He uri tēnei nō te rerenga wairua, ā, whakawhiti atu rā i te moana nui a Kiwa ki te moutere o Aitutaki, tēnei iti pioke e mihi ana.
Inā te kaha o tēnei rangatira e ngākau nui ana ki tōnā hāpori o Tāmaki ki raro, tekau tau ia e noho ana hei kaimahi hauora matanui, hei kaitiaki mō ā tātou taonga Māori hoki. He tangata ngākau nui ana ki Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga, a, ko ngā mahi a Tānerore, a Hinerēhia anō hoki. Hei ōna wā whakatā ka noho mārie ia me ōna whānau ki tōna whenua taurikura, e wānanga ana, e puku katakata ana, e tangi hotuhotu ana, e waiata ana. Ka rongo hoki i te namunamuā o ngā taonga a Tangaroa, a ngā tai a Whitireia, a Rehua anō hoki. Ko te waina pai hei kīnaki kia tau.
Thomas is a proud descendent from the far north where the spirits converge, and his lineage spreads across the pacific ocean to the beautiful island of Aitutaki, situated in the Cook Islands.
Thomas has a rich background in Māori health, working in health promotion, public health, as well as a cultural advisor. He has been serving South Auckland communities for the past 10 years.
He is a passionate advocate for te reo Māori (me ōna tikanga) and this passion also extends into his love for Māori performing arts. In his downtime, you will find Thomas hidden on a remote beach in the winterless north with close friends and family having a good laugh, reminiscing, crying, as well as a wailing jam session. All the while, he’ll be dining on delightful delectable’s provided by the generous northern tides and a good Pinot Gris.