Makaira is a highly engaging motivational speaker in English and te reo Māori who has inspired groups in Aotearoa and México.

His Mana Aroha presentations explore the journey of facing the brokenness within ourselves and our communities to provide healing for the planet, using the power of love to transform lives.

Rich with insights into the personal application of beautiful Māori ancestral knowledge around healing, growth and leadership, the wānanga invites audiences to seek out and take action on their own special gifts, and connect with the deep power within.

At a time in the world where humanity faces massive crises, Makaira's leadership offers hope and practical ways forward to take on the vital challenge of healing ourselves and our planet.

“A deeply personal journey of growth, strength, forgiveness and healing. It reflects a life of understanding and redemption.”

“Inspirational! Your story is incredible and such a wonderful example of a life led from love and courage.”

“Makaira’s presentation will open your thinking on what healing is needed in our lives. He has a beautiful way of opening our hearts and minds to what we can gain by listening, learning, and exploring our own and other people’s experiences."

“Your story inspired me to live life more fully.”

“Thank you again for your beautiful kōrero last night. It was really moving and has stayed with me. I especially appreciated the way you wove encouragement and honesty into your message.”

“I feel at the top of a waterfall. I feel inspired by your indomitable courage. If you can do what you have done, what can I do?”

“You are inspiring with your honesty, your compassion, your bravery and your love.”

“The honest, vulnerable sharing of both the joy and the pain created such an emotional connection.”

“Go! Hear what is being shared. Listen with your heart. Get inspired.”

“I'm going to face my fear. Address it with love, look at my pain for a minute and watch it like a movie, hug myself, and be my own mama bear.”

“I gained courage to be myself. The challenge to be honest.”

“Makaira’s presentation is valuable for right now.”

"Straight from the heart. Unique perspective with positive intention and positive outcome. So glad I bought my friend of 30 years here tonight."

“Many beautiful reminders. The story told was deeply personal and we can all benefit from talking openly about challenging topics.”

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.

- Pauline