Raising a League Star & Reclaiming Her Culture - Janelle Riki

From Perth-born Māori kid navigating identity, to business owner preparing workplaces for the next generation... this kōrero is deep, personal, and powerful.

In this episode, I sit down with Janelle Riki. She's a māmā, an educator, a business owner, and proud wahine Māori. 

She share with me her inspiring story about growing up in Aotearoa as a Māori girl in a world not built for her success and despite all of that, how she managed to create an environment for her tama to beat the odds and go on to become one of the NRLs biggest names today.

We cover everything from:
🧒 Her early years growing up between Western Australia and Rangiora
🏫 The challenges of being Māori in Pākehā-dominated spaces
🔥 The powerful influence of her Pākehā mum who always did the haka when it counted
🧠 The trauma our parents’ generation carried
📚 Why she started Riki Consultancy and the kaupapa behind it
👶 What it really means to raise a professional athlete as a māmā
📢 Why today’s kura kaupapa kids are changing the game - and why the workforce isn't ready for them

This kōrero is for anyone passionate about identity, education, entrepreneurship, and creating safe spaces to thrive.

Join us!