At 25, Manaia Emery is stepping into leadership – for herself, her whānau, and the rangatahi (young people) in her community.
Born and raised in Te Awamutu (Ngāti Maniapoto), Manaia says her journey hasn’t been straightforward, but it’s shaped her purpose.
“I want our rangatahi to see that you can do something if you put your mind to it,” she says. “You can change your path.”
That belief led her to apply for the Tuia Rangatahi programme, where she is connecting with other young Māori leaders and growing her leadership through mentorship with Waipā District Council Mayor Mike Pettit.
Mayor Mike said what stood out about Manaia was her desire to be an inspiration and positive example for her whānau.
“Manaia wants to show what is possible when someone is willing to put themselves forward and commit to something bigger than themselves.”
Through the programme, Manaia receives one-on-one mentoring and attends wānanga (workshops) with rangatahi from across Aotearoa, building her confidence, knowledge, and leadership capability.
Her connection to culture is something she has only recently rediscovered, following the passing of her Koro (Grandfather) in 2022.
“My culture is my identity, but I’ve only just reconnected to it,” she says. “I was searching for my Koro… but in doing that, I found myself.”
Reconnecting with her hapū and marae has strengthened her sense of direction and desire to give back. Growing up, Manaia says she was shy and often hesitant to take opportunities.
She left school at 15 and faced significant challenges, including losing her home in a fire. Through it all, her Koro remained her safe place. Now, she draws on that strength to guide others.
“Being a leader is someone people can lean on, someone who can help guide others to a better future.”
She believes a lack of opportunities can leave rangatahi feeling stuck.
“There’s not much to do in a small town. People get bored, and that can lead to the wrong choices.”
Through Tuia, she hopes to inspire change by encouraging rangatahi to step outside their comfort zones and find their passions.
The mentorship with Mayor Mike is already challenging her to grow.
“He said to me, if you want to lead your people, you need to prepare yourself – your routine, your health, your mindset.”
Currently Manaia is studying Te Pou Hono ki Taiao, (Environmental Studies and Conservation Management) at her marae, Kōpua Marae, in partnership with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
The course focuses on supporting the wellbeing of both the environment and her people, Manaia adding the two are deeply connected.
“Look at Waipā - if the awa is thriving, the people will be too.”
Grounded in her whakapapa and driven by purpose, Manaia is determined to lead by example and help create a stronger future for the next generation.
