Te Whakaoho Wairua, Maira Pihema

Maira Pihema

Maira currently lives in Tokomaru Bay, on the East Coast, and previously worked within the tribal region of Ngāti Porou as a Māori Language mentor for eleven years. She supported families on a programme to increase the amount of Māori language spoken in family homes, known as Kāinga Kōrerorero.

She has been involved in teaching Māori language and customs for the last 30 years, both in the community and in the tertiary education sector. She has contributed to Māori language revitalisation efforts with Te Ataarangi, Te Awanuiarangi, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and Te Kōhanga Reo.

Maira is an active promoter and practitioner of Māori tikanga within the workspace, ensuring that these values are lived and practiced daily. She completed her Bachelor of Applied Social Science (specialising in Māori Language and Development) and her Masters in Applied Indigenous Knowledge. Yet, it is her work at the grassroots level and on the marae that truly makes her heart sing.