CJ is our Pou Ārahi Reo Māori (Lead Te Reo Māori Trainer) and a Pouako mō Te Kaa (Te Kaa Trainer), bringing his passion for Te Reo Māori to the Maurea team and our clients.

CJ came to Maurea from the education sector as a teacher of te reo Māori in bilingual units. His reo journey began over 10 years ago, when he decided to make a lifetime commitment to learning and using te reo Māori. He chose to further immerse himself in reo speaking environments by enrolling his children in Kōhanga Reo; and has continued their growth through to Kura Kaupapa Māori.

Through attending wānanga, surrounding himself with reo speakers, and always looking for ways to improve his reo, he has created opportunities for himself to teach te reo Māori.
CJ is passionate about all things Māori and enjoys the reciprocation of teaching and learning as a lead facilitator of the Te Kaa program.

CJ is of Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Wairere, and Ngāti Rangiwewehi descent.

Te Amohanga (Te Arawa, Ngai Tuhoe) has a Master’s in Applied Indigenous Knowledge and a Diploma in Governance & Leadership from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a Certificate in Māori Performing Arts from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and a Translator's License from Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori.

Te Amohanga is a lead facilitator on our acclaimed Te Kaa programme; and also heads up our translation team. His past roles have included lecturer, facilitator, te reo consultant, translator, policy analyst, investment advisor, audiobook creator and butcher.