Meet Te Rangi
Te Rangi Whakaputa-Walton
Co-Founder, Piki Te Hauora
Kurakura Kai Tahu
Ko Te Poho o Tamatea tōku Mauka
Ko Whakaraupo tōku Moana
Ko Takitimu tōku Waka
Ko Kai Tahu tōku Iwi
Ko Kāti Wheke tōku Hapū
Ko Te Wheke tōku Marae
Ko Te Rangi Whakaputa Tamatoa Dean Walton tōku ikoa
Nei rā te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa, I am one of the Kaiwhakahaere of Piki Te Hauora. I am responsible for putting the curriculum together, ensuring that it is always developing and improving, based on the feedback that we receive from you. I also look after all our amazing Kaiako who deliver so much value in the classes and make sure that you have an amazing experience with us.
Growing up, I was not the best learner, I struggled (like many) to grasp much of what I was being taught, both in a formal and informal setting. I lacked self-belief, confidence and never asked questions. I ‘failed’ academically at High School and therefore had to work hard over the following two years to be able to get into teacher’s college.
Long story short, I had a goal of becoming a teacher so that I could help people who struggled like myself as a young person. I struggled my way through my degree, still lacking in confidence, but I managed to complete it in four years. I was quickly picked up as a Māori teacher, after applying for a P.E position, at my old high school, but again lacking belief I thought I only got the job because I was Māori and male. It took me three years to overcome this limiting belief. When I finally realised that I was there because I deserved it and was capable.
I share this to help you understand that if ‘learning’ is a barrier for you, I can relate and have structured the course content in a way to help support you the best we possibly can.
I have worked with all age groups from kindergarten all the way through to adult education, I am extremely proud of the barriers I have overcome and my achievements both academically and personally.
Piki Te Hauora was born out of a passion to help our people overcome barriers and create a connection back to self. We decided to begin with our reo as it is so important to all of us.
I did not grow up with my reo, which definitely contributed to my lack of confidence and self-belief as I felt lost and had a disconnect from my identity. So, it was important for me to ensure I began the journey to learn my reo, so I could help my tamariki be more confident in themselves growing up, Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea. It has allowed me to become more connected to myself and discover my identity as a Māori and as an individual in today’s world.
We want to be part of your journey and support you to discover more of yourself and help be part of the change for the next generation too. I am excited to share my journey with you all as we grow and develop our goals, to see more Māori all over the world, speaking our reo with more confidence and less judgment.
Ngā mihi,
Te Rangi