Freedom is an emerging leader in governance, bringing a fresh, dynamic perspective to her role as Trustee at Oranga Hīnātore Charitable Trust. Passionate about strategic development and community impact, she is committed to driving meaningful outcomes that align with the Trust’s vision and long-term objectives.

Fresh out of college, Freedom embraced a lifestyle in agriculture, where she discovered her passion for being a kaitiaki of our whenua through a Te Ao Māori lens. This journey deepened her connection to the land, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable practices and to a guardianship model that honors both tradition and innovation.

Her path naturally led her to Rongoā Māori, where she is currently a Tauira of Rongoā Tuku Iho Healing. Alongside her governance role, she fulfills the dual responsibility of Kaikawe Manuhiri, embodying the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga in her community engagements.

With a keen willingness to learn and a readiness to dive deep into her responsibilities, Freedom is dedicated to supporting the Trust’s strategic planning. She ensures that initiatives are implemented effectively for the betterment of both the organization and the wider community it serves.

As a young professional eager to grow within governance, she embraces innovation, collaboration, and integrity in every facet of her role. By valuing strong relationships, transparent decision-making, and a forward-thinking approach, Freedom significantly strengthens the Trust’s ability to create lasting, positive change.

Freedom is excited to contribute her energy, perspective, and unwavering commitment to the Trust, championing initiatives that uphold its purpose and vision for a thriving, engaged community.

He uri ahau noo Waikato, Ngaati Porou, Ngaati Rakaipaaka me te moutere o Niue. I tupu ake au ki ngaa rekereke o aku kaumaatua, immersed in te reo, tikanga, and daily practices of te ao Maaori. Te reo Maaori was the first language I heard, tikanga was the first law I knew, and our koorero tuku iho was the first education I received. These teachings weren’t just lessons, they were a way of life, woven into every karakia, every kai, and every koorero shared on the pae or around the marae

"Ka mua, ka muri."

I walk into the future with my eyes on the past, guided by the wisdom of my tuupuna and anchored in the legacy they left for us. This whakataukii speaks to the heart of my leadership, honouring those who paved the way, while carrying forward their taonga tuku iho with care and conviction.

As Chairperson of Oranga Hinatore Charitable Trust, I am honoured to hold the responsibility of guiding our kaupapa with integrity, vision, and aroha. Our mahi is more than governance, it’s about safeguarding the mauri of our taonga tuku iho - Rongoaa, creating meaningful pathways for our whaanau, and honouring the wisdom of our tuupuna in a contemporary world.

I lead with a kaupapa Maaori worldview that is unapologetically grounded in te reo me oona tikanga. My approach to leadership is relational and collective, drawing strength from whanaungatanga, listening deeply, and ensuring every decision aligns and is tika, pono, and out of aroha.

My passion lies in empowering rangatahi and whaanau to reclaim their healing and cultural identity through waananga, tuupuna koorero and connection to whenua and whakapapa. I believe Rongoaa Maaori is not just a form of healing, but a living expression of who we are, a pathway back to ourselves.

Ko taku kitenga is to see Rongoaa Maaori recognised and resourced as a taonga tuku iho, not just for rongoaa practitioners, but for every Maaori whaanau. It is a birthright, a calling, and a way of being. My vision is for future generations to walk proudly in their Maoritanga, grounded in identity, connected to wairua, and supported by systems that honour who we are.

Nikki is a founding member, trustee, and treasurer of Oranga Hinatore Charitable Trust, an organization dedicated to fostering holistic education and wellbeing through the principles of rongoā Māori. With a deep commitment to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embracing cultural diversity, Nikki plays a pivotal role in guiding the trust’s financial stewardship, governance, and strategic vision.

Beyond her work with the trust, Nikki is the owner of Rongoa Tuku Iho Healing Aotearoa Limited, a whare hauora based in the South Waikato, sitting in the heart of the Raukawa rohe. Through this venture, she continues to uplift communities by providing holistic healing, education, and pathways for wellbeing grounded in traditional Māori practices.

In addition to her contributions in the health sector, Nikki serves as the Chairperson of Te Apunga Paparamu Marae, having previously supported the marae as Secretary of the Te Apunga Paparamu Marae Committee for several years. Through these leadership roles, she helps uphold the marae’s traditions, strengthens connections within the Raukawa region, and fosters collective growth.

Driven by a deep passion for serving her people—her whānau, hapū, and iwi—Nikki has led and participated in numerous successful wānanga and community initiatives, ensuring each kaupapa reaches its intended outcomes. She thrives on collaboration, actively working with organizations across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions to support Māori kaupapa and Māori health kaupapa. Through these partnerships, Nikki assists in producing the best outcomes for communities, reinforcing the power of collective impact.

Backed by formal qualifications in Business Management, Business Event Management, Māori Business & Management, and other specialized areas, Nikki applies her expertise in governance, operations, and strategic planning to ensure sustainable growth and impactful initiatives. Her strong business acumen supports both the trust and her wider leadership endeavors, enabling her to navigate complex challenges with professionalism and integrity.

As Treasurer of Oranga Hinatore Charitable Trust, Nikki ensures financial sustainability, transparency, and accountability, enabling the successful operation of regular wānanga, educational programs, and community support initiatives. She is passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to reach their full potential through holistic modalities, creating pathways for education, training, and future employment opportunities within the rongoā Māori realm & Māori health sector.

Through collaborative partnerships and community engagement, Nikki works alongside fellow trustees to uphold tikanga Māori, inspire leadership, and cultivate a vibrant, resilient community. Her dedication to accessible education, cultural preservation, and lifelong wellbeing reflects the trust’s mission to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary for personal and collective growth.