Te Hui o Te Kakau heralds a new day for us. We are a collective of people committed to creating social change.

Our name was chosen by a Whakatōhea kuia with a long history of working for social change. Te Huihui o Te Kakau is a collection of stars. This constellation includes the stars known to some as Orion’s Belt. They are one of the groups of stars that tell us a new day is approaching.

The stars depict the handle of a tool. Together, the members of Te Huihui o Te Kakau are that tool — working to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Aotearoa.

The constellation is also known as Te Kakau a Māui. Like Māui, we take creative and novel approaches to solving problems — always seeking to help our people thrive. We take lessons from Māui — the playful explorer. We are haututū — curious, innovative and, always creative.

Shannon Hanrahan, Leuluai’ialii Catherine Poutasi, and Dr Tim Antric embarked on a new initiative to come together and create Te Huihui o Te Kakau.

Drawing on their collective expertise in te ao Māori, Pasifika cultures, public health, social change, and marketing, this dynamic trio envisioned a new way of working that could uplift the wellbeing of Māori and Pasifika peoples.

Our approach is anchored in authenticity, relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to creating a flourishing and equitable Aotearoa.