Community Champion Spotlight: Ron Taiapa

Each month, Healthy Families East Cape shines a spotlight on a community champion—someone helping to drive positive, transformational change for the wellbeing of our people here in Te Tairāwhiti.

This month, we’re proud to put the spotlight on... Ron Taiapa.

A trusted maramataka expert and cultural leader, Ron’s deep knowledge of ancestral timekeeping and whakapapa makes his feature especially fitting for this Matariki edition, a time of renewal, and realignment with te taiao.

Read more below as George, our Healthy Families East Cape Practice Lead gets candid with Ron.

Ko wai koe, nō hea koe? 

I’m Ron Taiapa from Ngāti Porou 

Kei te aha?  

Good mate, kei te pai 

How did you get your name and what does it mean?  

That’s a good question, a very generational question that. I come from that generation where the game was assimilation, and so a lot of the Māori that I grew up with had very European names. My name is Ronald Ian, which is as Pākehā as you can get. Funny story, my nieces and nephews on my wife’s side are Pākehā, they asked me “what’s your name”? I said it’s Rongomai i whakairioratia, I then told them the story of Tuwhakairiora which they loved. Not long after this, we’re at a place and I had to fill out forms, a lady behind the desk asked my name and I replied “oh it’s Ronald Ian” my niece jumped in immediately saying “no it’s not – tell them your real name” and so, depending on the times and the people you are surrounded by you can carry a different name. 

What was your favourite story, book or movie growing up? 

I’m a huge reader, I read everything, from factual, auto biography, fiction – spy books, sci-fi, but my favourite – Raymond E. Feist's "Magician" series. The first major world builder. Check it out.  

What's one of the most special or memorable moments in your mahi, and why does it stand out to you?  

Hauhake – is the most special time. When seeing the faces of whānau harvesting their own māra, the thrill and excitement of whānau really makes it worthwhile. 

What is something everyone should know about your community? 

Something everyone should know about is an organisation called “Taiki E” which is all about the te koha economy, activating the youth and very Māori centric, great kaupapa, everyone should know about it. 

What legacy do you want to leave behind?  

Gardens. If we are instrumental in bringing back the home garden, I’d die a happy man. 

What is a good piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

Manners are always important, from my mum 

Who is a community champion you know that is awesome for their community? 

I can name a few; koro Fraser – living legend. Tim Marshall – works at Tauawhi, men against violence. 

Any final comments?  

Ngā mihi nui e hika