Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Today we profile Joe Harawira, Kaihautu – Te Kotahitanga
Name: Mark Joseph Hohepa Harawira (Joe).
Position: Kaihautu – Te Kotahitanga/Manager Strategic Partnerships, National Office.
Before the tā moko
At work…
What kind of things do you do in your role?
I support Treaty Settlements Unit, professional development (Te Pukenga Atawhai), help with Te Reo translations, waiata sessions, Tikanga Māori-Protocols for the department, storytelling, mentoring, international engagements, and keynote speaking….
What is the best part about your job?
I love meeting and sharing with staff whom attend our Te Pukenga Atawhai kaupapa. So many talented people.
After the tā moko
What is the hardest part about your job?
Ummmmmm….Saying NO!
What led you to your role in DOC?
24 years in Education. I was a teacher in Immersion Māori school in a past life, transitioning into Advisory-Māori role with the Hamilton Teachers’ College. It was time for a change. I have been with the department since 2000, firstly as a Kaupapa Atawhai Manager in the Waikato Conservancy, and now based out of National Office.
What was your highlight from the month just gone?
Te Pukenga Atawhai at Whakatu Marae in Nelson, and seeing the recent Pou Tairangahau appointees at work.
The rule of 3…
3 loves
My mokopuna.
My mokopuna.
My mokopuna.
3 pet peeves
Not being able to spend more time with my mokopuna.
Not being able to spend more time with my mokopuna.
Not being able to spend more time with my mokopuna.
3 foods
Kina paua oysters, (oh! The pain….gout for those not so afflicted), whitebait, koura….ooops…can’t count.
3 favourite places in New Zealand
Whakatane.
Anywhere in Karas country, West Coast – South Island.
Moutohora – Whale Island.
Favourite movie, album, book
Movie: I like the Spaghetti Westerns.
Album: The Eagles, America, Doobie Brothers, and Luther Van Dross.
Book: All of the Wilbur Smith line.
Storytelling in Kakadu and the Outback
Deep and meaningful…
What piece of advice would you tell your 18 year old self?
You needn’t have sculled those quart bottles of Waikato so quickly at varsity!
Who or what inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by humble people because they are peaceful warriors (duality at work here).
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A millionaire…. in all humility.
And now, if you weren’t working at DOC, what would you want to be?
A millionaire…. in all humility.
What sustainability tip would you like to pass on?
Recycle your old ways of thinking and doing things in preparation for a very different future (not sure if that answers the question, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!).
Which green behaviour would you like to adopt this year—at home? At work?
A vege garden at home and eating more greens for lunch at work….mmmmm!
If you could be any New Zealand native species for a day, what would you be and why?
I would like to be a whale as both my parents have stories about the whale.
What piece of advice or message would you want to give to New Zealanders when it comes to conservation?
Kia kotahi mai ki te ao nei
Be as ONE with the Universe
Kia kotahi mai ki te whenua nei
Be as ONE with Mother Earth
Kia kotahi mai ki te wairere nei
Flow as ONE with the sacred waters
Kia kotahi mai ki te hauora
Breathe as ONE with the winds
Kia kotahi mai nga iwi katoa
Let us be as ONE in conservation
Patuki tahi nga Manawa e
Let our hearts beat as ONE in unison with Mother Earth
