I coordinate wellbeing hui for rangatahi across Waitaha. Following these hui I meet with students to chat about next steps. I thought they would need a lot of support, but using the Ō Taringa tool, I just listened while they worked through their own ideas and questions. Empowering them to figure things out themselves.

This tool has improved every relationship I have. It’s made me a more empathetic person who can create safe spaces for deep conversations. I used to think that there was more value in talking than in listening. I was wrong. I was always trying to prove my identity through what I said, I now just embody it constantly through listening.

Ō Taringa has opened the door to connecting with people, finding things we agree on, and making friends. Being able to listen, ask relevant questions, find something to agree on, and take a genuine interest in others is joyous. It’s also made me more empathic and positive. Assuming the worst of someone won’t get you anywhere, it will just make you mad.