Voices & Voyages

Kicking off 2025 with Connection & Leadership This January, the focus will be on creating the space for Māori and Pasifika professionals to connect, grow, and amplify our voices in global spaces through Voices & Voyages. We’re starting with a Mini-Series: 9 January: Reframing Leadership—Exploring how self-awareness, cultural values, and emotional intelligence shape leadership. 23 January: Building Relationships Through Networking—Reframing networking as meaningful relationship-building grounded in whanaungatanga (connection). These sessions lead into our 6 February Panel: Dual Identities in Global Spaces - how our cultural roots can amplify leadership in global spaces (as Māori and Pasifika, navigating dual identities is something we’ve mastered!). Registration on our website. These events are hosted via Ask Badger—an interactive event space where you’ll find updates, resources, and ways to connect before and after the session. A huge mihi to Greg Denton and Ask Badger for providing this space to connect and share.

Through Voices & Voyages, I’ve been reflecting on what leadership could mean for Māori and Pasifika professionals here in the UK. Following my last post and a kōrero (conversation) with my colleague Mario Manelfi about how dual identities shape leadership, I’ve been thinking about how leadership can look different for each of us. Leadership isn’t always about titles—it’s about influence, connection, and driving meaningful change across global spaces. For some, leadership follows a linear path—progressing through roles and responsibilities. But even within that progression, our cultural heritage can anchor us. Leadership grounded in manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (connection) brings authenticity and purpose to these spaces. For others, leadership may be lateral, collective, or shaped by community-first values. Reframing leadership means challenging traditional models and recognising the power of cultural intelligence in how we lead and transform the spaces we occupy. How does your cultural background influence your leadership style? #Leadership #CulturalIntelligence #ReframingLeadership #Māori #Pasifika #VoicesAndVoyages

One year of Voices & Voyages Last year, I launched Voices & Voyages as a platform to celebrate the journeys of Māori and Pasifika professionals and to build a professional network for our communities in the UK and Europe. Over the last 12 months, it has been a journey of learning, experimenting, and balancing a career. Lessons Learned: ✨Staying true to my vision has kept me grounded, even as the platform evolves. ✨I’ve experimented with different approaches to see what works (and what doesn’t!). ✨Connection, collaboration, and celebration remain the focus of everything I do. The Connect pillar of Voices & Voyages has always been about creating a professional network. Over the past year, I’ve been working on how to bring this to life—a space where we can share, grow, and amplify our voices. So, to start building this, we’re kicking off January with a mini-series: ✨ Reframing leadership through emotional intelligence ✨ Building relationships through networking In February, we’ll host a panel on how dual identities shape leadership in global spaces (as Māori and Pasifika, navigating dual identities is something we’ve mastered!). Thank you to everyone who’s supported this journey so far. Keep an eye out for event details shortly!

Great to see my undergraduate and postgraduate universities, Murdoch University and University of Otago, come together to create something truly groundbreaking! This first-ever international Indigenous-led MoU is paving the way for richer cultural exchanges and more opportunities for Indigenous students and staff. A huge shoutout to the teams involved for making this happen and setting a new standard in higher education. Seeing institutions take these steps is inspiring and so needed. Mauri ora! #CulturalExchange #IndigenousExcellence #Partnerships

Don't miss the opportunity to join the Te Tūmahanatanga Tawhiti Summer Programme 🌿 Te Maru o Hinemihi are hosting three workshops aimed at building cultural knowledge whilst here in London, with learning based in the context of the meeting house Hinemihi o te Ao Tawhito. An opportunity to experience an international exchange of knowledge, art and culture. Read more about the events below ⬇ - 25 May: Wānanga Day - 26 May: Discover the Māori Art of Tukutuku: A Workshop with Master Weavers - 29 May: Whetū Mārama FIlm Screening https://lnkd.in/dPNf_xZS

✨Member Spotlight 003: Freddy Worrell ✨ Spotlight on Freddy, an inspiring visual artist, teacher, and spatial designer whose journey from London to Newcastle has enriched his artistic practice. Freddy thrives on collaboration, especially with fellow Māori artists, and brings a unique blend of creativity and community spirit to his work. Discover how Whanaungatanga—building relationships—is at the heart of Freddy's art, fostering creativity and cultural exchange. Excited to see what Freddy creates next in the UK! #VoicesVoyagesProfile #tanemaori #maoriexcellence #indigenousexcellence #VisualArt #ArtInnovation #Whanaungatanga #CreativeCommunity #MāoriArt #ProfessionalJourney #CulturalExchange #VoicesVoyagesMemberSpotlight

✨Member Spotlight 002: Nita Wi Repa ✨ 🎤  Singer  👨👩👦 Whānau first 📖 Bookworm  🎲 Board games (wee bit competitive too)  Spotlight on Nita Wi Repa, a dynamic business management consultant who brings a wealth of experience across diverse sectors. New (ish) to the UK, Nita demonstrates remarkable adaptability and a knack for tackling complex challenges. Discover how she brings tenacity and a unique analytical perspective to every role. Ready to see what Nita achieves next in the UK! #VoicesVoyagesProfile #wahinemaori #maoriexcellence #indigenousexcellence #ngatiporou #teaatiawa #taranaki #businessconsultancy #Leadership #ProfessionalJourney #Adaptability #CareerGoals #heputiputi