For Tamati, travelling to China was more than just a new destination — it was his first time leaving New Zealand. Coming from Kawerau in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, stepping onto a plane bound for China felt like a huge leap into the unknown. Yet it quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
Tamati is deeply proud of his Māori heritage and where he comes from. From the beginning of his volunteer placement, he saw his role not only as learning about China, but also as sharing who he is with the people around him. In classrooms, school halls, and community spaces, Tamati brought te ao Māori to life for his students — most memorably through haka.
Rather than simply teaching movements, Tamati took time to explain the meaning behind each action, the purpose of haka, and the values it represents: strength, unity, respect, and identity. His students were deeply engaged, asking questions and wanting to understand not just how to perform haka, but why it matters.
“They really wanted to know the story behind it,” Tamati shared. “Once they understood the meaning, it became something special for them — not just a performance, but a way to connect.”
What surprised Tamati most was how natural life in China felt. Despite the distance from home, he found strong cultural parallels between Māori and Chinese values — particularly around respect for elders, community, history, and collective identity.
“I felt really comfortable there,” he reflected. “There are more similarities than differences. The way people value culture, family, and tradition feels familiar.”
The volunteer programme also played a powerful role in Tamati’s personal growth. Before travelling, he described himself as fairly reserved. Living in China, speaking in front of classes, and representing both himself and his culture helped him come out of his shell. His confidence grew quickly — not only in public speaking, but in expressing his identity with pride.
“I’m way more confident now,” he said. “I’m better at speaking in front of people, explaining who I am, and being proud of my culture.”
For Tamati, the experience has opened doors he never imagined before. He now hopes to return to China in the future — whether as a volunteer again, or through work or study — to continue building the connections he started.
His journey is a reminder that the Hongi Volunteer Programme isn’t just about travel or teaching. It’s about exchange — sharing culture, learning from others, and discovering new confidence along the way. For young people who have never travelled internationally, or who are unsure if such a step is for them, Tamati’s experience shows what is possible with the right support and opportunity.
For future volunteers, China offers not only a chance to learn about another country, but also a powerful space to better understand yourself — your strengths, your voice, and your place in the world.
