“I moved up to Turangi and worked at Tongariro High School. I was often the only Pākehā in the class and usually the smallest person too. I lived and worked with Māori. I was looked after and learned much about how people lived so differently in our country. It changed me forever, and I have taken this learning, and the aroha received with me through my life.”

Joseph Tyro is the Principal Advisor Workforce for Hauora Māori Services Directorate for Health New Zealand. A national role that requires Joseph to work with people from all around Aotearoa. The following story/interview provides insight into how this community-minded rangatira transitioned from a young man to the leader he is today.

We hope this story inspires more rangatahi to consider a path similar to Joseph's.

Manawa is a talented tattoo artist based in Pukerua Bay, Aotearoa, New Zealand, whose distinctive style and passion for his craft have earned him international acclaim. With a background as a carver, Manawa made the remarkable decision to transition into the world of tā moko, the traditional Māori art of tattooing. This blog post will delve into Manawa's fascinating journey, highlighting his unique background, his successful tattoo studio in Pukerua Bay, and his recognition in the art world.

Brett is now living the dream, working from home with his beautiful wife, making a fulfilling existence doing something he is deeply passionate about.  His story explains how this choice rewards him in ways he never thought of before starting on this journey. But to get where he is today, he traversed a very different path.

Michael "Michel" Cliff Tuffery MNZM is a New Zealand artist of Samoan, Tahitian and Cook Islands descent. He is one of New Zealand's most well-known artists and his work is held in many art collections in New Zealand and around the world. He lives and works in Wellington, New Zealand. Renowned as a printmaker, painter and sculptor, Tuffery has gained national and international recognition, and has made a major contribution to New Zealand art

Tracie Pile is a born and bred South Aucklander. Having completed her Bachelor of Matauranga Maori at Te Wananga o Raukawa, she decided that the Teach First NZ programme was where she could make the biggest difference. Tracie is a part of the 2015 cohort and is currently teaching te reo Maori at James Cook High School, Manurewa.

Well. It’s early Friday afternoon, an absolutely stunning Kapiti Coast afternoon consisting of a slight north-westerly breeze with baking hot sun, making it feel like mid-Summer although we are still in the final days of Spring. I am just pulling into Paekakariki heading for a table at the Perching Parrot.

Feeling pretty excited as this is my first interview and article that I will publish in Our People and very happy that one of my very talented cousins from Hongoeka Marae is my subject.