KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
KAUMATUA - MOEKE PAAKA (TE RARAWA)
Pepeha
Ko Te Reinga te maunga
Ko Te Reinga te tangata
Ko Ngati Te Reinga me Te Pare Whero nga hapu
Ko Waimirirangi te whare
Ko te Waihou o Rua te marae
Ko Te Rarawa ki te Hokianga te iwi
Ko Te Kore Hokianga nui mai a Kupe te moana
Ko Paaka te ingoa whanau
Ko Moeke tenei e tu ake nei
Mauri ora
Kōrero:
He hakaro no waku tupuna, I hererengea te Punga Matauranga ki te waka haurua ara ko te tiriti o Waitangi.
Ko te waka tuakana, e kawe ana nga Matauranga katoa mai i te Ao Maori.
Ko te waka teina e kawe ana e ia na Matauranga katoa mai i tenei Ao Hurihuri.
Kei te ke, ko nga Kaiako te Hoi Whakatere.
Ko nga Tuaira, nga kaihoi e whaiwhai haereana i a taumata (he ngaru) i a taumata (he ngaru). Ana katau ki te Reanga Kairangi.
Me waiho he Ohaaki mo au Mokopuna. “E Moko, whaia ra te Matauranga ka puta koe ki te Ao Marama. Kei te Matauranga te Oranga mutunga kore mo tou ake Whare tapa wha”.
WHAEA - GAZALA MAIHI (WAIKATO)
Pepeha
Ko Mātaatua te waka,
Ko Whanokao te maunga
Ko Raukūmara ngā pae maunga,
Ko Te Whānau-ā-Apanui te iwi.
Kōrero:
Ko te mea nui, ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi te tūāpapa o tēnei ao. Mā ngā mokopuna whakaheke te take. Toitū te Tiriti, Toitū ngā kura.
DR RICHARD MANNING
Associate Professor Richard Manning (Pākehā) has been the recipient of various academic awards and scholarships, including a prestigious New Zealand Top Achiever Doctoral Scholarship, awarded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. Richard has written widely about how Critical and Indigenous pedagogies of place can be applied to support efforts to teach about traumatic histories, and Tiriti o Waitangi issues.
Alongside Associate Professor Nēpia Mahuika (Massey University), Richard was a Principal Investigator - co-leading a Full Marsden Fund research project titled: Ngā Hanganga Mātua o te Whakaako Hitori: Critical Pedagogies for History Educators in Aotearoa New Zealand (2023-2025).
In April 2026, Richard presented evidence to support Ngāti Hine, NZEI, PPTA and other WAI 3553 claimants. Later this year, Richard will travel to Cambridge University (UK), after being awarded a Cambridge fellowship. He will explore the role of History education in community peace building initiatives across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
DR AKUHATA BAILEY-WINIATA
Dr Akuhata Bailey-Winiata (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūtetawha) is a climate adaptation and natural hazards scientist at Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd (PDP) with experience in working with hapū and iwi Māori around Aotearoa New Zealand to understand their climate and natural hazard risk, supporting community adaptation, and has recently completed his PhD where he developed an adaptation framework that supports adaptation and resilience aspirations of hapū and iwi Māori.
JADE KAMATEA
Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou
“Ka raranga ngā hau ki te uru, ka raranga ngā hau ki te tonga, kia mākinakina ki uta, kia mātaratara ki tai, whakapuke ai ngā ngaru o Te Ngarue, e ko Ngā Pōtiki
ā Hinehopu e heru mai rā ki Te Mātārae i Orehu, tū tū taiahaha!”
Jade Kameta is a Māori systems strategist, researcher, and cultural practitioner dedicated to the revitalisation and practical application of mātauranga Māori across education, health, and environmental wellbeing.
As Rautaki Māori for Healthy Families East Cape, Jade works to embed mātauranga Māori within prevention systems that support hauora for whānau and communities.
He is also a practitioner of maramataka and Tātai Arorangi, grounding his work in kōrero tuku iho and ancestral knowledge systems.
Jade’s mahi centres on restoring relationships between people and the taiao, using maramataka as a living framework to guide teaching, learning, and wellbeing.
He works alongside iwi, hapū, and educators to support kura and kaiako in bringing mātauranga Māori into the classroom in ways that are practical, locally grounded, and meaningful for ākonga.
Jade is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) through Auckland University of Technology. His research explores how Indigenous peoples read the
stars to improve the health and well-being of people and the environment.
Grounded in kaupapa Māori and Indigenous research approaches, his work draws on kōrero tuku iho, maramataka, and Tātai Arorangi to understand how ancestral knowledge systems can guide contemporary responses to health, education, and environmental challenges.
At the heart of his kaupapa is the belief that Indigenous knowledge systems are living, practical, and continue to guide us today. Jade has also represented Aotearoa internationally as a cultural ambassador, engaging in Indigenous knowledge exchange across the Pacific and beyond. His practice is grounded in whakapapa, guided by the taiao, and committed to uplifting mātauranga Māori within education and systems transformation.
