“We Be Who We See” is a captivating initiative designed to honour and share the incredible stories of those thriving in our service industries. This project shines a spotlight on the achievements of Māori, Pacific, and Tangata Whaikaha individuals, aiming to inspire and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.
These conversations are shaped by the 6 pou (pillars) of the Mata Ārahi Manomano Career Pathways Framework. This framework respects the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, blending a te ao Māori perspective with career development theory and practice. It promotes a partnership model focused on ākonga (learners), with three atua (deities) – Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, Maui, and Tāne-au-kaha – serving as guardians. The essence of each atua is reflected in the six pou: Aroha, Aspiration, Adventure, Attitude, Action, and Angitu.
We aim to conduct multiple interviews, capturing the diverse experiences and pathways of Māori, Pacific, and Tangata Whaikaha in the Service sector. If you know someone who fits this description, encourage them to get in touch and share their inspiring story.
Faleomavaega Helen Karati is a dedicated public servant with over 20 years of experience. Helen’s journey is a testament to resilience, community, and unwavering commitment to service. Hailing from the villages of Saleaaumua, Aleipata and Lelepa in Savai’i, Helen’s Samoan heritage and values have been the cornerstone of her career.
In this interview, Helen shares her humble beginnings and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From supporting her family financially after college to her first role at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Helen’s story is one of perseverance and dedication. She reflects on the challenges of fitting into a system that often required her to change, only to realize that her true value lay in being herself.
Helen’s career is marked by significant achievements, including leading the development of the Pacific Prosperity strategy at MSD and leading the Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work programme at Te Kawa Mataaho. Her work is deeply rooted in community engagement, ensuring the voices of Māori and Pacific people are heard and integrated into public service policies.
Throughout her journey, Helen emphasizes the importance of knowing your “why”—the driving force behind her commitment to serve her family and community. She advocates for ambition, boldness, and the power of cultural identity in shaping one’s career. Helen’s story is also a reminder of the importance of mentorship, community support, and celebrating wins, both big and small.
Join us as Helen discusses her challenges, memorable wins, and the future actions she recommends for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps. Her insights offer valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of staying true to oneself.
Tua tahi. E mihi kau atu ana ahau ki o tātou atua, ngā tōna ringa ka puta mai tātou katoa. Ka noho i runga i tenei ao.
No reira kia koe e hoa o to mana tēnā koe.
He aku mihia ki a rātou kua taka ki te po
Rātou kua noho marire ki runga ki tēnei ao
Engari kua to rātou waka wairua ka tua te arai
a i reira o tātou mātua tipuna e tatari ana kia rātou.
No reira koutou mā haere haere haere
Tēnei te mihi aroha nui rawa atu ki o tātou kingi Māori. Kia koe Tūheitia, tēnei te Whakatōhea e tangi atu ana mo hau tēnei rā mo hau me to whānau e pani ana mo to ngarotanga me to riro ki to mama. Te Atairangikahu.I reira ia ki runga i ngā rangi tūhāhā e tatari ana mau i tēnei rā.
No reira waihotia nei mātou te hunga ora ki kōnei ki runga i tēnei ao ki runga ki tenei ao kikokiko mā mātou e tiaki ia mātou manaaki i to whānau. He tangi atu nei. No reira e tangi an ano hoki mātou, kei tā rātou ano No reira te kahu ariki kia kaha rā. Kia mau tonu i ka maumaharatanga. E pa ana ki o tātou kingi Māori. A no reira tenei ano hoki ahau e tuku atu ngā mihi kia koe te mareikura Ka tono kia noho ki roto i tenei uiui he koreroreo tēnei He korero tenei pa ana ki ngā huarahi kei mua i ahau. Ka noho whakaiti ahau i tenei wā. Kua whiriwhiria e koe i ahau. Korero tahi.
Russell’s career is marked by both challenges and triumphs. From the stress of frequent relocations impacting his family to surviving a helicopter crash in 1990, his journey has been a testament to resilience. Yet, these experiences have only fuelled his passion for aviation and his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
A memorable highlight of Russell’s career was serving as an equerry for the Queen during a royal visit, a role that took him from Aotearoa to Buckingham Palace. His dedication to rescue missions, often making the difference between life and death, underscores his profound impact on the community.
Russell Pirihi’s story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and passion, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality. Join us in celebrating his remarkable journey and the invaluable contributions he continues to make in the field of aviation.
We are honored to introduce Aifa’i Esera, a dedicated community leader and advocate for Pasifika empowerment. Aifa’i’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to his heritage and community.
Aifa’i hails from the villages of Tuana’i, Solosolo and Sapunaoa, carrying the legacy of his great-grandfather, a revered chief known for his bravery and service. This deep connection to his roots has shaped Aifai’s vision and mission in life. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the loss of his younger brother and the struggles of adapting to a new country, Aifa’i has remained steadfast in his purpose.
His career journey is a testament to his adaptability and determination. From selling newspapers as a child in Samoa to working for the Tauranga City Council for 12 years, Aifa’i has always sought ways to uplift his community. His current role involves supporting Pacific business owners, bridging gaps between councils, businesses, and the community, and ensuring that the aspirations of his ancestors are realized.
