In this episode, I sit down with Matekitātahi Rāwiri, a talented Māori architect through his practice Orua, following in the footsteps of his māmā, who was the first registered Māori architect in the world.

Matekitātahi grew up in Auckland, surrounded by te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, and now lives in Te Kaha with his own whānau. His story is one of creativity, cultural grounding, and balance —weaving te ao Māori into his mahi as an architect and into the way he lives as a pāpā and husband.

We talk about his upbringing, the mahi behind architecture, the realities of work-life balance, being a pāpā, tā moko, and navigating grief. This is a wholesome kōrero that beautifully blends design, identity, and healing.

We dive into:

✨ Growing up in te ao Māori

✨ The legacy of his māmā — the first Māori architect in the world

✨ Architecture through a Māori world view

✨ Being a pāpā and balancing mahi with whānau life

✨ The meaning of tā moko and self-expression

✨ Navigating grief

🔗 Join Seeds of Self: https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self

This episode is with my brother Pāpā Wharawera, someone I actually went to primary school with. After years apart, it's been a blessing to reconnect.

Pāpā shares deeply about his upbringing, being bullied by our own people, and how his journey through rugby took him from small beginnings to a professional career. But after a series of concussions and severe anxiety attacks, he made the decision to walk away from the game.

This kōrero goes beyond sport, we dive into the realities of depression, suicide, relationships, and healing. Pāpā also shares the daily practices and mindset shifts that have not only helped him recover but continue to keep him grounded today.

This is an in-depth wānanga with a brother who is in tune, reflective, and walking his path on what he calls “the see-saw of life.”

We dive into:

✨ Being bullied & finding resilience

✨ The early days of rugby & his professional career

✨ The turning point with concussions & anxiety attacks

✨ Depression, suicide & the healing process

✨ Navigating relationships & personal growth

✨ Daily practices that keep him balanced

✨ What “the see-saw of life” really means

🔗 Join Seeds of Self: https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self

📌 Mental Health Support (NZ):📞 Call or text 1737 anytime – Need to Talk?

#PlantingSeedsPodcast #BrotherToBrother #CommunitySeries #RealPeopleRealStories

This episode is a deep and powerful kōrero with my good brother Tom Hern. He's a filmmaker, director, writer, and above all, partner and father.

Our conversation is one of depth, vulnerability, resilience, and the hero’s journey. Tom opens up about his roots growing up in Christchurch, a pivotal incident with his mother that changed the course of his family’s life, living and working on his own at age 15, his battles with drug and alcohol abuse, and the full-circle moment of deep healing with his mother.

We also talk about a documentary we are working on that will be released next year!

If you feel called to take your own growth and healing further, Seeds of Self is an online community and extension of the Planting Seeds Podcast - it's a space for those breaking cycles and making changes in health, relationships, finances, and self.

🔗 Book 1:1 Call to Seeds of Self Here: https://calendly.com/raniera/seeds-of-self

Bali was the time of our lives! We let loose, partied, ate amazing food, scootered the streets, and met incredible people BUT above all, we poured into our marriage. Our intention was FUN, and fun we had.

But we shouldn't have went - that's what our bank accounts said anyway.

What made it possible was what we’ve been learning and integrating over the past few years: the power of vibration and frequency. We trusted that things would work out, and they did.

I hope you get value from this episode - Let me know if you want to see more like this, and if you’re ready to take things further, use the link below to book a 1:1 call or join my online community Seeds of Self.

🔗 Book a 1:1 call here: https://calendly.com/raniera/seeds-of-self

This is my second episode with Joe Webb, the creative mind and founder behind YOUKNOW Clothing. We’re very fortunate to have him on because he doesn’t do many interviews, even though he gets asked plenty - so Planting Seeds Podcast whānau, we are lucky!In this kōrero we dive into:✨ The story of YK Move and why movement matters✨ How YOUKNOW Clothing grew from printing tees in Joe’s bedroom to a full-scale brand✨ Running the company while working overseas in the UK✨ Scaling through content and collaboration with his best mates✨ How YOUKNOW evolved into YOUKNOW Media, home of The Morning Shift and PlayOn Sports✨ A more personal side of Joe, including challenges he’s navigating todayThis episode is a reminder that YOUKNOW isn’t just clothing — it’s community, creativity, and connection.🔗 Shop YOUKNOW Clothing: https://youknowclothing.com/🔗 Join Seeds of Self: https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self

This is the very first episode of a new segment I’m calling Grow With Me – a space where I’ll be sharing more of my personal journey, what’s going on behind the scenes, and the lessons I’m learning along the way.In this episode, I reflect on Hui Tāne and the recent kōrero we’ve had around men’s mental health and well-being. I also share a bit about what’s coming next and where I’m currently at in my own growth journey.More podcasts are on the way, and I’ll keep checking in to share honestly about where I’m at. My hope is that it supports you on your journey too 🌱If you're interested in the online community Seeds of Self or want to know more please use the link below to book a call or join the platform.🔗 Seeds of Self: https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self

🔗 Book 1:1 Call: https://calendly.com/raniera/seeds-of-self

This episode is a fluid and heartfelt kōrero with Connor Watene-O’Sullivan, a young tāne, pāpā, and partner from Te Hiku o te Ika who grew up immersed in te ao Māori through kura kaupapa. Passionate about men’s well-being, Connor is part of a movement creating safe spaces for tāne to connect, share, and grow through his kaupapa Circle of Brothers.

