Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, nau mai hoki mai ki te kaupapa Real Talk.
I’m Tania Carr, and today in this episode, you are going to hear the absolutely inspriational story of Harlem-Cruz Ihaia.
Harlem took the stage at our Real Talk Mō Ngā Rangatahi event in Ahuriri in Napier, sharing her empowering story of her strong connection to her Māoritanga, her whakapapa, and how easily life can go off track if you are living it for others and not staying true to you for you.
She shares with us her entrepreneurial journey and how being aligned with and passionate about what she now does, has led to a sense of freedom and flow. She is right where she is meant to be.
Here is a whakatauki that Harlem shared with us on the night
E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.
I will never be lost, I am a survivor, for I am a seed sown by my tipuna from Rangiātea.
Here is Harlems story...
Harlem-Cruz Ihaia is the 2017 Miss Universe New Zealand, a passionate Kōhanga Reo teacher, Breatheambassador and a proud wāhine Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou).
“We can do anything, my favourite shoes are Red Band gumboots but also high heels so we can do both.”
Harlem-Cruz says her Māori heritage gives confidence in her identity.
“Believing in myself that I can do this. I’m Māori, my goal is to stand Māori in that competition to show the world this is New Zealand, this is Māori, this is us.”
Harlem founded Pūrotu, an organisation dedicated in providing the tools and environments for young Hine to stand confidently tall and proud in their own identity.
You can find Harlem on Instagram @harlemcruzz
Check out her work with Pūrotu on Instagram @purotu_flourish_to_beyoutiful
Read the full article on Te Ao Māori News here
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Check out the latest on our website here
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Love & light,
Tania & the Real Talk whānau xx
P.S. We talk about some triggering topics. If you feel like you need support, here is a list of contact numbers for you
Big thanks to @__lucysings (Vocals) & @
P.S. We talk about some triggering topics. If you feel like you need support, here is a list of contact numbers for you
Big thanks to @__lucysings (Vocals) & @itsmikeygeorge (Music Production) for the Real Talk Intro
Join the Real Talk whanau on Instagram @real_talk_nz
Join the Real Talk whanau on Facebook @realtalknz
Check out the latest on our website here
Join the Real Talk Email list to be the first to hear about our next events & news here!