About Us
Aweko Limited is a Dunedin based company. We are a small, but mighty, team. We come from a range of backgrounds including business, teaching, and Māori studies.
We are bound together by a common belief that all New Zealanders have a responsibility to embrace an understanding of Māori culture. Business leaders are in the unique position to model this change.
“He waka eke noa.
We are all in this together.”
Our Mission
Our mission is to help businesses become familiar with and grow their knowledge of Te Reo Māori (language) and Tikanga Māori (culture), so they are better equipped to seamlessly work through various business scenarios.
“Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu.
Although it is small, it is a treasure. ”
Meet Our Team
Jill Mitchell-Larrivee
co-founder
Over the last 15 years, I have provided individual, learner-centred programs in a wide-range of areas. I began studying te reo Māori and education in 1990 at the College of Education in Ōtepoti.
A proud New Zealander, I trace my ancestry to Norway, the Shetland Islands, Scotland, and Tainui-Ngāti Mahuta.
I am an active advocate for Māori culture. I enjoy sharing the knowledge and values that have been passed on to me with tamariki and others in our communities.
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata”
Marie Jankowska
co-founder
I began studying te reo Māori in 2012 at the University of Otago, and later completed courses at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I have worked in a variety of training related roles, and I particularly enjoy working with beginners! Born in New Zealand, I trace my ancestry to Poland and the UK.
I believe we all must play a part in the revitalisation of te reo Māori, through our awareness, use, and support, of the language.
“Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku mapihi mauria”
Joe Morrison
director
I have 25 years experience in business startups including founding and currently being the CEO of The Tarn Group.
As a member of the Physical Education NZ board, I became aware that my understanding of te reo and tikanga Māori was non-existent. I decided to commit to a change, but was unable to find a training programme that suited me, leading to the development of Aweko.
I sincerely believe that business leaders need to engage with te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in a supportive non-judgmental environment that is responsive to their needs.
“He manako te kōura i kore ai”
“I’m excited about Aweko’s Foundation program. It’s supportive and non-threatening and based on building confidence. It’s been designed for anyone who cares enough to learn. A little bit of understanding can make a big difference.”