Teowai Webster

Lead

Kia Ora! Ko Teowai Webster ahau. I am the driving force behind Moana Tutors. I descend from all three iwi of Tauranga Moana and have ties within Te Whakatōhea. From a young age, my passion for kapa haka and singing has been a guiding force in my life. Immersed in Māori culture since childhood, I developed my skills at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori. I have experience teaching at Kohanga Reo and performing at regional and national levels, having learned from some of the top tutors in Tauranga Moana. Join me as we celebrate the beauty of kapa haka.

Haremokena Te Rangi

Team Member

Kia Ora. Ko Haremokena Te Rangi ahau. I am of Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rongomai, Te Arawa, and Tūhoe descent. I have been immersed in Te āo Haka and Te āo Māori throughout my entire life, developing the skills and experience necessary to become a tutor. I have tutored kura and senior roopu for just over 10 years, and I am currently a performer and tutor with Te Pikikotuku o Ngāti Rongomai. Nō reira, kai aku nui, kai aku rahi. Tēnā koutou katoa.

Waimarino Rikihana

Team Member

Kia Ora! Ko Waimarino ahau. He uri tēnei nō Tauranga Moana, Te Tai Rāwhiti, Te Tai Tokerau ano hoki. This will be my 8th year tutoring at Mount Intermediate. I have tutored people of all ages, from tamariki to the elderly, across a variety of kaupapa. I have always been passionate about teaching kapa haka and, most importantly, performing. I love sharing our beautiful culture and reconnecting people who may not have been exposed to kapa haka growing up. Tēnā koutou katoa.

Barbrara Waaka

Team Member

Kia Ora, ko Barbara-Donnalea Waaka ahau. I was born and have lived my entire life here in Tauranga Moana. Growing up in this region, I learned at Tutarawananga kōhanga reo, attended Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Otepou, and during my teenage years, I performed kapa haka at college. As an adult, I have performed at Mātaatua Regionals and have gained a wealth of skills and knowledge along the way. In 2016, it was a privilege and an honour to start kapa haka at Te Kura o Oropi and lead them to their first-ever Rā Whakangahau — a proud achievement for both the kura and the tamariki. Kapahaka has always been a meaningful way to share our stories and culture with everyone. Ngā mihi.