Do you really think merit alone gets you through? Or have you seen how it actually works? That’s the gap. Results matter. But power decides. If you don’t understand the game… you don’t move. What moves are you making this week?

Ko Taranaki te maunga Ko Pātea me Hangātahua te awa Ko Aotea me Kurahaupō te waka Ko Ngāti Ruanui me Taranaki te iwi Ko Ngāti Hine me Ngā Māhana te hapū Ko Meremere me Pūniho te marae Ko Evelyn Fifield tōku ingoa (aka Energiser Bunny 🐰) Role & Organisation: Senior Change Manager, BNZ Alumni: BNZ Te Hōkaitanga, Cohort 3 Where I’m joining from: Whanganui-a-Tara Why I’m here: To connect with other leaders, lean into Tika, Pono and Aroha in how I lead, and continue my journey of continuous growth and learning. Favourite kai: Roast pork or lamb with all the trimmings. One intention for my Te Tihi Tapu journey: To be my authentic self and show up with courage and curiosity, even when I’m stepping into the unfamiliar. What will help me get to my next taumata (level): Remaining authentic to who I am, committing to continuous growth, and seeking out the next step in my career.

Kia ora e te whānau. Te Tihi Tapu is a deliberate pathway. "Ki te Tihi Tapu o Angitu”, climb toward your highest peak. Your definition of success. But this journey is bigger than personal growth. It exists to move Māori and Pasifika leaders to the decision-making table with mana, credibility, and authenticity intact. We have 7 Pou that guide that journey. This is not “fake it till you make it.” This is foundation first. You don’t change who you are. You upgrade who you are. You’ll revisit: - Tika - Pono - Aroha - Kawa - Strategy - Cultural intelligence Because strong leadership is built deliberately. If you’re the smartest in the room, it’s time to find another room. This is not a space for spectators. It’s a space for contributors. Te Tihi Tapu is a deliberate journey to the decision-making table grounded in Indigenous leadership as a superpower. If you’re here to grow, lets GO!

- Ko wai koe? (Who are you?): Ko Tongariro/Pihanga te maunga. Ko Taupo te moana. Ko Arawa te waka. Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa te Iwi. Ko Turangitukua te hapu. No Rotorua/Turangi/Tāmaki Makaurau ahau - Name (Ingoa): Ko Danielle Chapman (Dramatic Dan) toku ingoa - Role & organisation: Programme Administration and Student Success Senior Manager - Faculty of Culture & Society and Te Ara Poutama, AUT - If alumni: which season and whānau: Tenei Au, cohort 1 - Where you’re joining from: Auckland - Why you’re here: To further develop myself to better serve others - Favourite kai: Starbucks and poached eggs on toast - One intention for your Te Tihi Tapu journey: Learning and developing is a life long process and this will be another step on that journey to improve and grow - What will help you get to your next taumata (level): a set direction for my next steps and confidence to follow through.