Led by Tahunakura Charitable Trust, this kaupapa aims to provide tertiary support for Māori who whakapapa to Te Tai Tokerau. Taiao kākahu is a social enterprise product of the trust that was also established to financially support Māori students. All proceeds from their kākahu range go towards scholarships for Māori tertiary students in the form of study wānanga, Te Reo Māori initiatives and access to technology.

How did your kaupapa align with the Pou Herenga Tangata Award?

My Taiao Ltd is a business deeply rooted in the principles of Māori identity, community, and cultural revitalisation. Our mission closely aligns with the Pou Herenga Tangata fund’s purposes and objectives, which honour the contributions of the late Norm Dewes, particularly his dedication to improving the lives of Māori in urban environments through his work with Tapuwae Roa (formerly Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust).

Norm Dewes was a visionary leader who tirelessly advocated for the empowerment of Māori communities, particularly those navigating the challenges of urban life. His work laid a foundation for initiatives that support the preservation of Māori culture and identity in a rapidly changing world. At My Taiao Ltd, we are committed to carrying forward this legacy through our multifaceted approach to business and community engagement.

Our core business of creating clothing is interwoven with a deep commitment to Māori culture and education. We design and deliver educational programmes within local kura in Kaikohe, providing our tamariki with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their Māori identity in both rural and urban settings. This educational focus is in direct alignment with the Pou Herenga Tangata fund’s objectives of fostering cultural connection and resilience among Māori, particularly those in urban environments who may be at risk of losing touch with their heritage.

Additionally, My Taiao Ltd’s active participation in tertiary wānanga as panelists allows us to contribute to the broader discourse on Māori urban experiences. We engage with students and professionals alike, sharing insights and advocating for the integration of Māori values in various aspects of urban life. This role mirrors the legacy of Norm Dewes, who was a steadfast advocate for the Māori voice in urban planning and community development.

Furthermore, our sponsorship of te reo Māori programmes, kaupapa Māori initiatives, and sports teams demonstrates our commitment to uplifting and empowering Māori communities. These activities not only promote physical and cultural well-being but also ensure that Māori identity thrives in both urban and rural settings. By supporting these initiatives, we are contributing to the fund’s goal of enhancing the urban Māori experience by reinforcing connections to culture and community.

In essence, My Taiao Ltd embodies the spirit of the Pou Herenga Tangata fund by integrating business with cultural advocacy, education, and community support. Our work directly contributes to the preservation and promotion of Māori culture, particularly within the urban context, where the challenges of maintaining cultural identity are often more pronounced. We are honoured to continue the work that Norm Dewes championed, ensuring that Māori in all environments can thrive, with their cultural heritage firmly intact.

What were the major outcomes of this kaupapa?

Since receiving funding, My Taiao Ltd has achieved several significant milestones that have contributed to the success and empowerment of Māori in various areas:

• Expansion of Educational Programmes: We have successfully expanded our educational initiatives, delivering tailored programmes in local kura throughout Kaikohe. These programmes have helped tamariki strengthen their connection to te reo Māori and Māori culture, laying a foundation for future leaders grounded in their heritage.
• Increased Community Engagement: Our involvement in tertiary wānanga as panelists has grown, allowing us to influence broader discussions on Māori identity and experience, particularly in urban settings. This engagement has provided Māori students and professionals with the inspiration and guidance needed to navigate and excel in diverse environments.
• Sponsorship of Māori Initiatives: We have continued to sponsor various kaupapa Māori and sports teams, directly supporting the physical, cultural, and social well-being of Māori communities. These sponsorships have provided opportunities for Māori to excel in sports and community activities, reinforcing the importance of cultural pride and teamwork.
• Support for Te Reo Māori Revitalisation: Our funding has allowed us to support numerous te reo Māori programmes, contributing to the revitalisation and normalisation of the language within both urban and rural settings. These efforts have empowered Māori to embrace and use te reo Māori in everyday life, helping to preserve this vital aspect of our culture for future generations.
• Growth of Cultural Awareness: Through our clothing line and associated cultural messaging, we have promoted Māori values and identity on a wider scale. Our designs not only offer functional and stylish clothing but also serve as a platform to raise awareness of Māori culture and traditions, fostering pride and recognition of Māori heritage in the wider community.

These accomplishments reflect our ongoing commitment to the goals of My Taiao Ltd and the purpose of the funding we received, driving positive change and empowering Māori to excel in their personal and professional lives.

What were some of the challenges your kaupapa faced during its implementation?

During the project’s implementation, My Taiao Ltd encountered several challenges. Securing consistent participation from kura in our educational programmes proved difficult due to varying schedules and commitments. Additionally, finding skilled kaiako with expertise in both te reo Māori and our kaupapa was a challenge. The logistics of balancing our clothing business with our educational and community initiatives also stretched our resources. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to our mission, adapting our strategies to ensure we could still deliver impactful programmes and support to the Māori community.

How did this kaupapa benefit from the Pou Herenga Tangata Award?

The funding allowed My Taiao Ltd to expand educational programmes in Kaikohe, benefiting tamariki and whānau. By supporting te reo Māori, cultural initiatives, and community engagement, the whole of Te Tai Tokerau and Te Ao Māori wins as our whānau succeed and thrive, strengthening our collective future.

Will you be continuing this project going forward and if so, what are your hopes and dreams for this kaupapa?

Kāhore. The dream is for our tamariki to be a tauira for the rest of their whānau and to return home with the aspiration of contributing to their communities.