Natalia Wi – Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti
Ako Academy is a proudly wāhine Māori owned and operated business that was established by Natalia in 2021. They were established to meet the growing demand of supporting individuals and organisations in building and growing their cultural capabilities.
All of their kaiako (teachers) are wāhine. Natalia says “as a māmā, it was important to me to create mahi (work) opportunities for other māmā and wāhine Māori.”
The Academy is physically located in Te Whanganui-a-tara. This has contributed greatly to their success of working within the government and private sectors. They also deliver their services nationally online.
Being a new pākihi, they were recently supported by Poutama to help with their business strategy, rebranding, and upgrading their website.
Te Ao Māori is at the core of their business and kaupapa Māori is woven throughout every aspect of Ako Academy. The team provide a professional community of innovative, passionate tertiary educators recognised and celebrated with Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards (previously Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards).
To learn more check out their Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
