Hui aims to build pathway for wa¯hine
Designed to network, learn, support, gain a renewed sense of commitment and rejoice in one another’s achievements, the annual Huihuinga Wa¯hine Ma¯ori Leadership Summit opens today.
Convened annually by FOMA (the Federation of Ma¯ori Authorities), the hui is a forum for the country’s leading and emerging wa¯hine Ma¯ori to come together to strengthen Ma¯ori economic outcomes.
Some participants have said in a world where wa¯hine can be undermined, the tides were changing and women were being recognised for being the backbone, often a lone but strong support system for the world.
FOMA chairwoman Traci Houpapa, named amongst the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in the World, says it’s about building Aotearoa’s wealth and prosperity.
“Huihuinga Wa¯hine reminds us of the unique role we play as wa¯hine in the community, and enables us to create a safe and secure space for new leaders to emerge and thrive,” Houpapa said.
After cancelling HHW 2020, and then again during this year’s alert level 3 lockdown, Houpapa said it was clear that Ma¯ori women needed to come together to revive, refresh and replenish.
“Our speakers this year generally reflect wa¯hine who have all been change agents and activists for te ao Maori in their own ways.”
It will include an array of 10 leading speakers from different arenas including business, education, climate change, arts and culture, law, science and sports.
“Speakers at this event are Ma¯ori women excelling in their respective fields.”
“They embody the qualities of mana motuhake and tino rangatiratanga. They speak from their hearts and mind on issues and experiences relevant to all Ma¯ori women.”
Presenters include CEO of Manaaki Solutions Ltd and CIC Rapu Mahi Karleen Everitt and Black Ferns captain Les Elder. Both say they are “honoured” to be a part of this year’s hui.
Elder said coming together was important: “If we are strengthened and confident, so too are our tamariki [children], our ta¯ne [men] and our households. That, in turn, grows stronger communities”.
“We are not just a piece of a puzzle or part of a story; we are front and centre.”
She was keen to learn from the other presenters and their differing skill sets and hoped to inspire the audience to connect and empower themselves to be their best.
Elder was excited to share her story with rugby and use her platform to empower other women in what is usually recognised as a maledominated sport.
For businesswoman Everitt, this hui is about coming together to form a strategy that can support women in a post-Covid world.
Ma¯ori have experienced a great impact from past recessions in Aotearoa, including the downturn of Covid.
“Wa¯hine are pivotal in our support systems. Coming together to create a strategy around that is so important.” Everitt said.
“Us women, we don’t do this for ourselves. Every woman we engage with in this dialogue, they are protecting and looking out for the future.”
The hui is being held at Villa Maria Winery in Manukau.