Ko Rangitoto te maunga
Ko Manga-o-kewa te awa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Ngāti Maniapoto te iwi
Ko Ngāti Rora te hapu
Ko Te Tokanganui-a-noho toku marae
Ko Nick toku ingoa
Introducing Nick:
I was born and raised here in Tauranga, went to school locally, Tauranga Primary, Tauranga Intermediate and Tauranga Boys College (Aronui). I whakapapa to Ngāti Maniapoto and the Cook Islands. I was a youth worker for 17 years prior to being here at Tauranga Living Without Violence and have a degree in Indigenous studies:
‘Inā kei te mōhio koe ko wai koe,
i anga mai koe i hea,
kei te mōhio koe kei te anga atu
koe ki hea.’
“If you know who you are and where you are from, then you will know where you are going”
Nick leads an exciting new programme for young men / rangatahi who have experienced or used violence called “AEdentity” -
AEdentity is a 12-week Non-violence programme that allows Tane from all walks of life to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-worth and healing, gain a sense of belonging and help them nurture positive relationships within their whanau. It looks to help uplift spiritual wellbeing, give Tane a better understanding that traditionally acts of family violence were not accepted by our ancestors and awaken Indigenous pride.