childhood in Scotland growing up on the motorcycle racing circuit, her time as a 19 year old solo mother studying Visual Arts and working as a flight attendant, right through to her venture into fashion design and business.There a some gems about how to find your inspiration, the power of a strong support system and, embracing your difference in a competitive industry. Kiri also talks about being challenged on her “Māoriness”, being influenced by the groundbreaking Pacific Sisters and, how she, supported by her husband and 5 children, is helping change the culture in the fashion space. 

Designer and weaver Kiri Nathan has spent the past 9 years building a fashion brand from competition-winning garments at Style Pasifika to a high-end label dressing some of the world’s most influential people, including Beyonce, Barack and Michelle Obama and, our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. In this episode she shares her journey. We talk about her childhood in Scotland growing up on the motorcycle racing circuit, her time as a 19 year old solo mother studying Visual Arts and working as a flight attendant, right through to her venture into fashion design and business.There a some gems about how to find your inspiration, the power of a strong support system and, embracing your difference in a competitive industry. Kiri also talks about being challenged on her “Māoriness”, being influenced by the groundbreaking Pacific Sisters and, how she, supported by her husband and 5 children, is helping change the culture in the fashion space.

//004 Kiri Nathan

Angela Watene

Angela Watene lives in the city that never sleeps, New York, New York, working as a management consultant with one of the world's largest accountancy firms.  Her current area of focus is financial crimes, working with organisations to help mitigate against the threat of fraud. Of Tainui whakapapa, Angela grew up in Māngere. Her career started at Price Chopper Otahuhu and KFC at the local town centre. She didn't go to university, didn't graduate with honours, instead her adventurous spirit took her on a trip to London for her big OE. Her work ethic carried her through a range of temp jobs, and her dedication and openness to all opportunities, set her up on a path that would take her around the world. At 40, she has already travelled to more than 50 countries, but home will always be where the heart is, Aotearoa. Today we kōrero to Angela about her International career, her passion for travel, and what its like living across the road from Jennifer Anniston. 

Angela Watene lives in the city that never sleeps, New York, New York, working as a management consultant with one of the world's largest accountancy firms.  Her current area of focus is financial crimes, working with organisations to help mitigate against the threat of fraud. Of Tainui whakapapa, Angela grew up in Māngere. Her career started at Price Chopper Otahuhu and KFC at the local town centre. She didn't go to university, didn't graduate with honours, instead her adventurous spirit took her on a trip to London for her big OE. Her work ethic carried her through a range of temp jobs, and her dedication and openness to all opportunities, set her up on a path that would take her around the world. At 40, she has already travelled to more than 50 countries, but home will always be where the heart is, Aotearoa. Today we kōrero to Angela about her International career, her passion for travel, and what its like living across the road from Jennifer Anniston.

//010 Angela Watene

Aqui is a Janajāti woman from the Himalayan regions of South Asia. She travelled to Aotearoa from India earlier this year for an exhibition we both participated in at ST PAUL st Gallery. It was in the middle of the Ihumātao reclamation and so we recorded her interview in a portacom, on the whenua.  In this episode she shares the reality of being an indigenous Indian woman, of growing up in a militarised neighbourhood, the rules around when and how people can gather, and the truths of the tea plantations in her home area of Darjeeling. She also talks to us about her brave move to open Sister Library and, how she uses art in activism and community empowerment projects.

Aqui is a Janajāti woman from the Himalayan regions of South Asia. She travelled to Aotearoa from India earlier this year for an exhibition we both participated in at <a href="https://stpaulst.aut.ac.nz/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/2019/how-to-live-together" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ST PAUL st Gallery</a>. It was in the middle of the Ihumātao reclamation and so we recorded her interview in a portacom, on the whenua. In this episode she shares the reality of being an indigenous Indian woman, of growing up in a militarised neighbourhood, the rules around when and how people can gather, and the truths of the tea plantations in her home area of Darjeeling. She also talks to us about her brave move to open <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sister.library/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sister Library</a> and, how she uses art in activism and community empowerment projects.

//023 Aqui Thami

Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau is of Ngati Maniapoto whakapapa. She was born and raised in Otautahi, Christchurch before moving to Auckland at age 19. There, she became a peep show dancer and stripper, working in the sex industry for 4 years. With that lifestyle, came an addiction to drugs and alcohol. She isn't one to shy away from this period in her life, in fact, she talks about it openly to help other wahine know the realities of this world.  Today, the māmā of three (and new nana)  is proudly 18 years sober. She is a managing director of a successful music production company and record label and, is one of only three people in Aotearoa who instructs Kemetic Yoga.  She is also a co-faciliator of women’s safety programmes.  In this episode we talk about her journey, the dark parts of her youth, through to her experience with domestic violence. And, the light parts of her adulthood, sharing with us her time with Lakota people as she, along with other Māori women, performed a haka in solidarity against the North Dakota access pipeline. She also shares how she is using her platforms to help inspire, motivate, and empower Indigenous women.  Content warning: This episode talks about domestic violence and discusses adult themes.  

Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau is of Ngati Maniapoto whakapapa. She was born and raised in Otautahi, Christchurch before moving to Auckland at age 19. There, she became a peep show dancer and stripper, working in the sex industry for 4 years. With that lifestyle, came an addiction to drugs and alcohol. She isn't one to shy away from this period in her life, in fact, she talks about it openly to help other wahine know the realities of this world.  Today, the māmā of three (and new nana)  is proudly 18 years sober. She is a managing director of a successful music production company and record label and, is one of only three people in Aotearoa who instructs Kemetic Yoga.  She is also a co-faciliator of women’s safety programmes.  In this episode we talk about her journey, the dark parts of her youth, through to her experience with domestic violence. And, the light parts of her adulthood, sharing with us her time with Lakota people as she, along with other Māori women, performed a haka in solidarity against the North Dakota access pipeline. She also shares how she is using her platforms to help inspire, motivate, and empower Indigenous women.  Content warning: This episode talks about domestic violence and discusses adult themes.

//014 Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau

Kim Tairi

When you think of a librarian, what image pops into your head? Because for me, before I met Kim Tairi, I saw an old nanny wearing a cardigan, glasses with a beaded chain, and a long burgundy skirt.  Damn all those television programmes that embed stereotypes into my brain!  Our NUKU //015 couldn’t be further away from that picture. Kim manages a university library and works with 100 staff. She has been working in this field, in different roles, for more than 25 years.  Born in Otepoti, she has spent a lot of her life living across the ditch. She loves working in libraries because they help build social capacity, they are a safe space, a warm space, and provide access to knowledge to help people navigate their way through life.  In this episode Kim smashes all my preconceived ideas about this career pathway. The funky māma talks about indigenous knowledge systems, decolonising cultural institutions  and, feminism.  (This podcast is marked as explicit, but she only drops 1 impassioned f-bomb about a third of the way through. Its otherwise safe for all ears). 

When you think of a librarian, what image pops into your head? Because for me, before I met Kim Tairi, I saw an old nanny wearing a cardigan, glasses with a beaded chain, and a long burgundy skirt. Damn all those television programmes that embed stereotypes into my brain! Our NUKU //015 couldn’t be further away from that picture. Kim manages a university library and works with 100 staff. She has been working in this field, in different roles, for more than 25 years.  Born in Otepoti, she has spent a lot of her life living across the ditch. She loves working in libraries because they help build social capacity, they are a safe space, a warm space, and provide access to knowledge to help people navigate their way through life.  In this episode Kim smashes all my preconceived ideas about this career pathway. The funky māma talks about indigenous knowledge systems, decolonising cultural institutions  and, feminism.  (This podcast is marked as explicit, but she only drops 1 impassioned f-bomb about a third of the way through. Its otherwise safe for all ears).

//015 Kim Tairi

Huhana Hickey

Dr Huhana Hickey (Ngāti Tahinga, Tainui, Ngai Tai) is a Crown Director and a passionate advocate for our disabled community, our whanau hauā. She has a long standing interest in human rights, particularly the rights of people who come from marginal backgrounds. She often comments on the consequences of discrimination and social oppression. Of Māori, Navajo, Aboriginal and Sami whakapapa, Huhana was raised in Stratford with a Pākeha adoptive whanau. At birth, her ethnicity was falsified, removing all connections to her indigenous heritage. In this episode we talk about indigenous disability and where human rights and tikanga Māori intersect. We share korero about Multiple Sclerosis and adress the notion that Māori don't get MS and, we discuss medical marijuana - its pros, its cons, and its misconceptions.

Dr Huhana Hickey (Ngāti Tahinga, Tainui, Ngai Tai) is a Crown Director and a passionate advocate for our disabled community, our whanau hauā. She has a long standing interest in human rights, particularly the rights of people who come from marginal backgrounds. She often comments on the consequences of discrimination and social oppression. Of Māori, Navajo, Aboriginal and Sami whakapapa, Huhana was raised in Stratford with a Pākeha adoptive whanau. At birth, her ethnicity was falsified, removing all connections to her indigenous heritage. In this episode we talk about indigenous disability and where human rights and tikanga Māori intersect. We share korero about Multiple Sclerosis and adress the notion that Māori don't get MS and, we discuss medical marijuana - its pros, its cons, and its misconceptions.

