Pele (Ngāi Tahu/Kāi Tahu) is an expert in Strength and Conditioning Coaching with over 16 years of experience in high-performance sport, wellbeing, health, and functional fitness. As a former Functional Fitness Gym Owner, Pele has guided athletes who have advanced to elite levels in the NRL, Super Rugby and Netball. He is also a mental health advocate and dedicated to creating holistic wellbeing programs that integrate high-performance methodologies, mental fitness, and sport-specific training. Pele’s approach focuses on unlocking potential, and developing athletes technically, physically and mentally for long-term success.

Maraki (Ngāi Tahu/Kāi Tahu) has extensive experience in high-performance environments, having represented New Zealand in Rugby League, Touch Rugby, and Basketball. Now focusing on helping young people navigate the sporting world, he shares his lived experience to inspire and mentor the next generation both on and off the field. Passionate about content creation, Maraki plans to share his insights through the Performnz IQ platform and its social channels. Stay connected as he shares his journey, offering inspiration and guidance through his love of sport and creative passions.

“He mokopuna tenei o Ngati Kahungunu ko Hira Nathan toku ingoa.”

Hira (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) is the founder of Makachilli, a best-selling author, speaker, and brand storyteller. He is on a mission to connect people with purpose, wellness, and identity through culturally grounded storytelling, products, and experiences.

Lui Hellesoe (Tūhoe) is the founder of KiwiData, creating AI tools that reflect real Aotearoa—combining Māori and Pacific roots with deep expertise in data science and tech for social impact. Of Tūhoe and Sāmoan descent, Lui has a background in enterprise data systems, AI, and kaupapa Māori research. He’s worked across education, health, and research to design tools that work in both te reo Māori and English. With a Master’s in Computer Information Science and a deep commitment to closing the AI divide, Lui is passionate about uplifting Māori and Pacific communities through technology that creates space, not takes it.

My name is Koro Carman (Ngāpuhi) from the Hokianga. I’ve worked on tourism startups and currently consult for a global wellness and education organisation. I have a deep passion for environmental stewardship and am a proud father to a teenage daughter who plans to study Science at University. With over 30 years of experience in environmental, cultural, and community tourism development, I have worked on numerous impactful initiatives. In 2009, I was part of a team that facilitated the world’s first ‘Union of Ancient Trees’ agreement, a project aimed at fostering meaningful connections between cultures, communities, and natural environments.

My name is Simon Tanner. Originally from Bath in the UK, I relocated to Aotearoa, New Zealand in 2006 and have proudly called Kaikohe home for the past eight years. I have two adult sons living in Auckland—one working as a lawyer and the other an engineer. With a strong background in project management, I’m passionate about delivering meaningful outcomes for communities. My experience includes facilitating successful partnerships between Crown Forestry, silviculture contractors, and the Department of Corrections. I’ve also led projects alongside government agencies and Crown Research Institutes, including the development of the oil extraction facility at Ngawha.

Rawinia Rimene (Whakatōhea) is the visionary founder of Girl Native, a luxury lifestyle brand that weaves cultural storytelling into beauty and ritual. Motivated by her daughter’s severe skin condition, she developed Rongoā skincare — transforming Girl Native into an internationally acclaimed brand, featured in Vogue, TIME Iconic, and the Emmy Awards.

Justin Leelo is the co-founder of Girl Native and part of the advisory team. He has been
involved with Girl Native since inception and plays a major part in advisory for store fitouts, financials and business development. He is an electrician by trade and own an all-trades company in Wellington.

Tina Wickliffe (Ngāti Porou) is an award-winning journalist, director, and producer with a career spanning more than two decades across Māori media and mainstream broadcasting. A graduate of Te Panekiretanga o te Reo, Tina brings depth, precision, and cultural integrity to every project she leads. She is the founder of Tiki Media and the creator of Aro, a wellness tech startup combining emotional intelligence, cultural insight, and voice technology.

Léon Bristow (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu), born in France, raised in Aotearoa, studied in Wellington, Auckland, and New York. A champion of DE+I and indigenous voices, he is the Founder and Director of BEINGS – a social enterprise empowering diversity in media. As an Art Director, Léon worked on international advertising campaigns in Barcelona before returning home in 2022. In 2023 he was recognised as 4th best Art Director in the world at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Léon’s personal background sets him apart professionally, using his unique perspective as a vehicle for meaningful change.

Tamara Kirwan is the maker, taster, and face of Mauriora. Driven by hospitality, grounded leadership, and deep relationships, she champions health and wellbeing, guided by te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Her strength lies not in standing alone, but in weaving people together — for collective uplift and meaningful connection.

After studying Business Management at university, Julian spent the past twelve years in Amsterdam, where he founded a successful hospitality business. Now back in Aotearoa, he brings his international experience to support his whānau in the growth and development of Mauriora Kombucha.

Keela Atkinson is a culturally grounded leader with over 25 years’ experience across iwi, education, and government sectors. She specialises in community development, strategic engagement, and cultural leadership. With qualifications in Commerce and Māori Studies, Keela is committed to embedding Māori values into wellness and entrepreneurship.

Oliver (Tūhourangi), Co-Founder of Plunge Lab, is a Chartered Accountant with expertise in finance, operations, and business strategy. He leads financial management and marketing while driving smart, scalable growth. A devoted husband and proud father, Oliver brings both commercial acumen and grounded, values-led leadership to the pākihi.

Teancum (Ngāti Porou) is a qualified builder with over 10 years’ experience in construction and project management. Originally from Gisborne and now based in Auckland, he is passionate about quality workmanship, efficient delivery, and building strong teams. He is a proud partner and devoted father.

 Jenny (Ngāti Maniapoto) is a professional and dynamic Māori wahine with extensive international sales experience. She is skilled in innovating and launching new products, with a focus on volume and margin growth. Passionate about health, safety, and reducing the global environmental footprint.

Raised in adversity, Renee (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Makino and Ngāi te Rangi) is now a dedicated barrister and mother of five, passionate about creating safer futures for whānau. With expertise in health and safety, family, and criminal law, she is known for innovative thinking and a commitment to making a lasting, positive impact for generations to come.