Learn how and where it all began

Manawa Māori makes learning Māori simple with a learner-first approach—and we believe our journey resonates with many worldwide. Starting in traditional classrooms, our founder quickly reimagined what learning could be. Today, we help learners connect with te reo Māori in ways that fit modern life.

In 2021, our founder, Ella Sargent, began learning Māori and quickly recognised the challenges of language revitalisation, especially for those balancing work and family. Many learners struggled with limited exposure and immersion. To overcome this, Ella launched Manawa Māori on Instagram, using technology and social media to provide accessible resources and support.

Within a year, Manawa Māori reached thousands, with learners adopting our "3-5 phrase strategy." Today, our team continues to support learners worldwide, keeping te reo Māori alive in homes, workplaces, and communities.

150+

New course learners enroled in 2024

1200+

Completed learning sessions in 2024

6000+

Minutes spent learning with us in 2024

Ngā Ihu Oneone
Meet Our Team

Discover the benefits of learning with a team that intimately understands your needs and journey. Our ethos celebrates excellence and personalisation, ensuring every learner feels valued and receives the inspiring experience they deserve.

Ella Sargent

Founder & Director

Kahu-Rangi Watene

Verified Translator

Byron Belk

Translator & Interpreter

Ruby Meekma

Graphic Designer

Zara Alen

Toi Māori Lead

Ngā Kākano i Ruia
Who We Are

Since our inception, we've been nurturing the seeds sown by our ancestors while ensuring our experiences connect with learners of various ages, levels, and backgrounds.

Our motif encapsulates our story, mission, and vision: to protect, nurture, and foster the growth of these seeds. At Manawa Māori, we believe that everyone has the potential to learn and grow when they are empowered, supported, and inspired.

The mangōpare at the base of our motif symbolises the resilience and strong foundation of our community. The larger mangōpare above represents the shelter our platform provides, offering learners a safe and supportive space to grow. This open design reflects the abundance of our natural surroundings and the endless opportunities they hold. At the centre of the motif is the poutama, embodying the seed of knowledge that lies within every learner. It symbolises the journey of growth and the flourishing of knowledge over a lifetime. We appreciate that this journey is more than learning—it's about connection, empowerment, and transformation.