Tautoko – Testimonials
2020/2021
Dave McKenzie | Manager - Riverside Pool | Whakatu/Nelson
For me the experience has been life changing. I always knew I was Māori but was never given the opportunity to explore this before. I feel I was fortunate to get the most out of the programme as I was starting new. I feel privileged now to have had this experience and learn about our whakapapa. I will continue to work on my te reo and pass on the mana with my children.
Lisa Ranginui | Customer Service Coordinator - Freyberg Pool | Papaioea/Palmerston North
I got more out of this course than I expected. The programme has been a breath of life. Mentally, physically, and spiritually!
Juliana Henderson | Customer Service Coordinator - Lido Aquatic Centre | Papaioea/Palmerston North
Unforgettable journey!!! I have truly met some awesome people who I consider as whanau for life. So grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. Please continue with this kaupapa as we need more of it!!! This programme has given me the strength to have a lot more self confidence in being proud to be Māori both within my work and whanau life. I am now making a conscious effort every day to continue the great work I have learnt throughout this journey.
Alex Te Kowhai | Aquatics Coordinator - Rotorua Aquatic Centre | Rotorua
It’s hard to put words, unless you were there and felt the aroha, manaakitanga, wairua of all those involved. They are connections that will be with all those involved for life...A tribute to the success of the course.
2021/2022
Byron Hull | Fitness Centre Coordinator – Richmond Aquatic Centre | Whakatu/Nelson
For me, as someone who is very individually driven and somewhat reclusive (at first), for me to be greeted by this roopu of people (whom the only common ground is the business we mahi for) in such a way that I was warmed and made to feel immediately welcomed and part of the haerenga was very special. My guard was lowered, my curiosity immediately heightened.
Kelly Tupaea | Chillout Coordinator – Massey Park Aquatic Centre | Manukau
This programme has given me a chance to refresh and re learn what I had once forgotten. It has opened my eyes into how beautiful our culture really is, how intelligent our tupuna really were, and the mātauranga we’ve lost along the way. This kaupapa has sparked a desire to engage with my Taha Māori once again, to learn more so I can do more for our people.
Jeremy Clarke | Community Sport Advisor – Community Sport | Manukau
The kahu korako programme was a transformative experience for me. I had always felt there was a disconnect in my life - not having a connection to my Marae and limited insight into Te Ao Maori. The programme empowered me to learn more about my whakapapa and to feel comfortable and proud while doing so. It exceeded my expectations in every way. The facilitators created a safe environment and approached each wananga with understanding and consideration. Being able to connect with other Maori within CLM and go on the journey together, strengthened the bonds we have, as well as the opportunity to create new friendships and grow together as a roopu. The holistic approach of Aroora meant we were able experience a lifestyle that embodied physical, mental, spiritual and whanau wellbeing and take that knowledge forward with us.
Geoff Barton | IT Manager – CLM | National Office
Being a part of this programme has led to several positive changes for me. 1. My confidence has grown not just with a better understanding of Te Ao Maori but in myself. 2. I feel closer to my Māori heritage. 3. My understanding of Te Ao Māori and confidence in using Te Reo Māori has grown. 4. My overall well-being, including my spiritual, mental and physical health, has improved. 5. I'm more passionate about supporting Scott, the Aroora program, and the Māori community. Simply put, the programme has helped me grow personally and culturally.
2023
Maurice Taylor | Assistant Manager Whangārei Aquatic Centre
The program has been life changing! I now see the true value of having Māori Leaders in the workplace.
Milly Thurlow | Programme Support | Trafalgar Park Nelson
I am very grateful to have had the experience to connect with my culture, learn about my iwi, whakapapa, and whenua. I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting going to my first wananga. At first it was quite overwhelming, personally the cultural difference and how the reo was incorporated heavily into everything we did and even just in conversations on wananga. Coming from somewhere where we barely even say Kia Ora ! So that was really cool to be a part of and something I want to incorporate into my life daily.
Carly Pihama | SwimMagic Central Regional Manager
The Aroora Kahu Korako programme is life changing and I would recommend as many people as possible to take up the opportunity to attend. Not many if any workplaces I know offer such a programme, the support to attend and take time away from my usual role has been great along with support and mentoring whilst attending the programme. The whole time you are made to feel welcome, included, supported and to bring any and all ideas forward to be discussed.
Rachael Kara | Customer Service Representative | Freyberg Pools
This opportunity is one I will never take for granted. It is definitely one that I would encourage everyone to participate in, not only do you gain a new whānau, but you gain more knowledge along the way. It has exceeded my initial thoughts as I had no idea what I was getting myself into so am leaving with my cup overflowing. Ngā mihi nui!
Whangārei Girls High School Testimony
"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for delivering a programme that not only grew our students physically but encompassed all aspects of ‘Te Whare Tapawha’, gaining confidence and building resilience is what I saw over this year during the programme."
Rangatahi Testimonial
A few of our awesome tauira sharing their thoughts of the year.
Ngā Hōtaka
We are currently delivering two programmes for rangatahi in Whangārei, Tenei tōku whare and Tāhuna tau atu, as well as delivering our internal Māori leadership programme, Kāhu kōrako, across the CLM network.