Maori Concepts Used For Self Development Overseas
Innovative Maori entrepreneur Hirini Reedy is generating a growing overseas client list by combining Maori concepts with
modern life skills. Using internet technology, he is creating digital books and multimedia products that are downloaded
over the internet. He explains,
“Most of my clients come from overseas such as USA, Europe, Germany, Italy, UK, Holland, Canada and Australia. My
initial products revolved around integrating Maori warrior disciplines with self-development practices. This was what
clients were attracted to. So I gave them what they wanted. Then I started to niche the information to serve different
market needs. Management. Strategy. Marketing. Personal Protection. I don’t really target the NZ market cause we tend to
undervalue our own information. So I have just concentrated on overseas markets at this stage. Now there are offers to
do speaking tours, workshops and joint ventures overseas.
A former NZ Army officer who went through the elite military college Duntoon in Australia, Hirini believes in clarity
and simplicity.
“Clients do not need to speak Maori to get the lesson of my teachings. They just want the essential how-to explanations,
not all the other stuff that can confuse the core message. So I have really distilled what I believe are the essential
truths without all the fluff. Many Maori concepts derive from a nature inspired logic. So it makes sense to people
overseas.”
In New Zealand, Maori culture is still largely seen as a performing arts culture. Yet very little is known about using
the Maori culture as a way of self development. Hirini explains.
“Within the Maori language, words have various meanings which can lead to greater insight. For example the word haka
commonly means war dance. Yet the word Ha means breath. Ka means to ignite. The word Haka means ignite the breath. This
broadens its possibilities from just being a war dance. For example I don’t emphasis too much the warrior hype of the
haka. The aggression. The fierce energy. That is just a 5 minute performance. What about the other 23 hours 55 minutes
of the day? How is the haka making you a better person? A better father or husband? It is about the sustained focussing
of your energy rather than the quick flash. It is about transformation rather than performance ”.
Hirini believes that New Zealanders should grasp the potential of the Maori as a way of self development as well as
nation-building.
“There is opportunity to cross-pollinate the spirituality of the Maori with the pragmatism of the Pakeha. Overseas
people love this mix of the spiritual and the practical. When you combine the natural richness of the New Zealand
landscape, you have a winning formula. Then add in the other cultures. Polynesian. Asian. Middle Eastern. This is where
New Zealand can become a world leader in modern nation building. Weaving together all our various cultures,
technologies, ideologies and ecologies to create a model nation for the rest of the world.”
In order to help to achieve this vision, Hirini plans to use his background in engineering and neuro-linguistics to
develop innovative ideas.
"My key intention is to teach higher Maori principles using modern methods that combine multi-media, mobile and
biofeedback technologies. I believe that education needs to teach our children the power of the mind-body-spirit using
real life learning that engage all the senses. For example, calming the heartbeat down. Changing the brainwaves.
Handling cultural differences. This is about empowering them to make a global difference."
Interested parties can read more information at: www.hirinireedy.com
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