Ko Mataatua, ko Te Arawa ngā Waka
Ko Tongariro, ko Tihirau ngā Maunga
Ko Taupo-Nui-A-Tia te Roto
Ko Ngati Tūwharetoa, ko Te Whānau a Apanui ngā Iwi

Desiree Smith

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Whānau Apanui

Tēnā tatou katoa

I am a fourth generation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, I was raised as a Morehu.  This bought an understanding of my purpose and contribution within therea of oranga hinengaro. 

My purpose is to be a pikiora vessel and thus I am an extension of my ancestor’s work, which has helped to keep my pathway ora and has allowed me to be unapologetically Māori.

Desiree contributed waiata Māori, performed by her waiata Māori group, as well as performed inoi and karakia.