We speak about vulnerability, maturing as men in relationships, our connections with our pāpā’s, and the importance of physical and emotional well-being.

We dive into:

✨ The journey of creating Circle of Brothers (COB’s)

✨ Vulnerability as a strength for tāne

✨ Healing relationships with our fathers

✨ Maturing as men in relationships

✨ The link between physical well-being and mental health

BIG mihi to Hui Tāne 2025 for making this conversation possible!

🔗 Follow Circle of Brothers: https://www.instagram.com/circle.of.brothers

🔗 Follow Hui Tāne Updates: /hui-tāne-national-māori-mens-mental-health

📌 Mental Health Support (NZ):📞 Call or text 1737 anytime – Need to Talk?

This episode of the Planting Seeds Podcast is a deep and insightful kōrero with Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod, a champion of te reo Māori revitalisation and a leader whose life and mahi Kauwaka Ltd reflect the powerful connection between language, culture, and well-being.

Dr Tātere opens up heart-to-heart about his personal journey – from being born and raised in Australia to returning to Hawke’s Bay at 17 to learn te reo Māori. We talk about leadership, navigating the ego and responsibility, fatherhood, ADHD, and the role of te reo Māori and culture in personal and collective well-being. He also shares a simple act of service: reach out to 3 people each week AND be interested, not just interesting.

We dive into:

✨ Learning te reo Māori at 17 and its life-changing impact

✨ Leadership, ego, and carrying responsibility

✨ How te reo Māori and culture nurture well-being

✨ Insights on fatherhood and personal growth

✨ ADHD, self-awareness, and living with purpose

Loved this kōrero and I'm sure you will too - BIG mihi to Hui Tāne for making this possible.

🔗 Follow Kauwaka Ltd: https://www.kauwaka.co.nz/

🔗 Follow Hui Tāne Updates: /hui-tĀne-national-māori-mens-mental-health

🔗 Join Seeds of Self: https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self/about

📌 Mental Health Support (NZ):

📞 Call or text 1737 anytime – Need to Talk?

In this powerful and deeply moving kōrero, we sit down with Matua Phil Paikea, a true example of a changed man. Raised around violence and once walking that same path himself, it was a wairua encounter and the unwavering love of his wife that shifted everything.

Now, matua Phil has devoted his life to supporting tāne reintegrating from prison back into society through his kaupapa Safe Man, Safe Families. He shares practical wisdom and spiritual insight, helping men understand the difference between knowledge, comprehension, and wisdom.

We dive into:

✨ Phil’s upbringing and walk through violence

✨ The moment that sparked change

✨ The role of his wife and wairua in his healing

✨ Nuggets of wisdom for tāne on the journey of change

✨ A raw and powerful story of healing through consent and intimacy

This is one of my favourite episodes, not just because of the depth of Phil’s journey, but because of the hope and healing it offers to others.

BIG mihi to Phil, his whānau and to Hui Tāne for making thi spossible.

🔗 Follow Safe Man, Safe Families: https://safemansafefamily.org.nz/

🔗 Follow Hui Tāne Updates: /hui-tĀne-national-māori-mens-mental-health

🔗 Mental Health Support:

📞 Call or text 1737 anytime (NZ) – Need to Talk?

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Heemi Kapa-Kingi, a tāne Māori dedicated to shifting the narrative around men’s wellbeing.

We dive into the concept of The Māui Complex – a framework Hemi describes as the relentless drive Māori men carry to be competent in every area of life, and the feelings of unworthiness that follow when they inevitably fall short.

Heemi also shares the heart behind his kaupapa “Soften Up Bro”, a direct challenge to the outdated mentality of “Harden Up.”

Together, we kōrero about:

✨ Emotional intelligence and getting out of our own way

✨ How physical and emotional pain are often linked

✨ The impact of unrealistic expectations on Māori men

✨ Practical, simple tools tāne can use to self-regulate and reconnect

✨ Why softness is not weakness — but a source of strength

This episode is a must-listen for tāne and whānau alike — it’s filled with wisdom, compassion, laughter and tangible ways to shift from survival to self-awareness.

BIG mihi to Hui Tāne for making this series possible!

