Embark on a journey of transformation with Māori Earth Knowledge. Reserve your place for one of our courses and be inspired!
Our People
Dr Curtis Bristowe
Co-founder and Course Creator
A former tertiary lecturer, communications strategist, programme developer, and educator, Curtis brings deep experience across education, cultural leadership, and transformation.
He has served as an organisational programme developer, General Manager , and executive cultural advisor — always guided by the principles of Mātauranga Māori. His life's work is dedicated to Māori development and positive Māori success, empowering identity, wellbeing, and potential across the physical, mental, and spiritual domains.
Tribal Affiliations: Ngāti Porou (Te Whānau a Tūwhakairiora, Te Whānau a Hinerupe, Te Whānau a Te Aotāihi) Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi, Te Whānau a Kai, Te Whānau a Apanui.
Dorina Paenga (MMS)
Co-founder and Design Lead
Dorina, a Master's graduate in Management Studies, has extensive experience working with Māori tribal organisations throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand. She also gained international expertise in the Information and Communications sector during her five years in London, UK, before returning home in 2005. With over two decades of experience, Dorina has designed training programs, facilitated workshops, and presented at forums across the Māori sector. She brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to sharing Māori knowledge.
Tribal Affiliations: Ngāti Porou (Ngāti Konohi, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Horowai), Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
Te Tau ā Rere represents the sacred space between Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) — the realm where Māori Earth Knowledge is held and passed on. It symbolises the continuous, evolving flow of wisdom, ensuring that the teachings of the past guide, nourish, and sustain future generations.
Our Tohu (Logo)
Together, the koru elements form a living representation of Māori Earth Knowledge—a continuous cycle of flow, growth, and connection, where the wisdom of Ranginui and Papatūānuku remains ever-present, guiding the way forward.
Ocean Teal Koru
This koru symbolizes wisdom, movement, and wairua (spiritual essence). Like the ocean currents, it carries knowledge across time and space — connecting us to the unseen forces that guide and sustain life.
Land Orange Koru
This koru stands for stability, growth, and grounded transformation. Its golden hue reflects the light of dawn — symbolising clarity, nourishment, and the enduring strength of the land.
Transparent Koru
This koru embodies air, breath, and the unseen flow of life. It carries voices, stories, and teachings across generations — keeping knowledge alive, in motion, and adaptable.
Our Story and Vision
Te Ataakura Limited was founded in 2010 with the belief that today’s challenges cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them. Rooted in this philosophy, we draw on the timeless wisdom of Māori Earth Knowledge to meet modern needs with imagination, clarity, and care.
In 2025, this vision gave rise to Te Tau ā Rere – Māori Earth Knowledge, a global learning initiative dedicated to sharing transformative knowledge, healing, and leadership.
We remain committed to creating learning that is spiritually grounded, creatively inspired, and collectively uplifting.
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Our Values
Grounded in sustainability, creativity, and community, our values reflect the deep wisdom of Māori Earth Knowledge.
We learn from nature as our guide, fostering harmony with the environment and each other — inspiring connection, resilience, and collective wellbeing.
Wairuatanga
Honouring the sacred connection between the environment, our ancestors, and the universe, fostering a deep sense of balance, guidance, and unity in all that we do.
Pono me te Tika
Staying true and upholding what is right—for it is not just about the destination, but the journey itself, ensuring that every step is taken with integrity, authenticity, and alignment with our values.
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Manaakitanga
Caring, giving, and uplifting others—our courses are delivered with a deep sense of respect, generosity, and compassion, ensuring a learning experience that nurtures both personal growth and collective well-being.
Rangatiratanga
Leading with wisdom and guiding with care—recognising that true leadership carries a responsibility to uphold integrity, nurture others, and act in service of the collective.
Pito Mata
Nurturing potential and well-being—empowering others to grow, transform, and succeed, ensuring that knowledge fosters positive development and lasting impact.
