ARA Journeys

✨ What a Year! Reflecting on 2024 ✨ From empowering tamariki through Tuwhiri in Schools to forging global connections and enhancing our tech platforms, 2024 has been nothing short of amazing! Swipe through to see the highlights that made this year so special. Every achievement is a testament to the incredible support of our clients, partners, supporters, and community. Thank you!! #Tuwhiri #ARAJourneys #TechForGood #IndigenousInnovation #YearInReview #2024

We’re proud to share our journey with ANZ. At ARA Journeys, we are extremely intentional about where and how we show up. Collaboration with trusted partners is key to amplifying our work and staying true to our kaupapa—connecting people to place through creative technology and indigenous storytelling. ANZ has supported us since the very beginning, helping us navigate the financial pathways needed to grow and scale. Now, they’ve shared our story through their latest campaign, and we’re excited to spotlight this moment with you all. Thank you, ANZ for believing in our vision and helping us tell our story. It’s a testament to the strength of relationships, shared values, and what’s possible when businesses back purpose-driven innovation. Check out the ANZ article and video interview here: https://lnkd.in/gmeURSxV And if you’re curious about how we bring culture and technology together to inspire, connect, and educate, visit us at www.arajourneys.com or drop us a message. Thank you, Sarah Thompson Toiroa Williams Ben Harawira Tui Fau Thank you Manawa Udy for allowing us to film at Te Ngahere. #IndigenousInnovation #CreativeTech #ARJourneys #Partnerships #ANZ

Today in Tāmaki Makaurau, we walked with whānau, friends, and community—a powerful gathering to honor Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the promises that bind us. We walk this path with pride, humility, and aroha for those who paved the way and those who walk beside us today. He waka eke noa—together, we move forward. #toitūtetiriti

At ARA Journeys, we’re on a mission to flood the world with indigenous stories, knowledge, and languages using immersive technology. Since 2022, we’ve taken our kaupapa beyond Aotearoa, engaging audiences around the world and highlighting the beauty and depth of Indigenous narratives. For those unfamiliar with our journey, building understanding has been key! With the support of Good CX and Liz Pinfold Reed 🦄 during our 2022 workshops, we refined how we share our Te Ao Māori values and positioned our brand to resonate globally. Their guidance helped us strike a balance between staying true to our roots and being relatable to an international audience keen to learn and engage with our stories. By bringing our stories to the world, we’re creating bridges of understanding, one connection at a time. A special thanks to Amy Hamilton Chadwick for capturing our story and the excellent work undertaken by Liz. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gM-9UNTy #ARAJourneys #indigenous #strategy #business #brand #technology

Are you an educational professional planning for 2025? Imagine a classroom where history comes to life and science jumps off the page! Educational tools like VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) have the potential to significantly enhance student engagement and support skill-building for the future of work. Here’s how teachers can get started with AR/VR in the classroom: 1️⃣ Start Small, Think Big: Integrate AR/VR into curriculum-aligned activities like virtual field trips or interactive models. 2️⃣ Enhance Storytelling: Use immersive storytelling to deepen understanding, allowing students to explore ancient environments and living ecosystems without leaving the classroom. 3️⃣ Student-led Exploration: Give students the opportunity to create their own AR/VR projects, fostering engagement and critical digital skills. Through our Tuwhiri in Schools workshops, ARA Journeys partners with teachers and local knowledge holders to offer tailored learning experiences. Together, we support young people in learning digital skills and exploring tech careers. For educators and administrators looking toward 2025, consider how Tuwhiri in Schools can bring immersive technology to your students. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ga427Ug3 #EdTech #CreativeTech #FutureOfEducation #TuwhiriInSchools #Education #VR #AR #teachers #technology #games #ARAJourneys #Māori

⭐Inspired by Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainable Action! After reading Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, Amber, co-founder of ARA Journeys, was inspired to reflect on the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in building a sustainable future. Chouinard’s vision of business as a force for good resonates with the guiding principles found in Indigenous cultures: environmental stewardship, resilience, and interconnectedness with nature. In her latest blog, Amber explores how Indigenous knowledge offers a powerful framework for addressing today’s global challenges—from cultural preservation to innovative, sustainable practices. This wisdom, passed down through generations, isn’t just relevant—it’s essential for a future where people, places, and planet are equally valued. 🌱 👉 Read the blog to dive into how Indigenous knowledge can shape a better world and how ARA Journeys is dedicated to this vision. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts. https://ow.ly/WKIs50TTYeN #IndigenousKnowledge #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalStewardship #LetMyPeopleGoSurfing #ARAJourneys #CulturalPreservation #Sustainability #IndigenousWisdom

🎤 Our CEO, Amber Taylor is heading to Foxton to speak at the BA5 event. En route, she will be visiting three local colleges: Waiopehu College, Horowhenua College, and Manawatū College. Amber will share insights with students into what a career in tech looks like and the opportunities for Māori in the sector. Her evening talk will focus on growing a Māori tech company and taking it global. We would like to thank The Horowhenua Company Ltd (THCL) for the invitation to speak at the BA5 event and organising the schools visit. https://lnkd.in/gPSZ6iJz #māoribusiness #māoriintech #event #speaker #arajourneys #games

“Anatomy and scales are things that I’m constantly improving on as an artist.” Have a look at this timelapse video of a waka (canoe) that our Tech Artist Apprentice, Hilary sketched. Sketching the image helped her figure out the proportions and poses of ngā kaihoe before moving on to adding lines and colour. #techartistapprentice #tech #digital #gameart #illustration #edtech

Nau mai, haere mai Hilary. Welcome to ARA Journeys!!

Is today a snack or no snack day? 🤔 Get ready for something new and exciting! James Brooks aka JB is unleashing "The Bro Code." He's not just a software developer at ARA Journeys but also a cool dad and a family man, and he can even drop some rhymes! 🎤 JB will be spilling the beans about himself and his work every week. If you're a budding coder or just curious about the world of software development, don't miss out on the weekly edition of "The Bro Code." It's going to be epic! #arajourneys #māori #education #softwaredeveloper #gamedev