Ka huri taku titiro ki Panetoki

Heke iho ki te Manga-i-tūtū-ai-te-manawa o Raukawa

Hoea nei taku waka ko Tainui

Ko Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga te iwi

Ko Whakarongotai Hohepa ahau

My name is Whakarongotai Hohepa and I live in a small but mighty town called Taumarunui, based in Aotearoa, New Zealand. My family and friends are my foundation, my inspiration, and my joy. Every moment with them is a gift, and they remind me why I do what I do.

Life is an adventure, and I embrace it fully—seeking out experiences that challenge and inspire me. Whether I’m pushing my limits at the gym, exploring the beauty of nature, or immersing myself in new cultures around the world, I thrive on the excitement of growth and discovery.

I’m deeply committed to creating a legacy of intergenerational wealth and health for Māori, championing the reclamation and revitalisation of Te Reo Māori, Tikanga Māori, and Te Ao Māori. My vision is a future where young people boldly shape their own destinies, stepping into lives they design and determine for themselves.

As an educator, I’ve walked alongside learners of all ages and backgrounds, from primary schools to iwi initiatives, secondary classrooms to tertiary programs. I’ve built curricula, fostered communities, and shared knowledge across diverse landscapes, all with the aim of creating transformational and meaningful learning experience.

Growing up in a small rural town taught me resilience, humility, and the beauty of close-knit circles. Opportunities were limited, and mistakes were plentiful—but each misstep shaped who I am today. The most exciting part? The infinite possibilities I now have to create and explore. I get to make it all up!

I’m profoundly grateful for the path I’ve walked, the connections I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned. But this is just the beginning. I invite you to follow my journey of self-discovery and transformation, with the hope that it inspires you to live boldly, dream freely, and embrace a life of limitless freedom.