Ki te tara o te ika a Maui te rohe Ko Moehau ki tai, ko Te Aroha ki uta He uri au nō Marutūahu Ko Rikki Ngamane tōku ingoa Ko MataRikki ahau, he Mana Wave e ngunguru ana. My current role is Digital Operations Lead at HEB Construction I was an attendee in the third season of Kōkihi in 2024. E noho ana au ki Turua kei te whenua o Hauraki. I’m here to grow both personally and professionally to strengthen my leadership, deepen my connection to te ao Māori, and learn alongside others who are committed to lifting each other. High on my selections for beautiful kai is a reversed seared picanha (beef rump cap) with a chimichurri dressing to cut through the rich fatcap. One intention for my Te Tihi Tapu journey is to lead with greater purpose and authenticity. What I think will help me get to the next taumata is staying open to learning, being challenged, and leaning into the kōrero and experiences shared across the rōpū. Also, backing myself to step outside the comfort zone when it counts. Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū!

Ko Nico tōku ingoa ā ko KNEE-CORE ahau, Senior specialist Māori Heritage at Te Kaunihere o Tāmaki makaurau (Auckland Council). Alumni of Kākākura season 2026. I'm here to learn and reinforce the things i've gained along the way. Favourite kai - raw fish. One intention is to solidify the learnings from Kākākura so that i'm confident and capable in my actions. Practice perfect will get me to the next taumata.

@Toria Moka Ra Whanau kia koe

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!

- 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 Season 1 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) - Building our movement and to lead with courage and clarity, while protecting what matters most.