Ngāti Rangitihi, Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tarawhai

Amanda/ Mandē Rongomaiwahine is a mother, artist, and performer, she grew up in a small town (Kawerau) surrounded by her whānau, hapū, iwi.

Amanda has fulltime experience in caregiving for people with Autism and is a Pouako at Te Rito ō Rotowhio (National Weaving School). Amanda holds multiple BA and postgrad degrees, a previous teacher for Te Wānanga-ō-Raukawa, and weaving tutor at Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Amanda was fortunate to be raised by healers within a Wharepora. Amanda is a passionate Kairaranga, her foundations contributed from a legacy of weavers from within her whānau, hapū and iwi.

Amanda acknowledges all the privileges, teachings, and contributors from multiple kairaranga, kaumatua over the years in Te Arawa, who have had a profound impact to her knowledge base.

Amanda continues to promote the importance of Te Ao Māori within education and balances the duality of her skills between upholding traditional practices and exploring contemporary practices.

Amanda is a reflection, of all the knowledge, investment and contributors that has come before her.