Before these wānaka, I'll be honest: I was an undercover pessimist when it came to politics and people. I didn't have much faith that others understood the political climate we were in, or that they actually wanted to do something about it.

Through Mō Āpōpō, I realised that's not entirely true. There are like-minded rakatahi out there who want a better future for our tamariki and mokopuna. That gave me hope.

Mō Āpōpō created a safe space for us to kōrero about real raru, without letting us fall into the trap of "impending doom," or letting my inner pessimist take over. Instead, they gave us tools that inspired us, challenged us, and helped affirm our ahikā.

At Ōnuku we were doing the tool Ka Mua, Ka Muri: looking back to go forward. It's used to practise thinking and acting intergenerationally, considering both our tūpuna and our mokopuna. When they say "close your eyes and envision your future and your mokopuna," I usually just see pitch black. Absolutely nothing.

But earlier that day, we'd completed another tool, which helps you figure out what you're good at, and how your strengths can shape the future. It put into perspective why we need all our different skills in shaping our future. Through this, I realised I can imagine the future I want for us, our tamariki and mokopuna — just differently. For me, it isn't something I could visualise. It's something I could feel.

Throughout our wānaka, I've watched everyone grow — whether in confidence, the ability to contribute in a group setting, or to think critically through different lenses. Attending Mō Āpōpō has given us the skills to take the future head on.