Tō Mātou Tīma - Our Team
My heart is drawn to all people, and I cherish he taonga tukuiho which are the sacred legacies passed down by our ancestors. While embracing the diversity of all, I find peace in lifting the wairua of people of all ages through karakia, waiata, and playing my ukulele, which I have named Rongoā, meaning ‘medicine’ in te reo Māori.
One of my favourite whakataukī is Mahia te mahi, hei painga mō te iwi, nā Princess Te Puea Hērangi.
Ko wai au?
Ko Pirongia te maunga
Ko Ngāti Maniapoto me Ngāti Pākehā ngā iwi
Ko Ngāti Kiriwai te hapū
Ko Te Maania Raakaunui te marae
Ko Andrea Jerry Ryan tōku ingoa
He Kaiwhakawhanake Māori ahau o Tūhono Pāpori
Experience & Expertise:
Being an advocate, advisor, consultant, connector and a māmā who has travelled the world, I am passionate about reducing inequities and disparities for Māori across all sectors, removing barriers and enabling their voices to be heard.
Having many years working in Māori engagement, Māori
What I can help with:
My role as Māori Development Manager is to:
- Develop and maintain relationships with kaupapa Māori organisations, including marae, Hapū, Iwi, Māori land trusts within the Western Bay of Plenty region.
- Provide a Rautaki Māori (Māori Strategy) after the engagement of hapori Māori organisations.
- Oversee the Whakamana Tangata Programme and promote the services of Tūhono Pāpori.
What a priviledge it is to be able to work alongside our hapori Māori within the region!