Tō Mātou Tangata | Our People - Teina Te Rata-Williams

Our incredible Teina is heading off soon on maternity leave, but, before she does we want to show her off because we are going to miss her greatly and this is our last chance to do so for a while. Teina joined us in May of 2023 as a Solicitor and after contributing significantly in a number of areas, was promoted to Senior Solicitor. Teina has been repeatedly acknowledged for her incredible contribution to the culture and the 'vibe' of Te Ohu Kaimoana - injecting her personality into everything and has also kept us on our toes and in tune for our waiata practices. She also does not enjoy any form of limelight at all, which just speaks to her character even further that she agreed to do this.

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Pepeha

Ko Ruahine te maunga

Ko Oroua te awa

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Kauwhata te marae

Ko Tahuriwakanui te hapu

Ko Ngāti Kauwhata te iwi

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Tell us a bit about your childhood and where you grew up?

I was born and bred in Wellington. Growing up I spent a lot of time enjoying all that Wellington has to offer; eating out, arts and events, Oriental Bay, secondhand shopping and frequent trips to the Manawatū to spend time with the family.

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What inspired or led you to the career path that you are now on?

My whānau.

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How did you end up working within Māoridom, and was that always an aspiration?

The primary reason that I wanted to study law was to help my whānau. I wasn’t sure which area of law I wanted to practice, only that I knew it would need to be for the benefit of Māori. I had various aunties encouraging me to take the legal path that they thought would best help our whānau.

One aunty saved up newspaper clippings relating to Waitangi Tribunal hearings telling me “you could do that bub”. I started mahi at the Waitangi Tribunal not long after graduating and have worked within Māoridom since.

What are the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of working for a Māori organisation?

The most rewarding aspect of working for a Māori organisation is the notion that my mahi is contributing towards advancing Māori interests. That I get to do my mahi alongside a likeminded rōpū is even better. With that in mind, no challenge faced seems too big to overcome alongside my work friends.

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What project or piece of work have you been involved in or led that you are most proud of?

I enjoy any mahi where I get to work directly with iwi. Seeing the effort that people put in to benefit their whānau is amazing, and getting to be part of that journey always makes me proud.

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What is the best piece of advice you’ve received (career or otherwise)?

Acknowledge and use the work that came before you to benefit those who will come after you.

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Quick fire pātai: Currently...

Reading: Lessons in Chemistry

Watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Listening to: Te Pae Kahurangi

Dreaming of travelling to: Japan

Wanting to eat: Chocolate (literally any form)

Wanting to drink: Just a glass of cold water