Guest Speaker Update – Tomorrow's Webinar
Due to unexpected whānau illness, Capt. Hana Seddon is no longer able to join us as tomorrow’s guest speaker. We send her our best wishes.
The good news? We’re thrilled to announce that Jody Hohaia will be stepping in as our guest speaker!
Jody lives in Ōtautahi and is proudly connected to her iwi, Ngāi Tahu. With 20 years in education, she’s been a kura principal, a leader in Māori youth development, and now lectures at the University of Canterbury — where she was recently nominated Lecturer of the Year. She’s passionate about communities wrapping around tamariki and creating spaces where they can thrive. Oh, and did we mention she once had breakfast with Barack Obama?
The kōrero:
We’ll be sharing ideas and resources for celebrating Matariki — tools and approaches other organisations can pick up and use.
Hosted by: Jade Hohaia – Te Uri Karaka
There is still time to register click the link above.
Come along and be inspired by Jody’s energy, wisdom and joy!
Jody Hohaia – Guest Speaker
Jody Hohaia is a passionate educator, community leader, and proud member of Ngāi Tahu, based in Ōtautahi. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Jody became the principal of her first kura at just 29 years old and now lectures in the Education Department at the University of Canterbury, where she was recently nominated for Lecturer of the Year.
Her deep commitment to tamariki and whānau is reflected in her many roles: she serves on the New Zealand Sign Language Panel, chairs Rukua te Rētōtanga, and sits on the boards of both Te Ora Hou (Māori Youth and Community Development) and her local school.
Jody holds a Master’s in Education and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education. Trilingual in Māori, English, and Japanese — and now learning sign language to support her hard-of-hearing son — she is a fierce advocate for inclusive and holistic education.
She has led outreach teams to Nepal and the Philippines, performed on the Te Matatini stage with Te Pao a Tahu, represented Aotearoa at the World Games (earning gold), and even shared breakfast with Barack Obama.
Above all, Jody considers her greatest achievement to be raising her three boys to love God, be kind, embrace nature, and become haka superstars. She brings positivity, joy, and an unwavering dedication to empowering communities through education.