This whakataukī beautifully symbolizes the power of te reo Māori in shaping the future of Aotearoa. Just as a bird needs feathers to take flight, our people and our nation need te reo Māori to truly thrive. Language is more than just words—it carries identity, history, and connection. When we nurture and uplift te reo Māori, we empower individuals, strengthen communities, and ensure the vitality of our culture for generations to come.
At Rauora Reo, we are committed to this kaupapa, creating spaces where every learner can gain the confidence to spread their wings.
Manutahi's true passion is education—helping others persevere in their journey to reclaim their reo Māori. With a strong background in teaching and hauora, he understands the importance of a holistic approach to learning, where well-being and personal growth go hand in hand. He believes we are all teachers for the next generation, responsible for filling our own kete with mātauranga to pass down with pride. The greatest reward in this journey is confidently answering, “Ko wai koe?”
As Co-Director of Rauora Reo, and an experienced kaiako, Manutahi is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive learning space where everyone can thrive. He crafts tailored lessons that meet each learner’s needs, guiding them through Te Ao Māori step by step. Now based in Auckland, Aotearoa’s most diverse city, he continues to uplift and empower others through language, culture, and well-being.
Rauhoto is deeply committed to the revitalisation of te reo Māori. Raised in a bilingual home in Taupō by her kuia—the sole reo Māori speaker in her whānau—she is a strong advocate for bilingualism and normalising te reo in all spaces.
An experienced educator in both Māori and mainstream education, she holds a degree in education specialising in te reo Māori from the University of Auckland. Her dream is a bilingual Aotearoa where future generations can thrive in te ao Māori.
As Co-Director of Rauora Reo, Rauhoto drives the business mission, ensuring culturally enriching programmes for all. Born out of love for te reo Māori, Rauora Reo exists to share and strengthen the language for generations to come.
Caine Taihia is a passionate artist dedicated to bringing Māori art into the heart of Aotearoa. As Ringatoi (Head Artist) at Rauora Reo, his work blends street art with traditional Māori design, creating powerful visual stories that reflect te ao Māori. An experienced artist, he has collaborated with Auckland City Council to create murals that share Māori narratives, helping to reshape public spaces with indigenous identity. Proudly Ngāti Whātua, Caine grew up in Auckland within his iwi and believes that mahi toi and te ao Māori go hand in hand. His mission is to weave Māori art into everyday spaces so that the environment around us reflects bilingualism, identity, and cultural pride. Through his mahi, he hopes to inspire future generations to express themselves through art and embrace their heritage.