🔗 Follow Heemi Kapa Kingi here https://www.instagram.com/tautoru.media/?hl=en

🔗 Follow Hui Tāne Updates: https://www.facebook.com/p/HUI-TĀNE-National-Māori-Mens-Mental-Health-Wellbeing-Conference-2025

🔗 Mental Health Support1737 – Need to Talk?📞 Call or text 1737 anytime. (NZ)

This is the second episode with Papa Hone Harawira, and it hits close to home. In this kōrero, we dive into a kaupapa that we both hold deeply – Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Following Hone’s call for Hui Tāne, this episode gives insight into the why behind the kaupapa and the realities many tāne face today. Held over three days in Kaitaia, Hui Tāne created a space for tāne to connect, be heard, and begin to heal.

Planting Seeds was invited to capture these stories so those who weren’t there can still listen, reflect, and grow.

We speak into:

✨ The kaupapa and intention behind Hui Tāne

✨ The deep impact of suicide on whānau and communities

✨ Hone’s own personal mental health struggles

✨ The generational gap in how men deal with emotions

✨ Powerful reflections from 52 years of marriage

This episode is honest, heartfelt, and full of wisdom. If you or someone you know needs a reminder that they’re not alone – this kōrero is for you.

🔗 Follow Hone Harawira & Hui Tāne Updates: https://www.facebook.com/p/HUI-TĀNE-National-Māori-Mens-Mental-Health-Wellbeing-Conference-2025

🔗 Mental Health Support1737 – Need to Talk?📞 Call or text 1737 anytime. (NZ)

Welcome back to the Planting Seeds Podcast – and the return of Solo Sessions. These episodes are an honest glimpse into my personal journey, the things I’m reflecting on, and the lessons I’m learning behind the scenes.In this session, I take a trip down memory lane to 2016, the year I truly committed to the path of growth. It was the foundation for a life-changing shift in 2017, where I made the decision to go alcohol-free and plant-based. But as I’ve come to learn, growth isn’t always about adding – sometimes it’s about challenging what you once valued.We explore:✨ The beginning of my personal development journey✨ The impact of committing to change✨ Letting go of identities and labels to evolve✨ How growth shows up in different seasons of life✨ An invitation to reflect on the season you're inThis kōrero is a reminder that transformation is ongoing, and that every season has its purpose. I hope it supports you in honouring your own journey.🔗 Join Seeds of Self: https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self/about🔗 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranzrewiri/?hl=en

In this powerful kōrero, we sit down with Taurus Taurima, a man who chose a different path—and stuck to it. Raised in Flaxmere, Hawke’s Bay, Taurus stood at a crossroads: the army or the Mongrel Mob. When the army didn’t work out, he entered a world of crime and prison life.But his story doesn’t end there.We dive deep into:✨ His early years and life as a Mongrel Mob member✨ The moment he chose to change his life after prison✨ How he pushed through rejection after rejection to find a job✨ The turning point of working for free just to prove himself✨ Building Topline Construction—now employing over 60 peopleThis episode is a raw and inspiring reminder that your past doesn’t define your future. Taurus’ story is one of grit, determination and relentless self-belief.

This episode is a personal favorite – a deep and entertaining kōrero with my good friend, brother, and one of NZ’s funniest comedians, Joe Daymond. Beyond the laughs, Joe shares a real and raw insight into where he is in life right now and the challenges men face with mental health.

We dive into:
✨ Showing up authentically on social media & in real life
✨ Joe’s health & fitness journey and why it matters to him
✨ A powerful segment on men’s mental health – the struggles, the shifts, and what needs to change
✨ The life-changing influence of his younger brother
✨ His upcoming I Hope I Made You Proud tour and why it’s more than just comedy

This kōrero is real, insightful, and inspiring – a mix of deep truths, hard laughs, and valuable takeaways.

🔗 Follow Joe Daymond & His Work: https://www.instagram.com/joe.daymond/

🔗 Purchase Tickets: I Hope I made You Proud Show : https://www.joedaymond.com/tickets

In this vibrant and uplifting kōrero, we sit down withKelly-Aroha Huata, a wāhine Māori who radiates courage, positivity, and passion. Hailing from Ngāti Kahungunu, Kelly shares how the unconditional love from her parents shaped her fearless approach to life.

We dive deep into:

✨ How whānau and upbringing built her confidence and courage

✨ Being fearless as a māmā, partner, and businesswoman

✨ Her love for her people and whenua as the foundation of herOne Acre

✨ The importance of financial education and empowering Māori with pūtea

✨ How she uses her platform to spread positivity and practical tools for growth

This episode is filled with energy, wisdom, and insight – a kōrero that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to step into your own fearlessness.