Lana Shields is a dedicated and passionate individual whose career journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to community service. Of Samoan descent, Lana has navigated various roles, from hospitality to administration, always driven by her desire to connect with and help others.
Lana’s career began in hospitality and administration, where her exceptional people skills quickly made her a frontline person. Despite the traditional expectations of her era, Lana’s aspirations evolved as she realized her need to be around people and make a tangible difference. This realization led her to explore diverse career paths, including a significant stint in the UK, where she discovered her creative side and successfully ran her own hair salon.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and drive to support her family saw her navigating the challenges of business ownership with determination and innovation. Lana’s ability to adapt and learn new skills, particularly in technology and business management, has been a cornerstone of her professional growth.
A pivotal moment in Lana’s journey was her involvement with the City Mission, where she set up an education program for the homeless. This role allowed her to leverage her extensive network and relationship-building skills to provide essential services and support to those in need. It was here that Lana truly found her calling, realizing the profound impact she could have on her community.
Leilani’s professional path took an unexpected turn when she entered the insurance industry. Initially finding it too “stale” and “square,” she has spent the past decade rising through the ranks, embracing agile methodologies, and becoming a tribe lead at an enterprise level.
Her strengths lie in her ability to connect with people and build strong relationships, which have been crucial in navigating workplace politics and getting things done. Despite moments of self-doubt, questioning “Why me?, she has come to recognise her authenticity and relatability as key assets.
Balancing her career with being a solo mother of three, Leilani finds fulfillment in helping others reach their potential. Her journey is marked by a commitment to treating people with respect and building genuine connections.
Leilani’s career is still evolving, but her story highlights the importance of embracing one’s strengths and staying true to oneself. Her journey inspires others to navigate their own paths with confidence and authenticity.
James Whetu embarked on a transformative journey driven by self-belief and a thirst for knowledge. Accessing the knowledge freely available in books at the library, he sought to understand financial independence and leverage his skills into a consultancy career. With a professional focus, he reshaped his approach to demonstrate his capabilities.
A significant turning point was integrating family values into his business model. What he once saw as a weakness—prioritizing family over work—became a strength, weaving these values into the fabric of his consultancy services.
Dissatisfaction with the methodical, risk-averse approaches in town planning led him to seek alternative solutions. He aimed to include the Māori voice in decision-making, creating his own systems to challenge existing ones. His career path expanded into governance roles and supporting community and iwi initiatives.
James’ adventure involved learning through participation and applying knowledge in real-world settings. With his wife, Amy, they have helped shape Ngaruawahia’s Durham Precinct, a community space fostering local businesses and entrepreneurs by providing creative, low-overhead spaces.
James’ story underscores the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and integrating cultural values into one’s career. It offers a powerful message to inspire Māori youth to carve their own paths and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Holly Hiko, Business Development Manager at Property Scouts Manukau, offers an inspiring career pathway journey. A Maori business partner, raised in South Auckland, Holly’s journey is a testament to resilience and community spirit. She currently lives in Mangere Bridge, Auckland with her dad and husband, and their dog. Both Holly’s dad and late mother whakapapa back to Tainui.
Holly’s educational background spans several South Auckland schools, ending at Auckland Girls Grammar. Her passion for sports and travel, including a transformative exchange year in Argentina, highlights the importance of diverse experiences in shaping one’s career.
Professionally, Holly’s role involves acquiring new properties and extensive networking. Her previous experience as a Property Manager, managing around 90 properties, equipped her with essential skills in tenant management and property maintenance. Holly’s leadership and willingness to embrace new opportunities have been key to her success.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Holly joined Property Scouts, helping to grow the business significantly. Her dedication led her to buy into the business, securing a franchise agreement for the next six years. Holly’s commitment to community is evident as she brings family and friends into the business, providing valuable work opportunities.
Navigating a career pathway can be a journey filled with strengths and weaknesses. For many Māori, one of the greatest strengths lies in the ability to think beyond the ordinary and approach challenges with a unique perspective. This often involves exploring careers not traditionally seen as pathways for Māori and pursuing them with determination and creativity.
JJ Ripikoi exemplifies this mindset. He embarked on a journey to be a certified pilot and has started his own travel business. He has always embraced the idea of giving things a go until they work, even if it means moving on to the next challenge once mastered. This approach can be both a strength and a weakness, as it fuels his drive to explore new opportunities but sometimes makes it difficult to stay engaged with one kaupapa for an extended period.
Rooted in Te Hiko o te Ika and nurtured in kura kaupapa Māori, JJ’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural identity and education. His path, from Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuae to studies in Murihiku, and back home to contribute to his community, is a reflection of the values instilled in him. His aspirations, shaped by a thirst for adventure and a willingness to tread unconventional paths, even when the outcome is uncertain, remind us of the importance of our cultural identity and the role of education in our journey. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of his career, reminding him that passion and perseverance are key to achieving his goals.
We aim to conduct 50 interviews, capturing the diverse experiences and pathways of Māori, Pacific, and Tangata Whaikaha in the Service sector. If you know someone who fits this description, encourage them to get in touch and share their inspiring story.
