Mō Matou
About Us
Moemoeā / Our Vision
Tāne Mahuta NZ Limited vision is to “train, qualify and employ rangatahi to work on their whenua.” With over 40 years of experience in land-based industry – forestry and a Kaupapa Māori approach to training and employment, Tāne Mahuta has applied this method to overcome life's challenges for more than 450 rangatahi and whānau since its inception.
He Aha Ai te Mahi?
The atua (god) over the forests and lands, Tāne Mahuta has provided people with a customary right to work on their whenua under the mana of Te Waonui-a-Tāne. To improve the expectation that rangatahi can gain meaningful employment to work on their whenua, opportunities are provided for young people to train and work in their local area. As Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners, we work with local iwi, hapu, marae, community and government agencies to ensure rangatahi have the first opportunity to work on their whānau land.
Me Pēhea / How?
The LWYE™ Learn While You Earn™ model creates a career pathway with a Kaupapa Māori approach to training and gaining a qualification in the primary industries and other trades. The programme considers Hauora Oranganui (health and well-being) of tauira and kaimahi (staff) with our Kaihautū Pastoral Care service that removes barriers to working and learning. Through this approach, Tāne Mahuta is able to resonate with and understand many drawbacks rangatahi face in education and sustainable employment.
Our Founding Directors
Simon & Wini Geddes
Simon and Wini Geddes, a dynamic married couple, co-founded Tāne Mahuta in 2012, embarking on a transformative journey to empower rangatahi and uplift communities.
Wini Geddes is a multifaceted leader, leveraging her diverse qualifications and deep-rooted connections to Māori heritage to form the cornerstones of Tāne Mahuta's comprehensive approach. With accolades including NZIM CSM, PGDip in Psychology, PGDip in Business - Māori Development, PGDip in Education - Professional Supervision, and a BA in Māori Studies,
Simon brings over four decades of invaluable expertise and leadership in forestry. His extensive experience as a seasoned business owner has been instrumental in shaping Tāne Mahuta's strategic direction.
Starting their journey with the mission to "train, qualify, and employ rangatahi to work on their own whenua," Simon and Wini Geddes have steered Tāne Mahuta's growth from humble beginnings in forestry to a diverse range of offerings.
Whakapapa
Our History.
Tīmatanga / The Beginning
2012
In response to the alienation and displacement of Māori physically, mentally, economically and spiritually from their whenua, Tainui Kaumātua elder: Eru Thompson shared his vision with us, “to have the mana (authority) of the whenua (land) and ngahere (forest) returned to its people.” Eru inspired our founding directors to restore the mana of the people, to reconnect with the whenua, to censure the ngahere for better physical, mental, spiritual and economic outcomes for our future generations. Tāne Mahuta NZ Limited trading as Tāne Mahuta Trading Trust was registered on 22 November 2012.
