Whaihua Kōrero
Reflections From the Ascent, Voiced by Our Partners.
From wānanga to one-to-one coaching, from strategy to operations — every space held with Manawa Kōkopu invites reflection, rhythm, and realignment. Whaihua Kōrero brings together the voices of the people and organisations we partner with — participants, leaders, and teams whom we have journeyed alongside.
Each kōrero is an authentic expression of insight, resonance, and transformation — a reflection of kaupapa in motion. Collectively, these voices of experience reveal the depth and integrity of Manawa Kōkopu, and the trust that anchors every partnership as we shape the next steps of impact together.
"A huge thank you to Megan Tahere for her incredible mahi with Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinerangi. Megan supported us with kaimahi interviews, a new operational framework, and a practical strategic plan — all grounded in kaupapa Māori.
Her engagement workshop left our team feeling connected, uplifted, and ready to grow. We gained tools, improved communication, and felt energised. It created space for growth and better outcomes for our mokopuna. Your leadership is powerful,
Megan. Ngā mihi nui."
Strategic Consultancy – Not-for-Profit Sector: Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinerangi Komiti — Moana Jamieson, Jyshiah Mankelow, Awhina Bristowe
"I can positively report from the workshop feeling energized and motivated, gaining valuable knowledge and skills, and fostering stronger connections with Kaimahi.
The workshop also provided a platform for growth, collaboration, and improved communication, which will ultimately contribute to a more productive and positive work environment.
Nga mihinui Megan and all the best."
Strategic Consultancy – Not-for-Profit Sector: Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinerangi, Kaimahi — AB
"Being on the committee and having a better insight into what the operations where like previously to spending time with Megan really made me eager to step up to ensure our kaimahi and mokopuna where getting the support they need and want from whānau."
Strategic Consultancy – Not-for-Profit Sector: Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinerangi, Komiti Member — JM
"Dear Megan, I would like to acknowledge and express my appreciation for your support in the Kaimahi engagement workshop. It was clear to see that you had put in a lot of effort to help support myself and all kaimahi.
You provided us all with a great insight and understanding of knowledge that helped me learn about myself and my work colleagues around how we can communicate to one another effectively.
I have noticed that Te Kohanga Reo o Hinerangi has improved immensely where our communication is now efficient and effective. The action plan supports whanau and kaimahi where feedback is respected, heard, and supported by all whanau members.
I look forward to completing further action items in future with the great support from our committee and whanau members."
Strategic Consultancy – Not-for-Profit Sector: Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinerangi, Kaimahi — JW
"I have so many good things to say about Megan and what she has brought to our Hinerangi Kōhanga Reo, also what she has done for our kaimahi, komiti.
We have added to our kete of matauranga, also have gained a lot of tools that are very valuable in our every day running. Kaimahi, komiti, engagement workshop for me helped me understand others, communication skills, growth and to always whakapiki i te wairua o te tangata, kaimahi, tamariki, and myself, ahakoa te aha.
After our full day of this awesome workshop I came out feeling so good and energized ready to hit that floor with our tamariki.
So so happy with this day and I thank you for the hard work and effort you had put in to help support your mokopuna, kotiro and all kaimahi. E mihi ana ki a koe."
Strategic Consultancy – Not-for-Profit Sector: Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinerangi, Kaimahi — MK
"Testimonial for Megan Tahere – Director, Manawa Kōkopu: I had the pleasure of working with Megan Tahere during a time of significant change within my directorate. Megan brought a rare combination of warmth, kindness, curiosity, and strategic intelligence to her work with my team of over 150. Her thoughtful and considered approach encouraged genuine engagement from all, and her ability to provoke strategic thinking was evident in every interaction.
Megan led our strategic planning process with exceptional skill. She designed and facilitated a series of workshops, coordinated a comprehensive team-wide survey, analysed the results, and produced clear, insightful recommendations. Her work culminated in a robust three-year strategic plan that has been embraced across the team and is now guiding our direction.
