07 Mar Welcome Koianake Yates to the Toi Tangata team

We wish to welcome Koianake Yates (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Konohi, Te Rarawa) to Toi Tangata. Koianake will be joining our team as Kaiarahi Mātaiao ki Tāmaki (Mātaiao ki Tāmaki Lead Facilitator) while Chrissy is on maternity leave. Haramai rā te toki o Te Kikiri o Te Rangi, e tau e!

Ko Te Pāhorehore, ko Pukehapopo ngā maunga

Ko Whatuma, ko Waiomoko ngā awa

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu, ko Ngāti Konohi ngā iwi

Ko Te Kikiri o Te Rangi, ko Paikea te mihi atu nei

Koianake is an embodiment of various kaupapa Māori principles and values. Endowed with the blessings of Tūmatauenga from birth, Koianake was instilled with traits of humility and resilience and continues to uphold the ancient lores and narratives that foster a deep connection to ngā atua Māori.

Imparted with knowledge from Te Whare Tū Tauā o Aotearoa, Koianake nurtures his well-being with a holistic approach and is confident it will continue with his role here at Toi Tangata.

Grateful to be immersed through Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa, te reo Māori me ngā tikanga Māori are merely a natural way of life which we will continue to advance while embracing the teaching too of Te Pōkaitara, The House of Ngāti Kahungunu Tohunga.

A young man who has been raised on Hoani Waititi Marae, where he perfected the skill of dodging dishes duty, he now endeavours to amplify his Ngāti Kahungunu roots with his whānau and four tamariki. Koianake has enjoyed hosting wānanga back home in Te Takapau, especially when the opportunity to kohi kina arises, and hopes these opportunities continue to present themselves during his time with the team at Toi Tangata.

Drawing on a wide range of teaching experience and a wealth of knowledge, Koianake hopes to inspire others and set a positive example through his own values and wisdom.