The 5 most common mistakes non Māori make

and what to do instead.
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A practical, grounded guide

This is for Tangata Tiriti (all non-Māori residents of Aotearoa New Zealand, who belong to the land by right of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi) who are serious about growing their Māori cultural capability.

The Problem

Feeling awkward in Māori spaces

If you are honest, you probably feel a mix of worry, awkwardness and uncertainty every time Māori culture appears in your mahi (work). You care. You want to get it right. You want to show respect. But instead of confidence, what shows up is a tight feeling in your puku (gut) and a voice in your head saying:
“What if I mess this up?” “What if I offend someone?”“What if I say the wrong kupu (word) and everyone notices?”
So you stay quiet. You sit back. You watch others lead. And then you walk away feeling like you should have done more. Meanwhile, the pressure builds and the fear of “getting it wrong” grows bigger than the desire to get started.
If this is you, pai noa (all good). I see you. Many non-Māori feel the same way.
The Solution

Cultural capability is not about perfection

Here’s the truth: it does not have to stay like this. Cultural capability is not about perfection. It is about intention, practice and having the right tools. You do not need to be fluent in te reo or a walking encyclopedia of tikanga to show up well.
You just need grounded guidance, clear explanations, and a safe space where you can learn, try, ask questions and actually understand the “why” behind what you are doing.
Once you learn the foundations, that knot of anxiety eases.Your presence settles. Your confidence grows.And you begin to show up in Māori spaces in ways that feel natural, respectful and authentic.
When we know better, we do better.Maya Angelou.

Titiro whakamuri, Kōkiri whakamua.

Look back and reflect, so you can move forward.


Kiaora, I’m Donna

Of Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Pākehā descent, I work with open-minded businesses, teams and leaders in the corporate world who want to stop feeling awkward in Māori spaces and start showing up with confidence and respect.
As a cultural capability facilitator, I run practical, engaging workshops and 1:1 coaching that cover Te Tiriti, tikanga, te reo, the local iwi landscape and what it really means to build genuine relationships with Māori. I walk in both worlds and help others do the same, with clarity and genuine care.
My goal is simple: to support people to form respectful, reciprocal business relationships (and friendships!) that actually make sense in Aotearoa.
Mahia i runga i te rangimārie me te ngākau māhaki –with a peaceful mind and a respectful heart, we get the best results.
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We are for individuals, teams or organisations who want to gain confidence and competence in te ao Māori.
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M. 021 543 332 Hamilton, New Zealand