Q3: Mai i Te Kore ki Te Puumanawa

Our First Giving Round

There are two big players in the birth of Kaupapa Threads — Aroha from Maimoa Creative (a story for another day) and Tat Mahuru-Stanley (Tohunga Kairangi Mau Rākau, Taura Pouwhakarae, Kaiako).

Image: Tat Mahuru-Stanley Rawhitiroa Photography

This quarter, we’ve chosen Mai i Te Kore ki Te Puumanawa, a mau rākau peka in Naarm Melbourne, training under the korowai of Te Whare Tū Tauā o Aotearoa, as the recipient of our donation.

Under the guidance of Whaea Tat, the kaupapa is so much more than learning mau rākau. It is about reconnecting people with Te Ao Māori, whakapapa, te reo, tikanga and identity, while building confidence, discipline, humility and self-worth. It is about learning the knowledge handed down by our tūpuna, and ensuring it continues to be passed on to the next generation.

After moving to Naarm Melbourne, we saw firsthand the importance of this kaupapa. I've had the privilege of attending mau rākau and reo Māori wānanga with Whaea Tat, and our own tamariki have had the opportunity to learn from her too. Her teaching is full of patience and kindness, but she'll also give you that look your aunty gives you when you're talking out your bum.
She pushes you because she sees your potential, while creating a safe place to learn, grow and reconnect.

But our connection with Whaea Tat goes much deeper.

When we lost our beautiful Manaaki in June 2025, we brought him to lay at home. Tat was at our door, kai in hand. She sat with Manaaki and I long into the night. With mattresses strewn across the floor and our baby boy lying beside me in his cold cot, we talked about the importance of our culture and the gifts it gives us in moments like this.

I will never forget that.

We've seen the dedication Tat gives to every student and every kaupapa, often giving her own time, energy, and resources to make sure the mahi continues.

So when we talked about where Manaaki's Legacy should make its first contribution, the decision was unanimous.

Mai i Te Kore ki Te Puumanawa.

A kaupapa that protects mātauranga, strengthens identity, teaches our tamariki, honours our tūpuna and ensures our knowledge isn't lost.

From one generation to the next.

Mai i Te Kore ki Te Puumanawa; “From within the nothingness there is potential, benevolence of the heart.”

This one is for Manaaki.