“Tēnā tātou,
Ko Te Kiekie te maunga
Ko Hakatere te awa
Ko Wakanui te tātahi
Ko Tawhaki te wharenui
Ko Glenmark te waka
Ko Airani rātou ko Ingarani ōku tipuna
Ko Tangata Tiriti ahau
Ko Jonny Waters taku ingoa
Nō Hakatere ahau, engari
E noho ana au ki Ōhinehou inaianei
Mauri ora!"
Kia ora! I'm Jonny
Te Waharoa Kaihaumanu
Kia ora mai tātou!
My name is Jonny Waters. I grew up in Ashburton and now live in Lyttelton. I have Irish and English whakapapa and consider myself a proud Treaty Partner. I try my best to be a role model for other Pakeha by learning, teaching and speaking Te Reo Māori and making a strong effort to be guided by (and guide others in) Māori values and tikanga.
I feel honoured to be able to work as a Kaitautoko/Community Support Worker in the Te Waharoa team at Purapura Whetu, because I am able to strengthen my connections to culture and community.
I am able to create positive opportunities for both young and old. I have vast experience as a trained Secondary School Art Teacher, Alternative Education Teacher and Youth Worker. Within the Te Waharoa space, I specifically facilitate Adventure/Toi Groups and support individual Tangata Whaiora also.
Mauri ora!”