Unpacked suitcase was created by Te May Aroha Inc founders Nikola Mihinui and Raimona Inia. The purpose of the Incorporated Society was to assist with the perpetuation of Te Arawa history via the skill sets and passions of both founders. Unpacked suitcase very simple is a quick overview of what Te Mau Aroha Inc has accomplished since its establishment in 2015. We strive to provide quality, unique tailored programs based on life experience, drawing teachings from our elders and our own personal experiences.
The travel component allows us to retrace ancient Māori knowledge. In order for Te Mau Aroha Inc to truthfully disseminate teachings, we believe in deep research. To date we have successfully completed research throughout the islands of Rarotonga, Tahiti Nui, Huahine, Mo’orea, and Raiatea, allowing the testing of traditional Māori knowledge as perpetuated by tribal elders. The follow on from this exploration is to allow the newly found or tested findings to settle, before exploring where the new discoveries lead us. Ultimately the goal is the same, as we did with the book, ‘E Oho’, new information we discovered through out the Cook Islands we incorporated into the book for all to view, challenge and question. Overall to encourage robust discussions. This same approach we have maintained as we near the completion of a tribal book due to be launched in the near future.
Nikora Mihinui is from Rotorua with a dynamic lineage to the famous tourism entrepreneurs, the people of Ngāti Wāhiao / Ngai Tūhourangi who today still occupy the lands of the geothermal valley, Te Whakarewarewa. Nikora is an avid netball player, who enjoys the outdoors, family and is a passionate cultural ambassador with decades of experience as a seasoned performer at the highest and most senior level of competition.
Raimona Inia is from Rotorua and identifies as Ngāti Te Iwimokai and Ngāti Te Takinga, sub tribes of Te Arawa. He has an interest in history and like his partner has a fascination with travel and a deep love for their three kids. ” I love adventure and love exploring the world – in order to make sense of traditional knowledge, I think it’s extremely important to walk the sites, islands and areas that were once frequented by our long ago ancestors !’. An appreciation of all cultures enriches you as a person and makes me extremely proud – like my partner and kids to identify as descendants of Ngāti Ohomairangi, Ngai Te Arawa. The greatest explorers of the Pacific Ocean.
Unpackedsuitcase 