B T MANLEY
Ngāti Whakaue | Ngāti Maniapoto
Ben is a researcher, consultant, and local historian whose work centers on iwi history. Following a sixteen-year career in the public sector, he stepped into the inaugural role of Heritage, Research and Archives
Manager at Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho Ake Trust almost two years ago.
His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Māori Studies from Toi Ohomai, a Master of Indigenous Studies from the University of Otago, and a Master of Arts in History from the University of Auckland.
At home, Ben is grounded by his whānau. Alongside his wife, an Assistant Principal, he enjoys the everyday joys brought by their daughter, son-in-law, and two much-loved mokopuna.
TŪ MĀRŌ PAORA SIMONS
More to come
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
MELISSA DENZLER
Melissa Denzler (Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Rarawa) is Kairangahau Māori and Kaitohu Mātauranga at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER). Before moving into education advisory and research, she was a secondary school teacher for more than 25 years. Her work is grounded in kaupapa Māori, equity, and culturally sustaining education. Alongside her research and evaluation work, she works with kura to support the equitable and thoughtful use of assessment and data. She is currently undertaking a PhD focused on cultural taxation, intersectionality, and the lived experiences of kaiako Māori in English-medium settings.
REWETI ELLIOT
Ko Putauaki te Maunga
Ko Rangitaiki te awa
Ko Ngati Awa te Iwi
Ko Mataatua Te Waka
Ko Reweti Elliott toku ingoa.
"Poia te wānanga, Poia te ao mārama"
"Swing Poi into the consciousness of awareness. Swing Poi to the world of enlightenment that allows space for ALL to engage and enjoy"
Poi has always been a passion of mine and I am currently completing my Masters thesis with the focus being Male creators of poi. I distinct observation on a males role with the creative aspect of Poi.
Mukarau is a kaupapa that I launched in 2025 where poi enthusiast come together and learn about Tikanga, Whakapapa and Wairua aspects of poi, which is what I will be discussing in my workshop.
JADE KAMATEA
Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou
“Ka raranga ngā hau ki te uru, ka raranga ngā hau ki te tonga, kia mākinakina ki uta, kia mātaratara ki tai, whakapuke ai ngā ngaru o Te Ngarue, e ko Ngā Pōtiki
ā Hinehopu e heru mai rā ki Te Mātārae i Orehu, tū tū taiahaha!”
Jade Kameta is a Māori systems strategist, researcher, and cultural practitioner dedicated to the revitalisation and practical application of mātauranga Māori across education, health, and environmental wellbeing.
As Rautaki Māori for Healthy Families East Cape, Jade works to embed mātauranga Māori within prevention systems that support hauora for whānau and communities.
He is also a practitioner of maramataka and Tātai Arorangi, grounding his work in kōrero tuku iho and ancestral knowledge systems.
Jade’s mahi centres on restoring relationships between people and the taiao, using maramataka as a living framework to guide teaching, learning, and wellbeing.
He works alongside iwi, hapū, and educators to support kura and kaiako in bringing mātauranga Māori into the classroom in ways that are practical, locally grounded, and meaningful for ākonga.
Jade is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) through Auckland University of Technology. His research explores how Indigenous peoples read the
stars to improve the health and well-being of people and the environment.
Grounded in kaupapa Māori and Indigenous research approaches, his work draws on kōrero tuku iho, maramataka, and Tātai Arorangi to understand how ancestral knowledge systems can guide contemporary responses to health, education, and environmental challenges.
At the heart of his kaupapa is the belief that Indigenous knowledge systems are living, practical, and continue to guide us today. Jade has also represented Aotearoa internationally as a cultural ambassador, engaging in Indigenous knowledge exchange across the Pacific and beyond. His practice is grounded in whakapapa, guided by the taiao, and committed to uplifting mātauranga Māori within education and systems transformation.
POIHAERE KNIGHT
Poihaere was first taught to weave by her Kōkā, Heenitehurihangatahi Hanna (née Grace), during summer school breaks in her tweenage years, sitting below the Pā Harakeke. She learned the foundational techniques with care and carried those teachings with her. Her deeper love for weaving grew later, as she discovered the beauty of raranga and tāniko through working with wool, string, and silk threads. Over the next decade she stole moments to develop her craft, including taking night classes at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. She has continued to strengthen her skills through practice and by teaching both rangatahi and adults, finding that sharing the artform has been one of her greatest teachers.
