Profile: Terence Hikawai-Goodall

Terence Hikawai-Goodall

Background

Terence is of Maaori descent, born on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. He is of Ngaati Kahungunu ki Wairoa and Ngaati Paahauwera. 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 late in his career, and has ten years experience advising and advocating for Maaori. He has worked in several New Zealand Government Agencies. And has a lived experience 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 tiipuna. I am blessed to have learned their puuraakau, which continues to guide me today. I am fortunate to have been surrounded by my large extended whaanau, and grew up with strong values based in tikanga Maaori. My schooling wasn't fantastic. My High School yearbook reads "Terence has no problem making his presence felt, just has a problem being present". ​

Ngaati Tūmatauenga

I left school after being accepted in the New Zealand Army. I served in the 2nd/1st Battalion in Burnham Christchurch. However, after a car accident I was medically down graded. I needed to rethink what I could do. I did a short stint as a Storeman and an Army Cook. Later I gained an interest in helping youth who fell through the cracks, like me. So, I became a Youth Instructor. I 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!

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. I ended up falling back into Youth Work in Ireland, which lead me to do some work in England and France. I'm a keen 'arm chair historian', eager to learn as much as I could about the area I was living and working in. I sent three years travelling around Ireland, the UK and Europe.

However, all good things must end. The Global Financial Crises hit Ireland severely. 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 New Zealand. I continued to travel to the UK, Ireland and Europe over the years, maintaining connections and friendships.

Returning to Aotearoa New Zealand

I was very lucky to have landed on my feet when I returned to Aotearoa New Zealand. I worked as an Assistant Director on various youth programmes and worked with schools to support rangatahi and their whaanau. I took a chance to work back home in Wairoa, allowing me to reconnect with my whaanau.

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 form 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!

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 gained an 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

My wife introduced me to 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 Puutahi Innovations Limited. I had no idea what I was doing or where it would lead. But I registered Puutahi as a NZ LLC. It has grown and evolved over the years.

With the move to the UK, I am exploring new opportunities. My wife has signed on as a Co-Director with my brother coming onboard as General Manager.

Te Ao Maaori Advocacy

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

I was an Education Advisor - Maaori Engagement for the Ministry of Education Wellington Region. I supported whaanau 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 ]in Tourism, Hospitality, Retail and Travel. I created a Maaori 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 Education.

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

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

England Bound!

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 lawyers. Pulling the paper work together took two months, and long nights. However, the application process only took three weeks for approval. Next was the daunting task of moving to the UK.

After several stressful months, we find ourselves settled into the UK way of life. Our daughter is thriving. Flourishing with her granny, grandpa, aunt and cousin. My wife and I are enjoying having friends and family close by.

The next step for me is to use this time between jobs to explore and grow my business. How would Puutahi Innovations work in the UK. But more importantly, to spend time with my small family.

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