Inspiring kōrero with Trav Tawera - Changemakers #1

Creating Space
Feb 23
2 min read

In the Changemakers Series we are interviewing inspiring beings, who have done the mahi and changed themselves, and eventually gone into the community and rippling that change out into others. We shared a beautiful kōrero - real talk - with Trav.

Trav and Rā in interview for the Changemakers series

Trav went through massive change after a dark phase in his life. His sister comitted suicide, and he was trying to numb the pain with drugs and alcohol. Hiding himself in the Ngahere (forest) - no phone, no communication - because he didn't want to bother anyone with what he was going through. He was ugly to be around and he pretty much wanted to end it all, he says. Until his Koro came over one day and asked for a hand. Somehow this sparked something in him. Step by step he was coming back to life and climbing uphill again. Going out in nature every week, gathering kai and providing for the Whanau gave him a new sense of purpose.

"It was with the Ngahere and Tangaroa that I was able to get out of it and come back"

Through these missions and conversations with his Whanau, Trav felt inspired to document his journey and share it with others. He created opportunities for men struggling with their mental health to seek support - taking them out hunting, fishing, and diving. By sharing what had helped him, he offered them the same gift: space in nature to find yourself again. As they walked alongside each other, the brothers opened up about their struggles, finding strength in shared experience. Looking back, Trav feels proud of where he is today, compared to where he once was.

Now Trav is on the journey to reconnect with his indigenous roots. He also found mahi that provides financial support for his family and is in alignment with his purpose. He works at the Ngāti Porou Oranga based in Te Puia Springs, helping whanau who are transitioning from prison back into society. He also delivers wananga to Rangatahi in kura, based around mahi Kai (hunting, fishing, maara kai, etc.).

Thank you, brother Trav, for sharing your story, your mana and your purpose with the community. Your journey is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we transform our darkness into strength.

Watch the full interview here where Rā and Trav dive deeper into his journey, and talk about how to take care of yourself when supporting others in their healing journey :