Josie Ruawhare

Kia ora! Kia orana! Ko wai au? Ko Josie Ruawhare ahau!

Born and raised G.I girl with ancestral roots in Morrinsville (Ngāti Hauā, Tainui), Kaikohe (Ngāti Kura, Ngāpuhi), and Aitutaki (the Cook Islands). I was actually introduced to the HEART Movement through my Aunty Katrina Makea and Uncle Joe Makea many years ago when they held a fun day in Maybury reserve. I went down and checked it out (it was the lure of the free sausage sizzle lol). Within the last 2 years, I’ve been popping in and out of HEART’s events & training sessions either catering for them through my kai business Kauri & Co or as plain old Josie interested in attending their free community training sessions! Which is what I love the most about HEART.

This is why I jumped at the opportunity to join the team as the new “Learning Lead” - Akoranga. Part of my role is to plan and organise all the training sessions that our community needs! I’m a huge advocate for wellbeing and all things mental health. I’m also a psychology student. I’m a thinker, I love learning and reading tons of books. Not to brag... but last year I did a reading challenge and read 201 books!!! I enjoy gaining any ounce of knowledge in general through practical or theoretical means.

I will teach myself how to make dishes that I enjoy on a daily basis when we eat out. I’ve mastered most pasta dishes, Vietnamese dishes, Japanese dishes, and I’m currently obsessed with vegetarian curries and plan to try and make my first palak paneer this week. Woohoo!

Words of advice?

Learn about your family history/whakapapa! Learn to appreciate it too! When I’m having a bad day I always remind myself that my ancestors made that long journey from Hawaiki for me to be here NOW. Make every moment count!

Ngā mihi, Josie 🙂