Name you like to be called? Ariki

Ko Marotiri, ko Orohena Te Upo’o ōku maunga
Ko Mangahauini, ko Avamoa ōku awa
Ko Tuatini, ko Taputapuatea ōku marae
Ko Rongowhakaata, Ngati Mutunga ōku Iwi
Ko Aotearoa, Tahiti Moorea rāua ko Ra’iātea ōku motu
Ko Kingi Tamatoa Tautu, Ruapani, Parekohatu tōku tipuna
Ko Hawaiki Nui te waka
Ko Matahi Whakataka Brightwell tōku papa
Ko Raipoia Cowan tōku mama
Ko Taupuruariki (Ariki) Brightwell ahau

Favourite thing about your job?
As kaiārahi, my role at Te Raukura, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke is to share the history and stories of Māori in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington) and Aotearoa (New Zealand). Waka (canoes) play a very special part in my life,  mahi (work) and culture in Wellington and te ao Māori (worldview).  Waka teach us the values and philosophy of  Māori, our origins in the pacific, mastery of the sea and the arts, and the arrival of our first ancestors to these land from Hawaiki. To share our waka with the world and to share the experience of connecting with our taonga (treasures) is the best feeling ever!

Share one of your best experiences or tours while at Wharewaka o Pōneke
The best experiences I have are our manuhiri (guests) leaving our whare with a sense of joy and enlightenment.

Experience:
Degree: Bachelor of Design Massey University
Certification: Waka ama Safety/VHF Radio Operator/ First Aid