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When I told people my job was changing to a co-Chief Executive role they are often confused about why I would want that. Why I would give up power.

So let me tell you. Twelve years ago I had no idea that moving to Aotearoa would change me. That I would become more myself so far from home. In fact, being tangata tiriti has been the most incredible gift – an opportunity to live and make a home in this beautiful country of Aotearoa with my children. It is also a responsibility and I was asked recently what I am prepared to sacrifice for a Te Tiriti future. It’s a question that’s stuck with me.

Māori friends of mine have relocated, given up jobs and faced the mamae of a language stolen. They have learnt te reo as adults so that their kids can grow up with their own language.

The question stuck because, for me, it is a choice. It’s quite easy, to be honest, to do a little bit and be patted on the back as a good Pākehā. These little bits get packaged onto CVs and open even more doors.

When we put the ad out for the Co-CE role at Hui E! we were overwhelmed by the incredible number and profile of the people who responded. After everything, Māori are still willing to step into relationship. Being committed to this relationship is the least I can do, and sharing our journey along the way is something you can hold us to.

Relationships take work and in the first couple of days we’ve already navigated extreme weather, flight cancellations and a chase across Tāmaki for a missing iPhone. The wind blew and plans changed, and we persisted. We lost something important and a helper stepped in. Community is everywhere if we look, and relationships are everything.

Now the work starts and we are both here for it. Nau mai haere mai Patrick Gemmell!

A huge shout out to Hui E! Community Aotearoa board members Jewelz Petley (outgoing co-chair), Sarah Morris, Maraea Garisau Turketo, Lee Colquhoun, Ginnie Denny, WM (Bill) Karaitiana, Soifua Tupou Pearson, Rula Abu-Safieh Talahma, PhD, MBA, B.Sc. for bringing me into my role knowing there was a vacant co-CE position and for listening that now was the time. Shout out to Mana Recruitment for the most incredible support – honestly a dream to work with Matua Dave and Heather Walker -you went above and beyond. Bailey Tuiomanufili – thank you e hoa for stepping in to support during this time, and Jess Lemieux we are so lucky to have you working with Patrick and I.