15 Jan Tiahuia Ropitini

Ko Kahurānaki, ko Moumoukai, ko Tarawera me Tūwatawata ngā Maunga Whakahī
Ko Ngaruroro, ko Nūhaka, ko Te Puarenga me Whirinaki ngā Awa Koiora
Ko Houngarea, ko Manutai, ko Te Paakira me Murumurunga ngā Marae
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao me Ngāti Whare ngā Iwi
Ko Takitimu, ko Te Arawa me Mataatua ngā Waka
Ko Tiahuia Ropitini Ahau
Tīhei Tū Paiahahā

I tipu ake au ki ngā rekereke o tōku Kuia i Rotorua ki te pā o Te Whakarewarewa ki roto i ngā mahi tāpoi me ngā mahi konohete ki ngā iwi o te ao.

Tiahuia was born, bred and raised in Rotorua. From birth she was gifted to her ‘Grandmother’ where she lived a unique upbringing raised amongst a village of natural Māori entertainers, concerts, entrepreneurs, teachers, kaikōrero, kaikaranga, kaiwaiata, carvers, weavers, trail blazers within the tourism industry and HAKA FREAKS. Growing up in such an environment the outcome of her upbringing was a given that she became culturally, financially, economically and socially independent.

Through her experiences growing up in this ‘Māori Wonderworld’ of traveling, tourism, kapa haka, Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori and Whare Wānanga, now at the age of 27 she has gained a Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality,  a Bachelors Degree in Māori Performing Arts, and most recently, a Postgraduate Diploma Teaching in Māori Medium. Tiahuia is a proud māmā, kaiako, dreamer, believer, creator, tutor and a seasoned kapa haka performer who is passionate about te ao Māori, te reo me ōna tikanga, ngā tahi a Rēhia, educating and encouraging our tamariki Māori to exemplify ngākau māhaki, to always be kind , ngākau whakaiti, to remain humble ,and ngākau titikaha, to be determined in all that they pursue.

Hei āpiti i ngā kōrero, nōku te hōnore nui kia tū hei kaipāpāho, hei kaiwhakangahau ki tēnei hui nui whakaharahara. Tihei Kahungunu.

“Hopukia, piki ake kake ake ki Te Tihi o Manono. Tomokia!“-