KATRINA & RHODESIA RAMEKA-DEWES
Rhodesia and myself are kamahi at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Rhodesia holds a casual role, while I am permanent. We teach Te Pōkaitahi O Te Ao Tikanga | Certificate in Rongoā Level 4. Outside of this mahi, Rhodesia works for Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Whānau Tahi 3 days a week as the Rongoā Māori practitioner onsite, working with rangatahi, whānau & Kaiako. I mentor 30 Rongoā Māori practitioner’s in Ōtautahi and over 100 across Aotearoa. We are both ACC registered Kairongoā in Ōtautahi. The last Sunday of each month in Sumner we run a 'Koha' community clinic for the hapori to come and see us. This works for whānau who are not in financial position to see us personally or through ACC. We run a 'Koha' community clinic in Hakatere every 2 months. When times allows, we do wānanga teaching whānau how to make simplex Rongoā that is safe. We believe creativity is another avenue to experience Rongoā, other wānanga we have created are making lamps out of hue and taonga pūoro. Rhodesia and myself live away from our whenua however when we visit back home, we do our part to enhance and uplift our whānau, hapū and iwi. With us both being Rongoā Māori practitioner's this inspires us. Collectively we love teaching whānau, hapu and iwi about Rongoā. Rongoā is not limited to identifying a plant or making a balm. It is much more than that. Rhodesia and myself are proud to be a part of the resurgence of Rongoā. We spend a lot of time working in the hapori, our long-term vision, goal, dream is to return home to Ngāti Porou & Tauranga Moana and set up Rongoā for our hapori and iwi.
LAURELLE TAMATI
Ko Laurelle Tamati toku ingoa.
I am a Deputy Principal at John Paul College, Rotorua. My focus is to ensure our ākonga experience success and strengthen who they are through haka and kaupapa.
As part of the Iho Pūmanawa team supporting the delivery of Te Ao Haka through the pilot phases, significant learning emerged through trial and error, collaboration, and reflection.
I am committed to the vision and values of Te Ao Haka and to supporting equitable outcomes for ākonga Māori. I value learning environments where culture is visible, valued, and lived, and I look forward to working alongside kaiako to strengthen practice within kura.
Nā reira nau mai aku nui, nau mai aku iti,
Whakatau mai rā haere mai rā
ki Te Arawa
ANNA BERRY-TUMOANA
I am a woman of Spanish descent who has been lucky enough to be raised and taught by some of the best kaihaka in New Zealand. I grew up at Hoani Waititi Marae under the tutelage of Pāpā Pita Sharples and watched women weave their kapahaka magic on the marae, performing to manuhiri. Competition stages and experiences came later, and, to be completely honest, these were some of the best years of my life. I
performed with Te Roopu Manutaki for twenty-two years and travelled the world performing and experiencing things I could only imagine as a
young person. When I haka, I become a completely different person, free of the burdens of life and full of emotion, pride and joy. Haka allows my wairua to be free. Haka is my spirit, my soul, my life force.
I have been a teacher since graduating from the Auckland College of Education in 1993. I have taught across a variety of settings, including early childhood centres, Kōhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori, and Wharekura, and have lectured on the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Over the past five years, I have been heavily involved in the development of Te Ao Haka as a curriculum area at the high school level, encompassing all levels of NCEA, including scholarship. Along with 5 others, a team of us travelled the country
assisting kaiako and kura in the pilot and eventual roll out of Te Ao Haka, ensuring that quality teaching and learning was paramount. I strongly believe that Te Ao Haka should begin at the early childhood level, progressing to primary, intermediate and secondary. Te Ao Haka is a rich, authentic space for teaching and learning. It is a subject within the arts that has the ability and potential to link a variety of subjects, providing kaiako the opportunity to create integrated teaching and learning programmes to suit their contexts and current levels of knowledge and
ability.
Kāti ake, ko ngā mihi maioha tonu atu rā.
KĀRENA NGATA
Kārena Ngata (Ngāti Porou) is a Specialist Classroom Teacher and Professional Learning and Development Facilitator with over 20 years’ experience in NZ Secondary Schools. Kārena contributes nationally as a member of the PPTA Te Wehengarua Te Reo-ā-Rohe National Task Force, NZ History Teachers’ Association Executive member and as a Tertiary Lecturer for academyEx. Kārena’s work challenges educators to meet their ethical responsibilities to move beyond performative inclusion toward culturally sustaining, relational, Tiriti-aligned practice that can realise the aspiration of a just education system for all.
PANEL SPEAKERS
IRIHAPETI NEPE-MACDONALD
More to come
SEBASTIAN WEBSTER
More to come
CHRISSY HIRAANI HILTON
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Tauranga Moana
Born in Hastings, Hawkes Bay and grounded in strength of whānau, Chrissy now lives in Tamaki Makau Rau where she dedicates much of her time to Mau Rākau - traditional Māori weaponry. Throughout her time in high school, tertiary studies, and her professional career, she found purpose in em bedding the learnigns and principles of Mau Rākau to tell and create innovative opportunities of system change for the Māori community.
In 2022, Chrissy reached the highest level in Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa and is the 3rd wāhine to reach Pou Waru - the equivalent to a doctorate. She is also a Kaiarahi Matua at Toi Tangata for the kaupapa Mātaiao in Tamaki which is embedded in the Atua Matua Model of observation and study of taiao and the building of taiao literacy.
ANIPĀTENE BIDDLE
More to come
HAIPAIRERE SEVEREN
More to come
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