Haumanu Collective is honoured to whakawhānaunga with Eli Maiava (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Poutini Kāi Tahu), who steps into the role of General Manager. Eli’s appointment signals our shared vision for cultural revitalisation, community leadership, and the resurgence of taonga pūoro across Aotearoa and beyond.
Whakapapa & Leadership Roots
Eli hails from the iwi of Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Poutini Kāi Tahu—tribal affiliations that bring both ancestral wisdom and a deep connection to the taiao of the South Island.
As the Founder and Kaiwhakahaere of Whare Manaaki o Te Tai Poutini in Māwhera, Eli has shaped a kaupapa-centred sanctuary where whānau of all backgrounds come together to reclaim their identity, share taonga tuku iho and foster community. Her hands-on, whānau-centred approach continues to cultivate confidence, self-sufficiency, and generosity within her communities—a testament to her leadership and manaakitanga.
Joining Haumanu Collective
Eli is a passionate taonga pūoro practitioner, utilising taonga pūoro in cultural celebrations, community education, rōngoa Māori, and general well-being practices. She now brings her strengths in community mobilisation, governance, and kaupapa-driven action to Haumanu Collective as General Manager. With Haumanu’s mission to revive, teach, and share taonga pūoro—and amplify their healing, artistic, and cultural power—Eli’s experience and vision are a perfect match.
We are excited for the direction Eli will bring: combining her depth of leadership with Haumanu’s Pou framework—Governance & Operations, Advocacy & Communication, Sound & Playing, and Growth—to elevate our collective impact.
Haumanu Collective’s Vision Forward
As General Manager, Eli will guide our strategy to:
- Strengthen operational governance rooted in tikanga Māori.
- Champion cultural advocacy and communications that amplify taonga pūoro.
- Support rangatahi-led taonga pūoro practice and performance.
- Explore growth opportunities for Haumanu that uphold sustainability and cultural excellence.
Ngā mihi nui ki a Eli—your path of nurturing whenua, nurturing people, and bridging cultural legacy with innovation is a rich, living foundation for this new chapter at Haumanu.
Welcome aboard. Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui.
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