Auckland Business Chamber Event at MIT MANUKAU
Hāpai Tūhono Attends Auckland Business Chamber Event at MIT Manukau
Driving Auckland’s Growth: Developing Talent and the Game-Changing Drury Development
On Tuesday 26 August, Hāpai Tūhono attended a timely and forward-focused event hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber at MIT Manukau, exploring the question: What does the future of Auckland look like—and how are we preparing for it?
The morning opened with an insightful address from Chamber CEO Simon Bridges, who shared a clear-eyed view of the current economic climate and the challenges facing Auckland businesses. His kōrero highlighted the resilience and innovation emerging across the region, with many organisations responding to pressure with bold thinking and long-term ambition.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Executive Director of MIT and Unitec, spoke to the recent integration of the two institutions and its significance for Auckland’s talent pipeline. His reflections underscored the importance of aligning education with industry needs to ensure a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Rod of Kiwi Property, who outlined the scale of the Drury development, a major new town centre set to support 60,000 residents with housing, retail, commercial infrastructure, and transport links.
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to be part of the event, engaging with leaders who are actively shaping Auckland’s future. The morning concluded with a guided tour of MIT’s TechPark Campus, offering a closer look at the facilities supporting the next generation of skilled workers.
Chambers CEO - CEO Simon Bridges
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Chambers CEO - CEO Simon Bridges
Clear-eyed leadership meets resilient innovation
Kiwi Properties - Rod
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Chambers CEO - CEO Simon Bridges
Future-focused Drury development takes shape.
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Education meets industry—Auckland accelerates forward.
Rangatahi Voices Front and Centre
A Visit from Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson and Shanan Halbert
On Wednesday 20 August, Hāpai Tūhono welcomed a powerful trio of leaders: Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson and Shanan Halbert, for an afternoon of kōrero with rangatahi centred on voting, representation, and the future of Aotearoa.
Held at Hāpai Tūhono offices, the visit created space for honest, energised discussion. The kaupapa was clear: empower rangatahi to understand their voice, their vote, and their role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives, whānau and communities.
The kōrero was direct and engaging. Peeni Henare spoke about whakapapa and civic responsibility, reminding rangatahi that their tūpuna fought for the right to be heard.
Rangatahi responded with confidence, asking thoughtful pātai, sharing their perspectives, and challenging the speakers to speak plainly and with purpose. The atmosphere was electric. It wasn’t a lecture, it was a wānanga. A space where leadership met lived experience.
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to host this visit as part of its ongoing commitment to rangatahi development. The day reinforced the importance of civic education that’s grounded in tikanga, relevance and manaaki.
Ngā mihi to all who made the visit possible. The kōrero continues.
Peeni Henare
Whakapapa and civic responsibility
Willie Jackson, Peeni Henare, Shanan Helbert
Representation, and the future of Aotearoa
Rangatahi rose, leaders listened, future ignited
Real issues raised, leaders truly listened
Voices united, truths shared, futures shaped
Rangatahi challenged, leaders answered, wānanga thrived
Rangatahi challenged, leaders answered, wānanga thrived
Tuia Conference 2025
Te Ara Whakamua in Action
Tuesday, 12 August 2025 and held at Jet Park Hotel in Māngere, Auckland, Tuia 2025 brought the wairua of transformation to life. The venue buzzed with whakaaro, strategy, and real-world tools to help Māori organisations take bold steps forward. Hāpai Tūhono was among the many kaupapa-driven teams present, adding their voice to the collective kōrero.
The whakapapa of Tuia has always been about evolution, action, and vision. This year’s theme “Te Ara Whakamua” reminded attendees that the path ahead is shaped not just by where we’re going, but by how we travel, who walks beside us, and the resources we carry. It’s a journey grounded in intention, innovation, and intergenerational purpose.
From rangatahi leaders to seasoned strategists, the conference offered practical takeaways, fresh data, and tools to grow impact, strengthen workforces, and build futures. Sector intelligence and mātauranga Māori flowed freely, guiding decision-making and accelerating Māori-led success.
Tuia Conference 2025 was a great opportunity to hear from leading Māori professionals and whānaungatanga with other liked minded people. It was certainly one that left attendees energised, equipped, and ready to walk Te Ara Whakamua with purpose.
