Tyrone Tangata-Makiri
Tyrone Tangata-Makiri first got involved with HEART in 2014 in his role at Auckland Council as Community Advisor on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) in Tāmaki. Being born and raised in Point England, working in Tāmaki was an aspiration for Tyrone. Since then his work and life have changed significantly. He is now a founding director of the company NoSix - a digital platform for creating authentic narratives. He has also recently becoming a father for the first time. Initially Tyrone’s understanding of the HEART Movement was that it was about ‘family stuff’. Since 2014 his thoughts and understanding of the HEART kaupapa has grown.
Tyrone attended a HEART training workshop presented by Peter Thorburn which he described as “awesome”. From his CAYAD role he knew about the community impacts of drugs and alcohol, however he still learnt so much from Peter. Tyrone participated in the HEART Leadership Course in 2018 and is grateful for the learning he did in this space and for the connections with other community leaders.
Tyrone is a big rugby league fan and he says that league has helped to shape his identity. Playing the game since 1997 with the Mt Wellington Warriors gave him brotherhood and tools for wellbeing. Socialising, fitness, focus and stability were some of the benefits he gained over the years. However he also acknowledges there were some unhealthy attitudes and norms around masculinity. Becoming a father to a son has made Tyrone reflect on this experience and he is now exploring the topic of masculinity with youth in Tāmaki.
Tyrone is a Change Agent and sees the need for change that makes healthy relationships the norm. “I have made mistakes and by accepting them it has made it easier for me to change. I think accepting we are flawed human beings, we can then begin the process of asking ourselves how do we pick ourselves up after we fall off the waka?” This sentiment shows Tyrone’s self awareness and why he is known for asking the tough questions. Tyrone’s aspirations for Tāmaki involve helping to close the inequality gap and raising the wellbeing of youth.
Kia kaha Tyrone to keeping it real on your journey.