Ko Hikuranga te maunga
Ko Waiapu te awa
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi
Ko Te-aitanga-a-Mate te hapu
Ko Whareponga toku marae
Ko Mavis Tamatea ahau

Mavis Tamatea is a proud Māori wāhine, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunty whose life and mahi are grounded in a deep commitment to whānau, whakapapa, and transformative change. A qualified Social Worker, Mavis brings an innate understanding of social justice to her practice, further strengthened by postgraduate studies in External Supervision. She is passionate about supporting fellow practitioners to maintain best practice and cultural integrity within their communities.

Mavis’ academic journey began at age 50, motivated by a desire to be a role model for her children and mokopuna, showing that higher education is always within reach. Now in her sixth year of study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, she is currently undertaking the He Waka Hiringa: Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge – a two-year programme that explores ancestral knowledge systems and the potential of pūrākau to foster holistic wellbeing and transformation for both whānau Māori and Tāngata Tiriti.

Her lived experience, including nearly three decades of marriage and shared whānau leadership beyond that relationship, reflects her strong belief in connection, resilience, and legacy. With support from the Hopefish Foundation, Mavis continues to break new ground – not only for herself, but for the generations that follow. Her aspiration is to teach, serve her community through Kaupapa Māori supervision, and pursue doctoral study.

Mauri ora.

Granted July 2025