Mathew Taare

In a first of its kind, I hold the Kāhui Ako -Across Schools position, responsible for formulating a Te Ao Māori learning paradigm and cultural responsiveness framework that captures the essence of Te Ao Māori. A primary task of the position is to design and deliver a Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori centric service that is cognizant to the needs and wairua of some of Auckland's most exclusive Kura and education providers; their Principals, students, teachers and wider community.

The position of Kaiako is one of great responsibility.

As a Kaiako I have had the pleasure of sharing the beauty of Te Ao Māori with current and future leaders of Aotearoa. Through my approach to learning and sharing of Mātauranga Māori within the Kura I teach, there has been a positive increase and shift in the understanding and beauty of Te Ao Māori.

The learning space I promote is one where the mana, wairua and hinengaro of the learner is respected at all times. I create a learning experience that reinforces positive learning practices that help implement and sustain positive change. My goal is to instil a confidence of rangatiratanga among those I teach through the beauty of Te Ao Māori me ona Tikanga.

“Koi te mata punenga, maiangi te mata pūihoiho.” – See the invisible, feel the intangible and believe in the impossible.

A primary function of this position is to provide Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori based direction to C-Suite clientele requiring a better understanding of Te Ao Māori perspectives and world view.

The role also consisted of acting as the conduit between law firms and Māori in both the Māori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal.

Primary tasks of this role included guiding customers through the home loan process. My responsibilities included assessing customers' financial position, recommending suitable loan products, explaining terms and conditions of the loan agreements being entered into, and ensuring a smooth application process during what can be a high stress time. A key function of the role was to ensure the peoples and communities I engaged had all information required in order to make an informed decision in order to achieve their homeownership goals.

A key aspect of my role as Professional Services and Relationship Manager was to engage both Māori and non-Māori Businesses, Iwi and whānau by acting as an intermediary to promote Māori cultural services locally and internationally.

A high level personal presentation and grooming were a requirement of the position, as was the ability to speak fluently in Te Reo Māori with confidence while being able to converse professionally in English also. Public speaking and group presentations in both Te Reo Māori and English were frequent, as was the design and delivery of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori knowledge systems and paradigms.