Kia ora!
Welcome to Manawataki.
We are a Māori-owned and operated company established in 2020 by husband-wife team, Te Hau Hona and Marihi Hona. Our passion for our culture and heritage is at the heart of everything we do, both in mahi (work) and life.
At Manawataki, we provide a range of high-quality services and solutions to organisations. Our services include training and education as well as cultural guidance. With our support, you will gain a deeper understanding of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and Māori perspectives, helping to build your confidence and capability in te reo and tikanga as you engage with te ao Māori.
We are committed to providing the highest quality Māori language and cultural services to our clients, tailored to their specific needs. With our expert guidance and training programmes, we can help your organisation navigate the complexities of Māori culture with ease. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you and your organisation build a more culturally aware and respectful Aotearoa.
Te Hau Paeroa Hona
Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Whakatōhea
Why do you do what you do?
I am so fortunate to have been raised in a te reo Māori speaking whānau that is steeped in tikanga, and know it is my responsibility to share the knowledge that I have with others. I believe that I am a Kaiako (teacher) by nature and have a passion to teach our reo and tikanga.
Knowledge is the key to understanding, and only by understanding can we do better and be better. If I can help someone to understand, I will have done my job and hopefully done my tīpuna proud.
What do you like about working at Manawataki?
One of the most rewarding aspects for me is the relationships that we have created and continue to develop, both with organisations and individuals from around the country and the world. I was always taught that whanaungatanga (relationships) were what was most important, not just in business, but in life.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts with Honours majoring in Te Reo Māori from The University of Waikato
Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Certificate in Adult & Tertiary Teaching Level 5 – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Marihi Hona
Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāi Tūhoe
Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about building a better future for our tamariki. And I love my mahi – meeting new people and continuing to learn at the same time.
What do you like about working at Manawataki?
It’s a dream come true for me. As well as knowing that I am making a difference, I love working with people and it is wonderful that I get to experience this journey alongside my husband. We work amazingly well together, and it means that we can always prioritise whānau, too.
It is so satisfying to be part of helping people gain in understanding and knowledge of our language and customs, and to see their joy as they learn and feel more at ease.
I love the fact that I get to continue learning all the time. As Māori we understand that ‘ako’ means both to teach and learn – they both happen at the same time. We approach everything from the learner’s perspective and that’s reflected in our teaching style.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) – Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland.
Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi Level 7 – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Certificate in Adult & Tertiary Teaching Level 5 – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Maihi Bennett
Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Koroki-Kahukura, Ngāti Wai
Having attended Te Kohanga Reo, Rūmaki and Māori Boarding Schools, I have been raised in te ao Māori most of my life. My work is informed by over 8 years of experience teaching te reo Māori at all levels from beginner to fluent, and at all ages from primary to tertiary level, as well as Kura Reo and corporate space training.
I currently hold a Diploma in Science from Waipapa Taumata Rau – The University of Auckland, Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi Level 7 and a Certificate in Adult & Tertiary Teaching Level 5 and am a certified translator and interpreter through Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori.
Outside of my work I enjoy reading about all things Māori which continues to inform, challenge, and grow my understanding of te ao Māori.
Whakapā mai
If you’ve got questions, please reach out – we’re always happy to discuss your specific situation and how we might help.
