Whakatipu Wāhine Toa

In early November 2024, WISPA welcomed 18 Wāhine Māori from across the sport/physical activity sector to Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington for our inaugural Whakatipu Wāhine Toa - Māori Women’s Leadership Programme.

Developed and facilitated by WISPA’s Māori Advisory Rōpū He Wāhine Toa kei te Kokiri, the programme aims for mana enhancing growth in leadership and capabilities, that are innately within all Wāhine Māori. The programme aims to tautoko wāhine to step strongly into their rangatira space and pave the way for others to do the same.

The Wānanga was a unique experience for the Wāhine, and has created strong bonds amongst the rōpū. With invaluable support from the Māori Women’s Development Inc (MWDI), the wāhine now have access to mentoring sessions to continue their professional journey and assist them with their aspirations and plans.

Thank you to our Facilitators, Ness Mill, Erin Roxburgh, Chantal (Shorty) BakerSmith as well as Sarah Leberman & Pam Elgar for creating such a meaningful kaupapa, as well as our wider Rōpū including Mere Rangihuna, Sable Heke and Peta Forest. Thank you also to our supporters Sport New Zealand, MWDI and Foundation North.