Kaimahi Kōrero: Waimarie Rewiri-Beck

Waimarie Rewiri-Beck started at Whai Rawa as an intern as part of the 2023-2024 Summer Internship Programme. A rising star in her own right, Waimarie was offered a permanent role as the Whai Rawa Communications and Marketing Assistant primarily working with the team on activating Te Tōangaroa.

Waimarie didn't always envision a career pathway leading her to Whai Rawa. She studied Criminology and Māori Development at the University of Auckland, as she had a natural fascination for understanding people and exploring the complexities of social justice and Aotearoa's criminal justice system. Added to this, she had studied Christian Ministries straight out of high School at Equippers College.  But it was a chance encounter with an internship opportunity at Te Tōangaroa that set her on a new path.

"I saw the internship advertised and just applied without any expectations," Waimarie recalls. A hui with Whai Rawa’s Hariata Ngatai sealed the deal, and soon she found herself immersed in the world of comms and marketing. Waimarie’s role has revolved around Te Tōangaroa, the first tangata whenua urban precinct, situated at the eastern end of the City Centre. She prepares the Te Tōangaroa e-pānui and works with whānau pakihi Ara Media to manage and build the social media channels, sometimes even starring in the content! Waimarie is responsible for the planning and execution for all its events including the popular raumati series.

“I think about the type of events I like and the people I work with would enjoy!” she laughs. “Everyone loves a real fruit ice cream, so we organised a day to give away free real fruit ice cream which was the perfect way to get people out into the park on a hot summer’s day. Quiz nights are always a hit with people too, so we organised collaborations with Yard Bar and Eatery to host quiz nights.”

The vision for Te Tōangaroa is to create a place that brings people together to gather for kai, enjoy lively events and to celebrate the unique connection that the hapū has with the whenua. Since taking on the role, Waimarie has seen the surge in community engagement, both at events and across their social media platforms. "It's been amazing to see the growth over the past six months, from when we first started building the precinct and feeding its personality," she beams. "We're reaching more people and really fostering a sense of belonging.

"It’s especially rewarding to see the park full of people during the summer, or even just when people are coming out of their offices for lunch rather than sitting at their desks.

“We are one of the few places that has green space in the city, and we want to see people enjoying what Te Tōangaroa has to offer.”

More than just a job, working for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is a source of immense pride for Waimarie. "It's incredibly rewarding to contribute to the hapū and its aspirations," she says. This dedication stems from her upbringing, with a mother who has worked tirelessly for the hapū at Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura.

When she does manage to find some free time amidst her busy schedule, Waimarie enjoys a day at the beach with her friends and cousins, reading a new book or at Church. 

Looking ahead, Waimarie is keen to continue to grow the community vibe in Te Tōangaroa and hopes that now that Te Tōangaroa has received official name recognition that it will further entrench the name in the city and support our goal to restore the ingoa.