“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.
Russell Pirihi is a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and passion in the aviation industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Russell’s journey from a young Māori boy dreaming to fly in Whangarei to the Chief Pilot and Flight Operations Manager for Northern Rescue Helicopter is nothing short of inspiring.
Russell’s aviation story began with a dream that many might have considered unrealistic. Despite having no family history in flying or the military, his determination led him to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a pilot. Over 20 years, he honed his skills, primarily flying helicopters and eventually leading the helicopter squadron during significant missions, including the East Timor operations in 1999 and 2000.
Transitioning to the commercial sector, Russell spent another two decades flying for an oil and gas company, taking on roles that spanned the globe. His extensive experience in chopper training and management pilot roles has made him a respected figure in the industry. Two years ago, he seized the opportunity to return to his roots in the north, where he now manages a team of 30 pilots at Northern Rescue Helicopter.
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.
Meet Patrick “Pat” Lapalapa, a dedicated real estate professional from South Auckland, whose journey is deeply rooted in his community and personal experiences. Born and raised in Mangere East and Otara, Pat’s upbringing as a first-generation New Zealander of Samoan descent has shaped his unique perspective on the real estate industry. Rather than viewing himself as a traditional salesperson, Pat sees his role as an advisor and educator, committed to empowering his clients with knowledge about property ownership and investment.
Pat’s entry into real estate was influenced by a pivotal moment during his university years when his parents received misguided advice from a mortgage broker, nearly jeopardizing their home. This experience ignited his passion for ensuring that others in his community do not face similar pitfalls. With over a decade of experience, he is the leading sales manager at Ray White Mangere, where he focuses on training others to prioritize client welfare over commission.
His aspirations extend beyond personal success; Pat is dedicated to creating pathways for Pasifika individuals in the industry, advocating for financial literacy and ethical practices. As he continues to grow in his career, Pat remains grounded in his values, believing that treating others with respect and integrity will lead to lasting opportunities. Join us as we explore Pat’s inspiring journey and his vision for a more inclusive real estate landscape.
As a 17-year-old, Ayla was accepted to attend the Defence Careers Experience (a programme similar to School to Skies). This exposed her to the three Defence Forces: Army, Navy and Air Force. From this adventure, Ayla developed the aspiration and took action to join the Air Force.
We first caught up with Ayla (now 24) as one of the commanders of the School to Skies programme, where she shares the experience and inspiration she once received with others.
Ayla acknowledges the opportunity for further training and education available whilst in the Air Force and is now studying management, with the aspiration to one day lead and be a decision-maker.
One thing Ayla is proud of is how the Air Force has helped her connect with her Māori heritage and given her the opportunity to connect through Kapa Haka and learn about who she is and where her whānau comes from.
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.
