About us
Mā Whero Education is a collective of educators passionate about learning, teaching and our culture..
We have extensive experience in the education sector. We can offer tailored hīkoi (walks), multi-day tours, and professional development opportunities customised for various groups; Students & educators, travellers, corporate workplaces or other interested groups. Select from our purposefully crafted tours, or we can customise a tour that aligns with your topic area.
Our Guiding Values
NGĀ MĀTĀPONO
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Whānaungatanga
We believe in building and developing real connections in the community to ensure an authentic learning experience. We seek to empower the indigenous narratives in all locations that we visit.
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Mātauranga
Education and local knowledge is what we excel at. We will collaborate with your team and our network of local contacts to create a unique experience that meets your learning needs.
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Manaakitanga
We have extensive experience managing and operating groups of all ages and abilities. The health and safety of your group is our highest priority.
''I love the mahi you are all doing in bringing back the narrative as Māori connecting to Pasifika as well. You are all continuing on with the mahi our tūpuna did before us. Carrying on with the legacy.'' Ngā mihi mahana!
''The facilitators were awesome, I loved the content of knowledge you imparted, the thoughtful delivery and the beautiful respectful tone of the overall experience. My wairua was lifted, ka nui te mihi ki a koutou.''
'Ka rawe tō mahi, the knowledge and confidence of the tour guides was really inspiring, and seeing evidence of the mahi that has gone on to help revitalise and care for the maunga highlights the importance of the mahi that Mā Whero Education and others are doing. ''Ngā mihi nui kōrua.
Meet The Team
NGĀ KAIMAHI
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Kelly Pihema Berridge
Managing Director
Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Kai Tahu
MProfStuds, BA, BCom
Kelly is an entrepreneur, business owner and intercultural educator. As a student, Kelly lived abroad in Asia, South America and Europe where she became fluent in multiple languages and found her passion for travel and intercultural learning.
Kelly has built many connections from her experience in working within government, not-for-profit organizations and in study abroad. She enjoys playing softball on the weekends, serving in her local community church and resides in Auckland with her husband and two young children.
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Ashley Pihema
Director of Education
Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Kai Tahu
GradDipTchng, BA
Creative, educator and entrepreneur. Ashley has spent a decade in the education sector, teaching in the classroom, building a faculty, and integrating Māori language and culture into her school community. She has extensive experience in curriculum and resource design, and delivering professional development.
Ashley is committed to developing cultural capabilities and creating learning opportunities that foster socially progressive outcomes. Married to Ambrose, they have two young children and live in Auckland, NZ.
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Deborah Leilua
Programme Manager
Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua (Waikato-Tainui), Fusi & Papasataua (Samoa), Vava’u
MA, PGDip, GradDipTchng, BA
Deborah is an explorer, educator, and a life-long learner. She has held key roles in both Secondary and Tertiary settings including the University of Auckland, secondary schools throughout Auckland, the Ministry of Education, NZQA and overseas. Deborah is deeply committed to incorporating indigenous and Pacific worldviews within her teaching pedagogy.
She is an active community member, mentoring youth and also attending reo classes at Papakura Marae. Passionate about CrossFit and keeping active, she also enjoys exploring both Aotearoa and the wider world.
To Act as a Guardian
MĀ WHERO IS ALIGNED WITH THE TIAKI PROMISE