Taku Parai

Pou Tikanga

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira

Born and raised in Takapūwāhia and have never left for one minute.  Raised in a big whanau, in a house of 18 people (siblings, parents & grandparents).

I believe I had the most incredible upbringing one could ask for - the bush was my adventure park, the Harbour was my buffet table, the streams were my science labs. Takapūwāhia Marae was/is who I am.  I loved every minute growing up on Ngati Toa street, attending Ngāti Toa School and Mana College, then on to Victoria University.  At a very young age I was taught by my kaumatua the customs and traditions of Ngāti Toa. I am most passionate about serving our people, and ensuring our kōrero tukuiho are carried through the generations to come.