Matt Renata
Born and raised in Te Awakairangi, Wellington. My ancestors come from Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Ruapani, Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi and Gujurat. Married since 2016 to Rach who is Ngā Puhi, Japanese and English. I've been involved in youth and community development since 2008. With a team of youth development superstars, we co-founded Te Awakairangi Youth Development Network. I’m currently working as the Pouwhakamana for Zeal Youth Aotearoa and the Kaiāwhina at World Vision New Zealand. Rach and I moved to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2019 to complete a Bachelor's in Indigenous Theology (Māori/Pasifika), a Diploma in Māori Leadership and a Diploma in Te Reo Māori. We completed these last year in 2022. These studies were transformational for our engagement with youth and community development. My facilitation style is through storytelling, making connections, and wānanga. I encourage participants to have robust discussions and create space to ask questions. We have a burning desire to see the nation of Aotearoa lifted up and our people functioning to their full potential.