Keynote speakers lit up the room
Jack Thatcher CNZM (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Awa) took everyone on a voyage through the stars, weaving maramataka and navigation into leadership and planning.
Maria Ngawati (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) brought the energy of Indigenous enterprise, showing how innovation and whakapapa can drive economic change.
Anthony Ririnui (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga) shared insights from his banking and finance journey, urging whānau to think big and back themselves.
Hāpai Tūhono Participates in Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua – Career Pathways Series
On Friday 9 August, Hāpai Tūhono joined a strong line-up of organisations at the second Ngāti Hāua Iwi Trust: Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua – Career Pathways Series event for 2025, held at the Athletic Sports Hub in Taumarunui. This kaupapa, led under Te Ara Pikinga ki Te Pae Tāwhiti, continues to provide meaningful engagement between rangatahi, whānau, and a wide range of industries.
Wānanga of Possibilities: Where Careers Come Alive
The event brought together representatives from CKC REAP, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, Get Set Driver Training, New Zealand Defence Force, the Tertiary Education Commission, and Hāpai Tūhono. Each organisation contributed to a full day of interactive sessions, kōrero, and hands-on exploration of career pathways. The day was supported by 12 kaikōrero across diverse fields including Māori Visual Arts and Tā Moko, Communications and Future Technologies, Building, Real Estate, Māori Tourism, Māori Literature and Publishing, Film and Television, Fire Service and International Rescue, Navy – Pilot, and Fitness and Nutrition. Their presence added depth and inspiration to the event, offering rangatahi a broad view of what’s possible.
Te Ara Poutama 2025: Closing Strong with Whakatau Spirit
A whakatau was held the evening prior at Ngāpuwaiwaha Marae, setting a tone of whakawhanaungatanga and shared purpose. The event was well-supported by kaiawhina and organisers, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all involved.
The final Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua event for 2025 will take place in October, marking the end of a successful year of collaboration, storytelling, and future-focused action. Hāpai Tūhono looks forward to continuing its contribution to this important kaupapa.
Photography courtesy of Bryan "Marshy" Marsh 2025 Ⓒ
Kanohi ki te Kanohi: Connecting for Change - Auckland CATE
On Tuesday 5 August, Hāpai Tūhono joined a dynamic gathering of careers staff and industry representatives at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall for the Auckland CATE professional development event – Kanohi ki te Kanohi. The kaupapa was simple and powerful: connect those shaping futures with those guiding them.
With over 50 careers advisors from secondary schools across Tāmaki Makaurau in attendance, the event offered a rare opportunity to sit face-to-face with key influencers in vocational education. Michael Johnston set the scene in the opening korero, speaking candidly about the need for structural shifts to better bridge school and industry pathways. From there, the space came alive through a carousel-style format that saw nine industries rotate through speed conversations with groups of educators. Each 12-minute exchange gave space to share stories, discuss pathways, and open doors for rangatahi.
It was a day of connection, clarity, and purpose.
Ngā mihi to Auckland CATE and all the organisers for curating a space where educators and industry could learn from each other and move forward together.
Real conversations. Real change. One powerful day in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The energy in the room said it all: we’re ready to move forward, together
2025 CATE Māori Conference – Kotahitanga in Action
whakawhānaungatanga ā-hapori/community engagement
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini - "My success is not the success of one, but the success of many".
This wasn’t just a theme, it was lived. The CATE Māori Conference brought the heartbeat of Kotahitanga to Te Pā, where community, Kaupapa and connection came to life.
From the tomokanga to the final poroporoaki, rangatahi, educators, and employers stood shoulder to shoulder. The pōwhiri carried mana. The kōrero! Next level. Te Kahukura Boynton dropped truth on wealth and legacy. Tahu Kukutai layered in depth. Ashley Toye stretched minds into futures not yet imagined. James Whetu made placemaking real. Waikato Tainui lit up career pathways. And the Māori Careers Panel! Unfiltered, honest, powerful.
Mel Veituna led with the kind of grounded brilliance that builds villages. Her mahi held the space, wove the strands, and lifted the tone. It was Kotahitanga personified.
