In the various spaces we navigate, it's natural to feel like we need to know it all, to be fully confident, or to present ourselves as the "finished product." But the reality is, many times we find ourselves in situations where we are still learning, feeling uncomfortable, or even feeling less than those around us. This, I believe, is one of the most valuable places to be—right in the middle of growth.

Turning up authentically isn't about having all the answers or portraying an image of perfection. Instead, it's about acknowledging where we are right now, embracing our vulnerabilities, and having the courage to say, "I’m still learning." It means being honest about our shortcomings, understanding how our past experiences and the lenses through which we view the world shape our current perspectives, and recognizing that as we evolve, so too may our beliefs and understanding.

We often impose expectations on ourselves to be a certain way, to fit into a mold we think others expect of us.

These inner pressures can easily be externalized, leading us to project these expectations onto others, as if they are the universal truth. However, more often than not, the real issue lies within us—our fear, our worries, our insecurities—that drives us to be something we’re not.

When we give in to these pressures, we do a disservice to our true selves. We start to create a version of ourselves that isn’t authentic, which can lead to internal conflict and even dig us into deeper holes of insecurity and self-doubt.

Recently, I’ve found myself observing these dynamics in various spaces. I see people striving to promote or portray themselves in ways they think they should be seen, rather than embracing who they truly are in those moments. But here’s the thing—people can often see through this. When we present ourselves inauthentically, it chips away at our own mana, and instead of building genuine connections or standing in our true power, we weaken the very foundation we’re trying to establish.

So, let’s remember that showing up as we truly are—flaws, uncertainties, and all—is not a weakness, but a strength. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we connect more deeply with others and, most importantly, with ourselves.

If we take this whakaaro on board as we enter Mahuru Māori, it's important to remember to turn up as your authentic self. Mahuru Māori is a reo challenge that began as a personal social experiment by Paraone Gloyne in 2014, designed to broadcast te reo Māori and normalize its use in everyday situations.

The essence of this challenge is to consciously use as much te reo Māori as you can throughout the month of Mahuru.

As you embark on this journey, take a moment to reflect on where you are in your reo journey. Whether you’re fluent, learning, or just starting out, don’t let worries hold you back—just kōrero Māori. The key is to embrace the challenge wholeheartedly, with all your imperfections and uncertainties. Remember, te reo Māori is not just about speaking a language; it’s about keeping a vital part of our culture alive.

Speaking and keeping te reo Māori alive is crucial. It’s more than just communication—it’s a living connection to our whakapapa, our tūpuna, and our identity as Māori. Every word we speak in te reo Māori is a step towards ensuring that this taonga (treasure) continues to thrive. It’s an act of resistance, resilience, and reverence for those who came before us, and a gift to those who will come after.

 

To support you on this journey, here are 10 tips to help you speak more te reo Māori:

• Kōrero Māori at Home - Start small by incorporating simple phrases into your daily conversations at home.

• Label Your Surroundings - Place labels in te reo Māori around your home or workspace to familiarize yourself with everyday words.

• Listen to Māori Media - Tune in to Māori radio stations, podcasts, or watch Māori TV programs to immerse yourself in the language.

• Use Te Reo in Texts - Send messages to friends or whānau in te reo Māori, even if it’s just a few words.

• Join a Reo Class - If you haven’t already, consider joining a te reo Māori class to build your confidence and skills.

• Practice with Friends - Find a reo buddy and practice speaking together, making it a fun and supportive experience.

• Attend Māori Events - Engage in cultural events where te reo Māori is spoken to surround yourself with the language.

• Use Online Resources - Take advantage of online resources, apps, and courses designed to help with learning te reo Māori.

• Be Patient with Yourself- Remember, learning a language is a journey. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

• Incorporate Te Reo in Work - Try using te reo Māori in your professional life, such as in emails, meetings, or presentations

• Join our Te Reo Maori Challenge on our website to learn new karakia.