Te Puna has supported Māori language revitalisation initiatives across Hauraki for more than 20 years. She is currently Deputy Principal at Te Wharekura o Manaia. She is a Pou Reo and Pou Tikanga at Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki and the Hauraki representative on the Tainui Pae Motuhake for Te Mātāwai. She succeeds outgoing Poutaki, Dr Haki Tuaupiki, who has been on the Te Mātāwai Board since 2022 and with Tainui Pae Motuhake for 10 years.
As Poutaki, Te Puna will lead the advancement of Tainui aspirations to see their dialect thrive as a living language across homes, marae, and communities. Tainui’s collective focus will continue to be on strengthening everyday reo use, building confidence through learning pathways, and reinforcing identity through iwi knowledge and practice. Central to this is growing local reo champions and ensuring the language is carried forward across generations.
Co-Chair Mātai Smith says her grassroots knowledge is invaluable to the Board and Tainui Pae Motuhake.
“Te Puna has her finger on the pulse when it comes to direct input into our key priorities, Tukuihotanga and Hononga Hapori Reo. As a leader within the Tainui rohe, she brings a strong understanding of the ambitions of her people and the importance of locally driven solutions that reflect iwi identity. Te Mātāwai exists to restore te reo Māori as a first language in homes and communities. Educators and leaders such as Te Puna directly enable this outcome.”
For Te Puna, this appointment is an extension of the kaupapa she has long been committed to.
“My journey has always been grounded in supporting our whānau to live and breathe te reo Māori in their daily lives, whether through education, resources, or community. This role is an opportunity to continue that commitment, supporting our people to strengthen their connection to language, identity, and each other.”
Te Mātāwai extends its sincere gratitude to Dr Haki Tuaupiki for his leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.
“Haki leaves a legacy at Te Mātāwai, championing iwi-led language regeneration through mātauranga Māori, navigation systems, and ways of understanding the environment. His tenure has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and intergenerational impact,” Co-Chair Brenda says.
ENDS
The newest member of Te Mātāwai Board is Te Puna Moanaroa
