Lizzie Dunn has a thirst for knowledge and knows there are plenty of others out there like her, reclaiming their reo, who want to know more but don’t know where to start.

That’s why she created the pānui, Te Arawhata. A place for people to connect, read about Māori news and events, and gain knowledge and insights into te ao Māori that support them on their reo journey.

“I was using books, movies, and other things to help me on my reconnection journey. I wanted to share what was out there to help others connect with their Māoritanga. As it’s grown, more of myself and my own journey has come into it because I've found a whole group of people who are on the same reconnection journey as me. They're looking for resources, but they're also looking for someone to hold their hand and walk alongside.”

Lizzie’s reo journey was kick-started by a conversation with her cousins during a family tangi.

They realised that if they didn’t take the step to learn te reo Māori, they would have nothing to pass on to their children. That moment marked the beginning of a learning journey Lizzie says she never wants to end.

“I'd love to study all the reo programmes, and then mau rākau, raranga, and the tikanga programmes. I just want to study. Do it all!”

Lizzie is currently enrolled in Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a programme she admits has been challenging, but one that’s shown her the value of being pushed beyond her comfort zone.

“It was a real step up for me. There’s been constant pressure to speak in te reo, a challenge I’ve struggled with, but also blossomed with. The more I’m encouraged to speak, the more I've become comfortable with making mistakes and the more my reo is flowing.”

Learning at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa also opened Lizzie’s eyes to a new kind of environment, one that is deeply rooted in tikanga Māori, while still being inclusive and inviting.

“I’d never been in a modern Māori environment that was so welcoming. Stepping into this big space of learning that is very connected to the past, but very future focused, was life changing for me.”

With a strong background in media, having worked in film, television, music, and publishing, Lizzie has high hopes for her already successful pānui, Te Arawhata.

Currently reaching over 10,000 engaged readers, she’s aiming even higher with a goal of growing her audience to 100,000.

“The goal is to help connect people. The more people that connect, the stronger Māori culture is, and the better it is for everybody. It's a matter of reaching them and extending a hand to invite them on board. Whether you’ve started to learn, or even if you don't want to learn te reo, if you're interested in te ao Māori, then you're invited.”

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was proud to sponsor Te Arawhata in September and plans to partner again soon.

Find out more about our te reo Māori (language) programmes.