“One of the mantra we live by – and which is a constant source of optimism for me – is “he kakano koe i ruia mai i Rangiatea” – “you are a sacred seed descended from the highest heavens”
I met Te Rau Kupenga in Samoa a few weeks ago. I asked him what makes him optimistic.
Te Rau kindly shared his wisdom, "I am Maori – the indigenous people of Aotearoa (NZ). As an indigenous person we live with the context of multiple generations that we descend from and with a clear role, purpose and mission for the future. One of the mantra we live by – and which is a constant source of optimism for me – is “he kakano koe i ruia mai i Rangiatea” – “you are a sacred seed descended from the highest heavens”. It reinforces who I am, to whom I belong, and the sacred connection I have to those I descend from as well as who come after me."
Te Rau has held several senior executive roles across the New Zealand government, including Deputy Secretary for the Environment and Deputy Chief Executive roles at the Ministry of Education and Housing and Urban Development. Te Rau co-authored Mauri Ora – Wisdom from the Māori world.