Mā Whero Education is a collective of educators passionate about learning, teaching and our culture..

With extensive experience in the education sector, we've established this organisation to provide individuals with a profound insight into Aotearoa through a Māori lens. 

We can offer tailored hīkoi (walks), multi-day tours, and professional development opportunities customised for various groups;  

  • Students & educators  
  • Travellers  
  • Corporate workplaces 
  • Other interested groups 

Select from our purposefully crafted tours, or we can customise a tour that aligns with your topic area.

Our Guiding Values

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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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.

  • 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 a young daughter, and another pepī on the way. 

  • 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.