Makaira Waugh is a registered Māori kaiako, artist, and writer whose passion is empowering hauora and creativity through kaupapa Māori education in the arts and beyond (links below).

The kaupapa of Tā te Manawa stems from the guidance of his tūpuna, an understanding of his Te Ātiawa heritage, and his personal journey of healing from trauma and mental illness. His experience as a kaiako spans a wide range of contexts from Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori through to youth, adult and teacher education, in areas such as te reo and tikanga Māori, music and instrument making, poetry, resource development and Māori outdoor pursuits. He has also taught arts education activities as tools for Indigenous language revitalisation for teachers, schools and communities in México in 2020 & 2024.

Makaira, I would like to express my gratitude for the last eye-opening conversation we had. As I was listening to you, I felt like words were flowing from your heart to my heart, like wai in the awa. I had to listen to it - it was evidence, a call, the need for a wake up. I somehow had the feeling that you were channelling a precious message that I had to hear right at this very moment to be able to move forward. In the depth of my doubts, on the edge of a daunting winter, you reminded me that the light is always bright if I dare to look within myself.

It was not just a "reminder", it was an empowering message of faith, courage, and self-compassion. You pointed me in the direction of possibilities that I was unable to see myself, although they were right in front of me. You listed with an exceptional accuracy the potential treasures I could share with the world, like nobody did before. As you were speaking, I knew you were right and everything you said I wanted for myself so deeply. You simply re-ignited my conviction that I am the own creator of my life. I am in charge.

Since we shared that transformative moment, I had been walking on a difficult but necessary path of healing. I realised that in order to reinvest in my mind and body, I had to set up a few boundaries with people and life. Then I set up micro "me-time" in the morning and evening to assess how I feel and what relationship I would like with myself and with others. I do feel that it is a long journey as I have ignored myself and my full potential for so long, but I am now determined to make my world a priority and realign my lifestyle with my authentic creative self.

Your intuitive mind and nourishing words are such blessings for our community. Thank you for supporting our healing journeys.

Nāku iti noa, nā

Pauline

He Mihi

He mihi mutunga kore ki tōku whānau, te puna ora. Ā, ko ngā tūpuna ngā tino kaiwhakahaere, mai 'nō.

Ngā mihi nunui ki Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu mōna te kaupapa nei i tautoko ki te pūtea me te kiriata. Their support and funding enabled the business to develop.

Manapou ki te Ao scholarship enabled me to travel to México, improve my Spanish, and bring the retreat kaupapa to Indigenous communities. Check it out for yourself if you live in Aotearoa and are interested in learning about other cultures and countries.

Jase Blair from Katabatic Creative filmed and developed the Tā te Manawa promo, featuring Waikohatu Scott of Wai Whio, and taonga puoro music by Ariana Tikao.

Tagini Gwaliasi from Bonz n Stonz generously provided our hei tiki and pounamu.