Koukourārata is Tāmati Cunningham’s place of belonging. This little place on Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand has had, along with Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), a significant influence on Tāmati growing up. In this thoughtful and informative talk, Tāmati shares the importance of the concept of "tūrangawaewae" - or "place of belonging" - in being our best selves. Tāmati Cunningham’s maunga is Te Ahu Pātiki, his awa is Koukourārata, his whare is Tūtehuarewa and his iwi is Ngāi Tahu.
He is passionate about normalising Ao Māori and the Māori language, and empowering rangatahi Māori voice.
Recently he was part of the group that created Environment Canterbury’s new Youth Rōpu; he is now one of the rōpu’s two manawhenua representatives.
Tāmati is also a Year 12 Head Student at Cashmere High School, and was involved with Student Volunteer Army’s UCan High schools programme. He loves waka ama, rugby and boxing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx