Watene Kaihau

Watene Kaihau

Cultural advisor and facilitator

Watene has over 15 years’ experience in teaching te reo Māori and tikanga from early childhood to adults and as a cultural advisor for various organisations. 

 Watene is a skilled Māori cultural advisor, facilitator, and storyteller with extensive knowledge and experience in Te Ao Māori, committed to fostering culturally inclusive environments across various sectors. Watene was raised in a Māori immersion environment, where the beach, river and forest were the classrooms. He is fluent in te reo Māori and deeply knowledgeable in tikanga Māori. 

 Watene has advised and led organisations on engagement with mana whenua, cultural ceremonies, events, developed Te Ao Māori cultural frameworks, and cultural learning programs as well as delivered tikanga and te reo Māori training to a wide range of stakeholders.

 Watene started here at National Library as a Kaiārahi in 2017 then became a Learning Facilitator for He Tohu, finishing here in 2019.