Jason turuwhenua

Meet Jason

Jason is from Ngāi Tūhoe and Rongomaiwahine and is our Year 8 Navigator. As someone who originally comes from outside of Whangārei, Jason believes supporting the rangatahi of Tikipunga High School to forge pathways towards their dreams is the best way he can be of service to this community that he has now made his home. His life is steeped in tikanga and te reo, so his entire approach to this mahi is guided by the philosophies of his tipuna.

Jason’s experience in the education sector includes working alongside children with severe behaviour issues. This has given him the tools to help rangatahi develop better emotional awareness and regulation. He has also worked as a journalist, an academic librarian and a pest trapper.

Outside of mahi Jason is a dedicated practitioner of mau rākau and rongoā Māori. He is also passionate about literature, gardening and hiking.