Growing kaupapa Māori practice with Rākau Tautoko
A space to reflect and grow
Over the past several months, I had the privilege of holding space for Rākau Tautoko — a collective of community practitioners in Tāmaki (Glen Innes) — as they unpacked and deepened their kaupapa Māori practice.
We met monthly at Reserve Tāmaki, each wānanga shaped by the kōrero that came before and by what each person brought into the space. Everyone showed up with grace, generosity, and a passion to grow. The kōrero was rich and layered — grounded in lived experience, mātauranga, and leadership.
This may not have felt like professional development — but it was. It was a space to reflect, reconnect with who we are, and grow as practitioners.
“This was the most meaningful PD I’ve done. It didn’t tell me what to do — it helped me remember who I am.” – Participant feedback
From talking about it to living it
One of the strongest takeaways was the shift from talking about decolonisation and reindigenising to living it. Kaupapa Māori practice is how we show up — in our kōrero, decisions, and the way we navigate power, discomfort, and hope.
The rōpū spoke honestly about the current political climate — the pressure, the racism in systems, the emotional toll of justifying the value of their mahi.
And still, they found opportunities. They reminded each other that kaupapa Māori leadership is about being bold and vocal — standing in your mana even when it’s hard, or when it might come at a cost.
“The wānanga gave us space to breathe, to reflect, to feel. That felt radical. Especially now.” – Participant feedback
What I saw was resilience. Wāhine living their values in what can sometimes be hard spaces. A rōpū reshaping systems, challenging narratives, and growing intergenerational leadership — not in theory, but in action.
Holding space, our way
My role was to walk alongside — guided by the rōpū. I brought resources and provocations, asked questions, and supported reflective kōrero. But mostly, I held space.
This kaupapa helped me see the value in how I do that. I’m not the loudest voice in a room — my strength is in my gentle energy. I’m an empath, naturally reflective, and I bring a calm presence. I’ve learnt that being an introvert doesn’t mean I can’t facilitate well — it just means I do it differently.
“You were a guide and a mirror, never the director. The way you held space gave us the freedom to bring our full selves.” – Participant feedback
I tune into the energy, ask questions, and create space for emotions and insight to surface. It reminded me that holding space isn’t about having the answers — it’s about creating an environment for connection and transformation.
“Your facilitation allowed me to just be — no pressure, just reflection. That in itself was powerful.” – Participant feedback
If you’re holding space to grow kaupapa Māori practice…
Here are some whakaaro from our haerenga that might support others doing this mahi:
You don’t need to be the expert. Turn up, tune in, and trust the rōpū.
Wānanga works. You don’t always need formal training to create meaningful shifts. Tap into the collective knowledge.
Lean into your own style. Whether you're bold or gentle, introverted or extroverted — lead with integrity and aroha.
Make space for the hard stuff. Talking about racism, burnout, and whānau pressures is part of the practice.
Anchor in values. When things get tough, your values will hold you.
Mā ngā pakiaka e tū ai te rākau.
With strong roots, the tree will stand.
This whakataukī speaks to the foundation we’ve laid. The roots we’ve strengthened. The growth that’s still to come.
To the wāhine at Rākau Tautoko — thank you for trusting me, for bringing your full selves, and for your leadership. You’ve shown that growing kaupapa Māori practice isn’t just about learning — it’s about moving from kōrero to action, and living your values in how you lead, work, and walk alongside others.
If this sounds like a kaupapa you'd like to explore with your rōpū or organisation, let’s wānanga…
