Kia ora!  Ko Maraea Pomana taku ingoa,

I te taha o tooku koroua, ko Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Toarangatira,

I te taha o tooku kuia Ko Te Whanau a Ruataupare. 

Ko Kristian Pomana taku whaiapo, e toru ngaa Tamariki, Ko Hamoterangi,Ko Reremoana, Ko Ngarangi,e rua ngaa mokopuna. 

 

Kia ora everyone, I have worked at the centre for 6 years.  Prior to this, I worked in Melbourne at Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency, prior to that Te Runanga o Ngati Porou and prior to that for 7 years at Te Waiariki Purea Trust where I facilitated ‘Freeparking’ in 4 skateparks across Rotorua.

Altogether, I have worked in the social sector for 20 years.

 

My passion for our community is to break the cycle of poverty through education and employment.  This drive comes from my step-father, who raised us with a strong belief in education as a pathway out of hardship.  He was raised in Fordlands, and  his experiences shaped his determination that his five daughters would have better opportunities than he did.  My mum, Janet Wepa has also been a community minded person and served on Rotorua Lakes Council as a Councillor for 12 years.  My  father also dedicated his life to serving our people through the revival of Toi Maori and Waka Ama.

 

I would like to acknowledge Te Waiariki Purea Trust for their contribution to making me the person I am today, especially in the areas of youth voice, empowerment and leadership.