In 2021, our founder, Ella Sargent, began learning Māori at a local polytechnic. She quickly realised the challenges of learning a language in active revitalisation, particularly for those balancing professional and family responsibilities. Many learners struggled to progress due to lack of exposure and immersion—key components of successful language acquisition.

Determined to overcome these barriers, Ella launched the Manawa Māori Instagram page. Using technology and social media—tools many of us engage with daily—her goal was to break down common obstacles, such as limited access to classes and resources, by creating a supportive online space with frequent access to Māori resources and consistent feed exposure. Within the first year, Manawa Māori reached thousands across Aotearoa, with learners embracing our effective "3-5 phrase strategy."

In 2022, we began offering beginner Māori lessons to complement the free content shared online, which helped grow our learner community and led to the launch of our first product: emotion flashcards. This marked the beginning of Manawa Māori as a business. Today, our team provides courses, resources, and support to thousands of learners worldwide, dedicated to keeping te reo Māori thriving across homes, workplaces, and communities.