She also supported the development of our annual operating model, working closely with the leadership team through facilitated sessions and providing tailored support as needed. Megan’s contribution extended to the drafting of ELT papers, where her strategic thinking and writing were truly outstanding.
Throughout, Megan demonstrated significant strategic expertise. She inspired and encouraged deeper thinking, and the outputs she delivered were not only of exceptional quality but have become embedded in our team’s ways of working. Her impact has been lasting, and I am deeply grateful for her support and partnership."
Strategic Consultancy – Public Sector: National Public Health Service — Alana Ewe-Snow
"We learnt a lot from this wānanga. It provided a safe and supportive space to be vulnerable and grow, not just as individuals but as a collective. It helped us to strengthen our connections and deepen our understanding of each other.
The way mātauranga Māori was woven throughout, along with the manu thinking rhythms, made everything feel connected and relevant to who we are. Megan met with us before the wānanga to understand what we wanted to achieve, and the tailored scenario helped us to use the strategy in practice. It guided us to reflect and refine our group foundations, whānau culture, and direction, making the learning relevant to what we do together and how we contribute in the community.
The Takahoa Poutama handbook was great for recapping key insights during and after the wānanga, and it helped us keep all our notes and reflections together using the USB pen. It is something we can take with us and return to as we continue to apply the learning. The activities throughout the day were fun and interactive, providing time to take it all in and keep the energy up. The whole wānanga was really well put together, and having access to the digital learning portal is a real bonus. It means we can keep exploring the resources and tools in our own time and continue the journey after the wānanga.
Megan’s facilitation style was soft-spoken and welcoming, creating an environment where it felt comfortable to ask questions and share openly. Communication was clear, the session was very well presented, and the learning experience was engaging, enjoyable, and thought-provoking.
We would highly recommend this wānanga to any individual or group wanting to evolve, strengthen their connections, and learn new ways to think strategically through a kaupapa Māori approach."
Manu Hōmiromiro: Poutama Insights Wānanga – Community Sector: Tāne Māori Rōpū — Mike Mason
Manu Hōmiromiro: Poutama Inisghts Wānanga – A Collection of Kōrero From Whaihua:
"I never knew I could think like this — now I know. I will never forget this."
"Mean day, I learnt heaps that I can use in real life. Thank you so much."
"Thank you, Megan. All the time and knowledge you shared will really help us to do what we do better."
"I didn’t know this — I am definitely going to take the time to think before I respond, not let my reptilian brain take over in milliseconds."
"My brain is bulging — lots to think about, but good though."
"Really good. Thank you for helping us open up and talk about things. This can be hard, but it was easy in this space — and safe too."
"What other programmes do you offer that we can do?"
"Can you come back and help us do more?"
Manu Hōmiromiro: Poutama Insights Wānanga – Community Sector: Tāne Māori Rōpū, Group Collection of Kōrero
We are proud to partner with Tina Bertram and the team at Brandright, whose manaaki and expertise in brand identity and merchandise have helped us to bring the Manu Hōmiromiro: Poutama Insights Takahoa Poutama and wānanga elements into the hands of whaihua.
Mā te piki tahi ka pakari te kotahitanga, ka toitū te mauri.
Through ascending together, unity strengthens and vitality endures.
Partner with us to shape your next steps and create enduring impact
Protecting Our Taonga – Intellectual Property Notice:
All artwork, visual designs, and written content on this website — including frameworks, tools, workshop materials, written concepts, and whakatauākī — are protected by copyright and remain the intellectual property of Manawa Kōkopu and its collaborators. These taonga are shared with intention and reflect distinct ways of thinking, designing, and engaging that are deeply aligned with purpose and practice. Unauthorised use, reproduction, distribution, or adaptation of any part of this content — including for commercial or training purposes — is strictly prohibited and may constitute a breach of the New Zealand Copyright Act 1994 and applicable intellectual property protections. If you are interested in using or adapting any part of the material, please contact us to discuss appropriate permissions and attribution.