Profile: Terence Hikawai

Terence Hikawai-Goodall

Background

Terence is of Māori descent, born on the east coast of Aotearoa New Zealand's North Island. He is of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa and Ngāti Pāhauwera. Terence has served nine years in the New Zealand Army. He has over ten years experience working with youth in New Zealand, Ireland and Europe. He studied Education, History, Business and Te Reo Māori. Terence has ten years experience advocating for Māori, working in several New Zealand Government Agencies. And has lived experiences working with many different communities, cultures, and peoples.

Kia ora, Ko Terence Hikawai taku ingoa

I am privileged to have grown up on the lands of my tīpuna. I am blessed to have learned their pūrākau, which continue to guide me today. I am fortunate to have been surrounded by my large extended whānau, and grew up with strong values based in tikanga Māori. My schooling wasn't fantastic. My High School yearbook reads "Terence has no problem making his presence felt, just has a problem being present". ​

Ngāti Tūmatauenga, 1997-2006

I left school to join the New Zealand Army and served six years in the 2nd/1st Battalion, in Burnham Christchurch. However, after a car accident I was medically downgraded and needed to rethink what I could do. I did a short stint as a Storeman and an Army Cook. Yet gained an interest in helping youth who had fallen through the cracks, like me. I served three years as a Youth Instructor and helped revise the programmes and courses.

I served for nine years, but to be honest, I still didn't fully commit myself. I was mediocre at best. Yet I realised later in life that my time in the Army gave me focus, drive and adaptability.

Ireland Bound, 2006-2009

I wanted a change, to try something completely different. So, I left the army, and New Zealand. I travelled to Ireland. I tapped into my Irish side and took a chance on anything that came my way. I worked in several different hospitality jobs. Yet ended up falling back into Youth Work in Ireland, which lead me to do some work in England and France. I became a keen 'arm chair historian', eager to learn as much as I could about the area I was living and working in. I spent three years travelling around Ireland, the UK and Europe.

However, all good things must end. The Global Financial Crises hit. I went from working three well paying jobs on a Friday, to barely covering rent and food by Sunday. So, I packed up and returned to Aotearoa New Zealand. I continued to travel to the UK, Ireland and Europe over the years, maintaining connections and friendships.

Returning to Aotearoa New Zealand, 2009-2015

I was very lucky to land on my feet when I returned home. I worked as an Assistant Director and Director on various youth programmes, Working with schools to support rangatahi and their whānau. I took a Director role back home in Wairoa, allowing me to reconnect with my whānau.

I did some work with other Youth Programme Directors and Coordinators across different communities to expand and develop Youth Initiatives. I really enjoyed this kind of work, creating something from nothing but an idea and seeing it grow and flourish. I started to get itchy feet and wanted to see what else I could do.

Wellington Bound, 2015-2018

I moved to Wellington to study teaching at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. I quickly realised that I didn't want to teach in a classroom anymore. I persevered and continued with my studies. Hoping the skills I gained would be useful once I decided on what I wanted to do. I also gained a keen interest in Business, Digital Technology, and Social Enterprise.

I also met my now wife during my studies, she was definitely someone I wanted in my life. We are now blessed with our daughter.

Entrepreneurship, 2017-Present

My wife introduced me to the Techstars Startup Weekend PASIFIKA in Porirua. I was hooked! I had an idea to create a smartphone app that would compare the cheapest priced items on your grocery list. I loved the vibe and kaupapa of entrepreneurship. So I founded Pūtahi Innovations. I had no idea what I was doing or where it would lead. I registered Pūtahi Innovations as a NZ LLC in 2019. Which has grown and evolved over the years.

Te Ao Māori Advocacy, 2018-2024

I have held several roles and positions that advocate for Te Ao Māori.

I was an Education Advisor - Māori Engagement for the Ministry of Education, Wellington Region. I supported whānau and schools to engage rangatahi in their learning, whatever that may look like. I created strategies, programmes, and a best practice framework.

I was a Lead Advisor - Oritetanga for ServiceIQ. An Industry Training Organisation for Tourism, Hospitality, Retail and Travel. I created a Māori strategy and worked to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across the organisation.

I also supported a working group to embed a Te Tiriti o Waitangi Excellence Framework across Industry Training and Vocational Education.

I returned to Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington as a Lead Advisor Māori for the Research Office. I supported researchers to authentically engage in Te Ao Māori. I developed strategies to help researchers embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in their research.

I landed a Principle Advisor role with the Māori Crown Relationships team in the Digital Public Service Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs. This opened my eyes to some amazing experiences and opportunities. Although brief, I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with some amazing people.

England Bound, 2024-2025.

After much discussion, my wife and I decided to apply for a Spousal Visa to the UK. The clock was against us so we hired a UK based immigration lawyer. Pulling the paper work together took two months, and many long nights. However, the application process only took three weeks for approval. Next was the daunting task of moving to the UK.

We decided to keep our house in Wellington, just in case things did not go as planned in the UK. We worked with a Property Manager to help get our whare 'Rent Ready'. We spent the final weeks selling and giving away most of our belongings, packing our heirlooms for storage and boxing up essentials for the move.

We spent 4 weeks travelling through Aotearoa New Zealand visiting whānau. Before flying out to Australia to visit whānau, to Dubai for a quick break. Then onto the UK.

After several stressful months, we find ourselves exploring the UK way of life. Our daughter is thriving. Flourishing with her granny, grandpa, aunt and cousin close by.

My wife and I explored work opportunities, business consulting options, upskilling, and training. I am currently exploring the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). Working towards Accreditation as a SFIA Consultant.

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