Tū Māia 2023 - Te Waipounamu (Noho 1)

Caroline Nicol: I think for me, a lot of it's about respect that if I can learn even just the basic pronunciation of words and use of those words in an appropriate way, that that will enhance the relationship I can build with my clients. So, yeah, it was just a really good opportunity. I liked that it was 18 weeks. You know, it's palatable and it can fit around my work. 

Cindy Wilson: I'd really like to be able to relate more. I was just saying that people, when you come on to a marae or you're involved with people from a marae, they have a big presence and sometimes you're very intimidated. So I want to be able to embrace the big presence.  

Craig Hughes: I feel comfortable because I've had the experience before. The only issues I have is whether I'm going to cough at night or sneeze or snore too much! That's about the only thing that worries me.  

Soraya Walker, Kairaranga A Whanau: My role is a Māori role and sometimes I feel like I could learn more around my culture.  

Caroline Nicol: So we are public servants. We are kāwanatanga. We represent the crown and we're mandated actually, to step up and ensure that we live and breathe the principles of the treaty in our work. 

Cindy Wilson: And I think that everybody should embrace it. It shouldn't just be OT. It should be everyone. It's part of our culture. It's part of our heritage. Yeah.