Kia ora, My name is Atawhai & my fiancés name is Jacob.

We are both from Tauranga even though Jacob was born in Australia. We have 3 amazing tamariki – Kawana, Ariamai and Rangiwhetū. We also have a moko girl Marino that we take care of.

We like lots of sports including Rugby, Netball, League, Touch and softball. Our daughter plays Kiwitag and Volleyball for her school.

We like all sorts of music ranging from country (Jacob) hip hop, r n b, to the old school jams.

I work full time at Te Kōhanga Reo o Huria where I teach te reo Māori to under 5’s and do admin there also. Jacob works as a leading hand for Downer NZ as a water technician.

Our Māoritanga plays a big part in our lives from tikanga such as taking your shoes off at the door, not sitting on tables and doing karakia at kai time to spending time on our marae/clubrooms either helping out at working bees, tangihanga, hui etc. We are into our kapahaka which just saw our son be kaea for his roopu Te Tauranga o Nga Waka this year and they placed third in their regional competition.

We are definitely people of the moana, the beach is our go to over the summer holidays just chilling eating and having a great time. Jacob loves to dive and I like to eat what he brings back hahaha.

We are very involved parents that support our tamariki where we can by putting our hands up to coach or manage sports teams, being great taxi drivers or by attending events. We also believe in kids taking opportunities where they can and we just make it work.

Our little motto is “it’s about spending time with whānau and making memories”