🔗 Follow Kelly-Aroha Huata:https://www.instagram.com/_oneacre_/

🔗 Support & Purchase One Acre Here:https://oneacre.co.nz/

In this powerful and insightful kōrero, we sit down withRawhitiroa Bosch, the man behind the lens who has dedicated his life to showcasing the magic of Māoridom. More than just a photographer, Rawhitiroa is a staunch activist who uses his craft to amplify the voices of our people.We dive deep into:✨ Following tikanga but sending a clear message at Waitangi✨ The Hīkoi – when people marched from the top of the North Island to Parliament✨ The power of controlling the narrative✨ How this government’s actions have awakened the taniwhaThis episode isn’t just a kōrero – it’s a wake-up call. Rawhitiroa shares his unfiltered thoughts on activism, identity, and the power of kotahitanga in these crucial times.🔗 Stay connected and updated with Rawhitiroa and Toitū te Tiriti, follow the links below ⬇️

https://toitutetiriti.co.nz/https://www.instagram.com/rawhitiroa

In this rare and powerful kōrero, Hone Harawira shares insights into his journey as an activist, his mother’s influence, and his vision for the future. From the early days of Ngā Tama Toa to passing the torch to the next generation of Māori activators, this episode captures a different side of Hone that many may not have seen before.We dive deep into:✨ The impact of his mother in shaping his activism✨ The early protests in Aotearoa & the fight for Māori rights✨ The art of language and how words hold power✨ What really happened at Waitangi✨ Why a mokopuna-focused approach is key to moving forwardThis conversation is about legacy, resilience, and the ongoing fight for Māori sovereignty – but also about hope, healing, and the power of the next generation.

In this powerful and raw kōrero, Jase Te Patu shares how his upbringing shaped his purpose, from experiencing his father leaving at a young age to the deep healing journey through te reo Māori.

Jase opens up about:
✨ How toxic fuel drove him to seek external validation ✨ The power of words and how they shaped his identity ✨ Healing generational trauma through te reo Māori ✨ Why he is so passionate about supporting rangatahi ✨ His journey with alcohol, ADHD, and breaking cycles

Now leading Hauora Aotearoa, Jase is dedicated to empowering Māori rangatahi through holistic wellbeing and identity. His story is one of resilience, self-discovery and true inner strength.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Intro 3:39 Being raised by nan and koro 10:50 Developing in the early stages of life 14:54 The teacher who believed in me 19:15 ADHD & when dad left 21:55 Always seeking validation 23:30 Resorting to alcohol 27:47 Relationship with alcohol now 32:05 The strength to sit in the challenge 38:54 Suck it up, don’t cry 41:20 Healing with te reo Māori 45:38 Be comfortable being the only Māori 50:20 Tuning in and seeing other people’s mamae 1:00:10 Final words

🔗 Follow Jase Te Patu & Hauora Aotearoa: https://www.hauoraaotearoa.com/

Starting 2025 with this epic conversation with my good friend Byron Austin (byron.grows).

In this episode, we discuss how Byron got into food forestry, the projects he’s passionate about, and take a deep dive into him as a person and leader. We explore his mindset, how he addresses insecurities and what drives him.

I hope you enjoy this kōrero and if you do receive value, leave a comment below and be sure to follow Byron.Grows.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 Intro

5:30 Getting Into Food Forest

9:21 Saying NO

13:00 The Difference Between Garden & Food Forest

19:00 Food Forest Is The Vehicle

23:03 Addressing Insecurities

30:00 Just Take The Steps

33:30 The Best 10 Days You Had

39:55 The Food Forest Games

46:35 Your Whole World Is A Result Of You

51:25 The Hero's Journey

54:50 Planting Seeds

57:55 Final Words

In this episode, we sit down for a second kōrero with Papa Mark Kopua to delve deeper into Mahi a Atua and the transformative mahi happening within wānanga. Papa Mark shares pūrākau of Atua Māori, the art of giving and receiving feedback, and the significance of mauri as an anchor and purpose in our lives and kaupapa.

Papa also reflects on his journey as an artist, speaking about the connection between art and home, the gifting of art, and practical ways to overcome creative blocks.

This episode is rich with wisdom, exploring the hunger within Māoridom to reconnect with identity, the challenges we all face, and the beauty of moving forward together with intention and purpose.

Please follow Mahi a Atua here and visit their webiste here to stay update with upcoming wānanga.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Intro
2:44 Say the Thing
5:04 Listen Carefully & Don’t Reshape It
8:20 Mauri Is the Anchor
11:39 Mauri Moko
17:54 An Artist’s Home
19:17 The Process of Creating Art
22:40 Getting Through Creative Blocks 24:00 Mahi a Atua Mokopapa 27:25 Māoridom Has Developed a Hunger to Be Māori 31:00 Everyone Goes Through Challenging Times 33:30 Let’s Do This Together 38:30 The Shift of Tangaroa 42:40 The Moana Reflecting How I Was Feeling 43:40 Carry the Intention 45:45 Final Words