ABOUT TAMA

He uri teenei noo Ngati Koroki Kahukura o roto o Waikato-Tainui,
Rongowhakaata Te Aitanga-aa-Maahaki ki te Tairawhiti,
Ngati Haka Patuheuheu ki te whaarua o Tuhoe ki Waiohau,
Mai i te Moutere o Rarotonga ki Takuvaine, Kia orana, Meitaki,
Ko Karaitiana Ripaki-Tamatea ahau.

Fluent in Te Reo Maaori me oona tikanga, I grew up in Kirikiriroa fully immersed in Maatauranga Maaori through Kura Kaupapa and Wharekura. I graduated from AUT in 2014 and throughout my studies I was involved in the Tuakana-Teina mentoring program, and the Kia Ora Hauora Program focused on Maaori workforce development. I spent time in public health working as a physiotherapist at North Shore, Waitakere and Waikato Hospital delivering rehabilitation for Orthopaedic post-surgery; Musculoskeletal conditions, and Chronic Pain services.

I was privileged to play basketball nationally for Waikato and represent New Zealand in Waka Ama. I’m a full-time partner and father that is passionate about Kaupapa Maaori and Maaori Health Development in all shapes and forms. I have a strong interest in engaging with rangatahi Maaori through sports, performing arts, and career choices working in health. In addition to my clinical capacity in Ngaruawaahia, I work for Aki Innovations in delivering ACC rehabilitation in the community under the Training for Independence program.

Ngaa manaakitanga,

Tama