Ko Mauao te Maunga

Ko Tauranga te Moana

Ko Matātua, Ko Takitimu ōku waka

Ko Ngati Ranginui, Ko Ngāi Te Rangi ōku iwi

Ko Ngāi Te Ahi, Ko Ngāti He ōku hapu

Ko Hairini, Ko Ōpopoti ōku marae

Ko Whetu Marama tōku ingoa 

Te nui o te Ahi, I te nui āti Hē 

Born and raised beside the moana, Whetu Marama grew up connected to her whānau, hapū, and iwi. She now lives on her whānau papakāinga in Hairini, carrying forward strong cultural roots.

With over 16 years of teaching experience both in Tauranga and overseas—including service in kura Māori and the Trades Academy—Whetu Marama brings dedication and inspiration to rangatahi (youth), encouraging them to explore and grow.

As Project Manager for  Te Ara Poutama – Living Well with Heart Disease, she champions a holistic approach to healthy living. Her passions—travel, rāranga (weaving), wellbeing, and nature—shape her open-hearted approach to life and to fostering lifelong learning and wellness.