T?mati Rakena

T?mati R?kena is the co-founder of Tahunakura Charitable Trust and My Taiao Clothing based in Northland, a not-for-profit partnership providing financial support to assist M?ori undertaking tertiary studies. T?mati is also a Kupe Leadership Scholar. Source: Auckland AC My commitment is to our wh?nau, whenua, and the mana of our t?puna. I will continue to stand unapologetically M?ori, and work tirelessly to uphold tino rangatiratanga, protect mana motuhake, and ensure our communities get equitable outcomes. I'm here to serve our people with integrity, courage, and purpose. I show up, speak up, and do the mahi. I stand firm in the face of pressure, and I will always call out what's not right. I understand rural realities, and I carry our voice into spaces where its often ignored. I am fluent in te reo M?ori and English, I move easily between worlds, but my anchor is always te ao M?ori. Make me your nama tahi, and I'll continue to do the mahi, not for me, but for us. For our wh?nau. For our future. For Te Hiku o te Ika. Source: FNDC