Name: ko Val Panui au Where I'm from: nō Te Pōtae ki Taumarunui tōku tūrangawaewae Role / what I do: Kaitohutohu Ahurea Matua - Senior Cultural Adviser Why I joined Te Tihi Tapu: to share, learn and collaborate with like-minded people One thing I'm working on improving right now: improving the cultural acceptance with the workplace One value I want to strengthen (Tika, Pono, Aroha): Tika - Integrity: being honest and sincere, consistently upholding my cultural values even when no one is watching

- Ko wai koe? (Who are you?) - He uri ahau nō Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Rarawa Kaiwhare. Nō Ingārangi, Kotirana ōku tupuna hoki. - Name (Ingoa) - Ko Andre Taikato taku ingoa - Role & organisation - Cultural Capability Senior Specialist taku tūranga mahi ki Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau (AUT) - If alumni: which season and whānau - Tēnei Au 2025 (AUT) - Where you’re joining from - Learning and Development Team (People and Culture) - AUT - Waihorotiu - Why you’re here - To learn from other role models and leaders and contribute and uplift where we can. - Favourite kai - Mum’s Sunday Roast - One intention for your Te Tihi Tapu journey - To deepen my connection to who I am as Māori and lead with clarity, balance and purpose for my whānau and community. - What will help you get to your next taumata (level) - To lead with courage and clarity, while protecting what matters most.

Kia ora e te whānau. Te Tihi Tapu is a deliberate pathway. "Ki te Tihi Tapu o Angitu”, climb toward your highest peak. Your definition of success. But this journey is bigger than personal growth. It exists to move Māori and Pasifika leaders to the decision-making table with mana, credibility, and authenticity intact. We have 7 Pou that guide that journey. This is not “fake it till you make it.” This is foundation first. You don’t change who you are. You upgrade who you are. You’ll revisit: - Tika - Pono - Aroha - Kawa - Strategy - Cultural intelligence Because strong leadership is built deliberately. If you’re the smartest in the room, it’s time to find another room. This is not a space for spectators. It’s a space for contributors. Te Tihi Tapu is a deliberate journey to the decision-making table grounded in Indigenous leadership as a superpower. If you’re here to grow, lets GO!