Growing as a Leader Through Kāhu Kōrako
Growing as a Leader Through Kāhu Kōrako
At CLM, we believe great leaders never stop learning. For Regional Fitness Manager Byron Hull, taking part in the Kāhu Kōrako Alumni rōpū has been a powerful step in both his personal and professional journey.
In May 2026, the Kāhu Kōrako Alumni rōpū came together for a wānanga centred on connection, reflection, and developing a deeper understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori.
Inspired by the whakataukī "Me haere i raro i te kāhu kōrako, kia kai ai koe i te kai, kia whiwhi i te taonga" ("Travel under the guidance of the white hawk so that you may be nourished and receive treasured knowledge"), CLM's Kāhu Kōrako programme is designed to strengthen Māori leadership and cultural competency across the CLM network.
Throughout the wānanga, participants visited culturally significant sites including the Reotahi Coastal Walkway, Kawiti Glow Worm Cave, Ngāwhā / Te Waiariki Hot Springs, and Parihaka Maunga. These visits provided opportunities to learn the unique pūrākau, atua, tikanga and mātauranga connected to each place, helping participants build a deeper appreciation of the history, stories and significance of Aotearoa.
Evening wānanga sessions explored Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Hinengaro—an Aroora framework that encourages participants to better understand the way we think through a Te Ao Māori lens.
For Byron, the experience has been transformational.
"As a direct result of Kāhu Kōrako, I now carry a renewed sense of purpose. I have genuine hopes and ambitions to continue developing, growing, and deepening my understanding of my whakapapa.
Beyond the personal impact, this experience has also influenced how I show up as a leader. It has reinforced the importance of creating inclusive, supportive environments where people feel seen, valued, and connected."
Byron says the programme has strengthened his commitment to creating positive experiences for both his team and the communities CLM serves. The knowledge and perspectives gained throughout Kāhu Kōrako continue to influence the way he leads, communicates, and supports those around him.
Reflecting on the programme, Scott Linklater (Ngāpuhi | Te Roroa | Kōtirangi | Airangi), CLM's Northland Regional and Māori Support Manager, explains:
"Inspired by the whakataukī 'Me haere i raro i te kāhu kōrako, kia kai ai koe i te kai, kia whiwhi i te taonga', where the kāhu kōrako, or white hawk, represents maturity, rarity and exceptional leadership, the Kāhu Kōrako programme has been designed to strengthen Māori leadership and cultural competency across the CLM network."
The programme is delivered through a series of wānanga in locations connected to the CLM network. Participants explore the Aroora wellbeing model, Aroora tikanga, and a range of culturally grounded leadership tools, while experiencing contemporary expressions of traditional practice.
Richmond Aquatic Centre Facility Manager, Vaughan Hope, says Byron's experience is a reflection of CLM's ongoing commitment to investing in its people.
"Byron's journey is another great example of CLM's commitment to investing in our people. We believe great leaders never stop learning, and we're dedicated to providing opportunities for both professional and personal growth through a wide range of development programmes and experiences.
Both Kāhu Kōrako and Aroora are perfect examples of development pathways that produce outstanding personal and professional outcomes and, in my opinion, are industry-leading.
Seeing Byron apply what he's learnt in a way that benefits his team, our members, and the wider community is exactly the outcome we strive for."
Byron's journey reflects CLM's commitment to developing leaders who continue to grow, embrace lifelong learning, and create environments where people feel welcomed, respected, and connected. By investing in programmes such as Kāhu Kōrako, CLM is not only supporting individual development but also strengthening the communities it serves through thoughtful, culturally informed leadership.
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