Ko Tapuae-o-Uenuku te maunga
Ko Raukawakawa te moana
Ko Wairau te awa
Ko Kurahaupō te waka
Ko Rangitāne o Wairau te iwi
No Tāmaki Makaurau ahau
Ko Sommerville tōku whānau
Ko Rosie tōku ingoa
I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with little connection to my Māoritanga. It wasn’t until I moved to Ōtepoti/Dunedin for university that the curiosity of my ancestral heritage kicked in.
This journey was inspired by my big brother, Ben. He works as the Kaiāwhina Māori at Te Kura Pākihi (Otago Māori Business School) and is involved with INNOV8HQ’s Mana Rangatahi programme. His dedication to supporting rangatahi fueled my own desire to engage in similar mahi.
Seeing how much the Otago University Konaki Internship Programme opened for Ben, he encouraged me to get involved. The Konaki programme aims to ‘support and embrace the future leadership pathways for Māori in Education and Enterprise’. I was paired with Tāwharautia Ahau, a by-Māori for-Māori property development company in Porirua. Its founder, Paul Tukikino, taught me the value of whanaungatanga - building connections, before diving into the mahi. Turned out my Grandma lived down the road from his whānau!”
In my first week at SBN, I was surprised by the Insights on New Zealand Sustainability Professionals report highlighting that Māori representation in this year's survey is only 4%, and Pacific peoples even lower at 1%. This disparity is concerning, given the deep cultural and spiritual connection Māori have with the land and their expertise in traditional, sustainable practices (mātauranga Māori).
Rangatahi also play a crucial role. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a strong commitment to environmental and social issues. Supporting their involvement is essential for shaping a positive future in conservation and sustainability.
I’ve always appreciated the natural landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand. My connection was enriched after completing a 21-day Outward Bound course at the age of 17. The ‘Mind Body & Soul’ programme, focused on rangatahi, played a crucial role in developing my leadership abilities, resilience and sense of personal growth. As I start my sustainability career, I’m eager to combine my love for nature with a deeper understanding of mātauranga Māori.
Looking back, I didn’t fully grasp the extent to which the Konaki internship and Outward Bound course shaped my life and future aspirations. As I embark on my current role and support the development of regenerative skills among rangatahi, I hope to support others in discovering their own paths towards environmental stewardship and contributing to a sustainable future.
Rosie’s new role as Projects and Partnerships Manager - Nature, is funded by the Milford Foundation. It supports the Puhinui Regeneration Project and the development of regenerative skills among rangatahi.