No fluff. No tokenism. Just real people, real impact, and a reminder that success is shared. It was a privilege to MC the day on behalf of Hāpai Tūhono.
Venue: “Te Pā” Waikato University, Date: 25.07.2025
Ngā Karanga Anamata: Voices of the Future at EPIT 2025
Future-Focused and Fierce: Hāpai Tūhono Lights Up EPIT 2025!
On the 23 July 2025, Tanya Kaihe, Lenny Andrews and Bryan Marsh had the privilege of attending the annual EPIT Partnership Showcase held at Te Whiriwhiringa – The Nest, a day dedicated to sharing innovation, insights, and collaborative action.
With partners from across Aotearoa in attendance, the event provided a space for each organisation to present on their latest initiatives, creating a dynamic environment for learning and sharing. It was inspiring to hear the breadth of mahi happening in different communities, from rangatahi development and industry engagement to education pathways that reflect local strengths and values.
Hāpai Tūhono contributed to the day with a presentation on our Ngā Karanga Anamata. Our kōrero shared how we’ve been working alongside rangatahi, whānau, marae, and local partners to share opportunities that reflect the future aspirations of our young people, anchored in tikanga, identity, and connection.
The showcase was an affirming reminder of the collective momentum across the sector. EPIT’s continued commitment to assembling partners in this way reinforces the value of collaboration and provides critical space to reflect, learn, and strengthen alignment.
Ngā mihi to EPIT for hosting such a thoughtful and well-organised event, and to all partners who shared their stories of impact.
Photo by: EPIT LinkedIn
Honouring Te Tiriti – A Day of Reflection
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to host Te Tiriti o Waitangi training alongside the ANZASW team at our Manukau office, guided by the skilled facilitation of Riki Consultancy, on Thursday 17 July 2025.
The day invited participants to explore the deep history of Treaty relationships in Aotearoa, understand the articles of Te Tiriti, and unpack what it truly means to honour them in our everyday practice. The atmosphere was open, thoughtful, and honest. Conversations moved between the historical and the personal, acknowledging complexity, while also centering collective responsibility. Through it all, Riki Consultancy held space with clarity and warmth, creating room for both challenge and encouragement.
Ngā mihi to ANZASW and Riki Consultancy for partnering with us in this vital kaupapa. Days like this deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to doing the work with integrity, clarity, and connection.
A legendary moment—Marshy and Joanah in one frame!
**Side note: Marshy had a photo with Joanah Nga-Woo. He recognized Joanah from the World cup winning Black Ferns. In the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup final, the Black Ferns secured their victory with a crucial lineout steal in the final seconds of the match against England. Joanah Ngan-Woo was the player who made the game-winning steal, disrupting England's lineout and securing possession for New Zealand. Marshy called it the “Hand of God moment”.
Te Ara Poutama: Guiding Futures with Heart and Purpose
Whaia Te Pae Tawhiti: Turning Vision into Action
Photo by: NGAKONUI VALLEY SCHOOL – Term 2 Newsletter
On 12 June 2025, something powerful was set in motion. Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua the first careers event under Te Ara Pikinga ki Te Pae Tāwhiti landed in Taumarunui with intent, heart, and fierce dedication.
This kaupapa, a collaboration between Ngāti Hāua Iwi Trust and the Ministry of Education, brings big vision to a small town. Rooted in the wisdom of Hinengākau and Tamahina, Te Ara Pikinga is about fostering success that’s shaped by identity, community, and future-focused planning. Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata—it’s more than a saying here, it’s a strategy in motion.
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to stand alongside iwi leaders in launching the Rehua Series, named after the red star of high potential. Like the Poutama pattern itself, each event offers steps upward toward knowledge, skills, and new career journeys. It’s not just for rangatahi either. Uri, pakeke, and whānau showed up. They asked questions, made connections, and left with possibilities.
What makes this initiative different? It integrates mātauranga Māori with the realities of today's workforce. It puts cultural depth next to practical know-how. It builds bridges between kura, employers, and communities so uri don’t have to walk alone.
Kōtahi te waka, kia kōtahi te hoe. The mahi’s underway, and Hāpai Tūhono is here for it and will be attending the August and October events.