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Kaimanaaki
Neria is a wāhine Māori of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu descent, and her deep connection to the natural world shapes everything she does — from gathering plants to cooking and gardening.
Her curiosity about the world and its many stories creates a sense of wonder and openness.
Whether you’re learning about the forest’s gifts, sharing a meal, or hearing the stories of this land, you’ll feel the warmth of her knowledge and the joy she finds in connecting with others.
Neria is a skilled leader in Māori economic development and business program management with a strong background in designing and delivering impactful projects.
Having held key roles at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and ATEED, Neria has led initiatives that fostered Māori innovation, business resilience, and sector development.
She has a passion for creating high-quality, culturally grounded experiences that not only support business growth but also integrate Māori values into economic opportunities, ensuring sustainable development and lasting impact.
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Poukorero
Erana Brewerton, a respected kuia (elder)
of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu, brings over 40 years of experience in Māori language education and revitalisation, carrying with her a strong legacy of Māori female knowledge holders.
She is currently involved in indigenous revitalisation projects both nationally and internationally.
Erana was recently honoured as a Manutea for Te Ataarangi, which has been a major force in the Māori language revitalisation movement in Aotearoa.
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Co-Host
Aneke Griffiths brings a wealth of experience in luxury tourism and events management, having previously led Wings Over Whales Kaikōura, a premier whale-watching and scenic flight company.
With a strong sense of authentic marketing and a deep passion for creating exceptional experiences, Aneke now focuses on delivering high-end, curated moments at Velskov.
Her approach combines good design, an understanding of quality tourism, and a dedication to showcasing the best of New Zealand's natural beauty and cultural offerings.
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Co-Host, Botanical Artist, Forager and Forest Farmer
Mamakan (indigenous Norse: Kimbri, Daner, and Frisii Tribes) is a botanical installation artist and the founder of Velskov, a natural forest farm in Auckland, New Zealand.
With a deep passion for nurturing forests and vibrant local communities, Mamakan is especially interested in innovative conservation initiatives.
She is dedicated to creating sustainable financial models for conservation, including forest farming and regenerative tourism.