Testimonials & Gallery 

 Relevant to my profession 

“We found the two day Wananga were really informative.  The information we were given was very relevant to our professions.  Arvay is very open and knowledgeable and no question is a dumb question. She is able to articulate to the individual.  We found Arvay to be flexible and dynamic in her approach.

Shifting mindset and values

“The training challenged me to reflect on my own practice and assumptions. It reinforced the importance of working in partnership with Māori, rather than making decisions in isolation.”

Building respectful partnerships

“This training reinforced that meaningful partnership is not just a requirement, but a responsibility. It has changed how I approach collaboration with Māori in a way that upholds mana and mutual respect.”

Learning about Te Tiriti was a deeply moving experience. At first I came in thinking and feeling curious and some uncertainty - aware that this was an important part of Aotearoa history. As i engaged more in the stories , perspectives and consequences of the treaty , I began to feel a sense of responsibility. which has deepened my understanding of partnership. I now make sure whānau Māori are meaningfully involved in shaping our learning  environment and decisions.

Learning about the violent history of Aotearoa and land loss experienced by Maori was really heavy and hard. I feel like ive deepened my understanding of the events that led up to He Wakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi  and learnt about how much Māori have suffered . This learning reminded me how important it is to keep questioning ,learning and to stay awake to the truth.  

I stepped into the past, a past that began so full of promise. A people thriving , confident and resourceful . Ready to make their mark on the world. The scratch of the quill cuts like a knife , sharp, damaging , bleeding life from the people. Robbing them, deceiving them , snatching promise from their hands , the sound of tangi aue aue, echoing in my sould , how i long to turn the back the time, to warn them all. To show the world how much they could learn and benefit from their ways of being, knowing and doing. 

I walked into this wananga nervous but excited. I could not wait to see and speak with other Māori Kaiako wahine, I was welcomed and comfortable to be Māori and to move forward in a space that acknowledged my cultural identity. I have become more confident in myself and proud to be a mana wahine. 

I have learnt what it means to stand and lead as a Mana Wahine from a Te Ao Māori perspective. I have enjoyed learning about leadership through the lens of Ngā Kete o te wananga to deepen my matauranga. 

The wananga have meant i meet with like minded wahine in the same or similar positions. We korero, we share stories and experiences which are invaluable to my growth as a leader.  These wananga have allowed me stand more confidently in my mana as a wahine.

Embedding tikanga into environmental work

“I’ve gained a clearer understanding of tikanga Māori (cultural practices) and how these inform environmental management. This has shifted my approach from a compliance mindset to one that recognises kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and the interconnectedness of the taiao (environment).”

Strengthening understanding and practice

“This training deepened my understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi beyond theory. I now feel more confident applying its principles in my day-to-day environmental practice, particularly when engaging with tangata whenua and considering cultural values in decision-making.”

Improved engagement with iwi and hapū

“The wānanga strengthened my ability to engage meaningfully with iwi and hapū. I now better understand the importance of whanaungatanga (relationships) and taking the time to build trust through respectful, ongoing engagement rather than one-off consultation.”