//012 Dr Huhana Hickey

Lynell Tuffery Huria

Lynell Tuffrey Huria is the only Māori patent attorney in Aotearoa. She is helping Māori navigate the intellectual property system, identify cultural property and develop protocols and processes for recognition and protection within Western structures.✊🏽﻿ Of Ngati Ruanui and Nga Ruahine Rangi whakapapa, she is passionate about creating a better future for our people and in 2018 co-organised the first Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho conference to discuss ways we can protect our cultural heritage in this ever-changing world.  She is a māmā, a nanny, a talented golfer and an ex DJ. In this episode we talk about intellectual property and how to keep ours safe. We discuss the power of indigenous women, how to achieve balance, and share personal stories about healing from grief. She also talks  about the kickass indigenous wahine who inspire her.

Lynell Tuffrey Huria is the only Māori patent attorney in Aotearoa. She is helping Māori navigate the intellectual property system, identify cultural property and develop protocols and processes for recognition and protection within Western structures.✊🏽﻿ Of Ngati Ruanui and Nga Ruahine Rangi whakapapa, she is passionate about creating a better future for our people and in 2018 co-organised the first <a href="https://www.taongatukuiho.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho conference </a>to discuss ways we can protect our cultural heritage in this ever-changing world.  She is a māmā, a nanny, a talented golfer and an ex DJ. In this episode we talk about intellectual property and how to keep ours safe. We discuss the power of indigenous women, how to achieve balance, and share personal stories about healing from grief. She also talks  about the kickass indigenous wahine who inspire her.

//020 Lynell Tuffery Huria

Reina Vaai

Reina Vaai is from Sataua, Savai'i. She lived in Samoa in her early years, until a cyclone destroyed her village and, her home. Her parents made the decision to move to New Zealand permanently. Here, she grew up in a humble home that housed their wider whānau. Her parents and siblings all shared one room.  Upon leaving school, Reina pursued a career in law, and decided to practice criminal law. Not one to be confined to a single career pathway, this ambitious young woman has also worked as a television reporter and director. Just recently, she directed her first web series, The Misadventures of a Pacific Professional, and has written her first children’s book, The Inventor, dedicated to the children of South Auckland.  In this episode we talk about Reina's upbringing and career pathway. We discuss the realities of defending some of our worst criminals and, we have a conversation about privilege, who has it, who doesn't, and how we recognise our own. Note: This podcast contains some adult themes.

Reina Vaai is from Sataua, Savai'i. She lived in Samoa in her early years, until a cyclone destroyed her village and, her home. Her parents made the decision to move to New Zealand permanently. Here, she grew up in a humble home that housed their wider whānau. Her parents and siblings all shared one room.  Upon leaving school, Reina pursued a career in law, and decided to practice criminal law. Not one to be confined to a single career pathway, this ambitious young woman has also worked as a television reporter and director. Just recently, she directed her first web series, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzQkrW3akEg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Misadventures of a Pacific Professional</a>, and has written her first children’s book, <a href="https://truthsshewrote.co.nz/products/the-inventor-by-reina-vaai" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Inventor</a>, dedicated to the children of South Auckland.  In this episode we talk about Reina's upbringing and career pathway. We discuss the realities of defending some of our worst criminals and, we have a conversation about privilege, who has it, who doesn't, and how we recognise our own. Note: This podcast contains some adult themes.

//011 Reina Vaai 

Jacqueline Paul

At only 25 Jacqueline Paul (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) is already working in policy advocacy with a passion to have the youth and Indigenous voice included across governance boards.  This landscape architect has a keen research interest focused in building better homes, towns and communities. She wants to improve Māori housing, mobilise rangatahi (youth) and Māori voices, and improve architecture and urban planning with transformative policies. The big goal? Help hapū become sustainable and, help eradicate homelessness.  In this episode we talk about how Indigenous design principals and urban papakāinga can respond to the homeless crisis, the importance of co-design and community-led initiatives. We discuss the mulitiple uses of land as a key resource and, the importance of advocating for rangatahi Māori to get a seat at the table. 

At only 25 Jacqueline Paul (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) is already working in policy advocacy with a passion to have the youth and Indigenous voice included across governance boards.  This landscape architect has a keen research interest focused in building better homes, towns and communities. She wants to improve Māori housing, mobilise rangatahi (youth) and Māori voices, and improve architecture and urban planning with transformative policies. The big goal? Help hapū become sustainable and, help eradicate homelessness.  In this episode we talk about how Indigenous design principals and urban papakāinga can respond to the homeless crisis, the importance of co-design and community-led initiatives. We discuss the mulitiple uses of land as a key resource and, the importance of advocating for rangatahi Māori to get a seat at the table.

//005 Jacqueline Paul

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

What is this?
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from a carefully curated podcast episode.
Every Monday & Wednesday.

Want a 3rd insight and episode every week? Email me at curation@owltail.com.