DANCING FOR LIFE EDUCATION

Meriana Taputu

Meriana Taputu. Resource Teacher and Adviser Māori and Business Owner.

Descended from Tuhoe and Ngāti Kahungunu, this 65 year old wahine has called Tuwharetoa home for nearly three decades. As a career wahine she has 46 years experience within the education sector with a passion for learning through both English and Māori medium systems.   Beyond her current role as an adviser and resource teacher to Māori medium kura, not only is she a proud māmā, and loving nanny, Meriana is also a multipassionate business owner. Her other passions are lifecoach, traditional rongoā mirimiri/romiromi (massage practitioner), consultant, facilitator, coach, guiding and inspiring others to embrace fulfillment in their lives and be truly happy.

Mike McGrath

Hey I'm Mike McGrath, 53.  Born in Timaru and spent my younger years there.  Moved to the North Island in my late teenage years, married my beautiful wife Karlene. We have two awesome adult children, 1 Granddaughter and another Grandchild on the way. I've been in Taupō for 30 plus years. I've been involved in many community projects/events in this time and one of them being Life education Trust.  Football, round ball variety, is my passion having played for Taupō AFC since moving here followed by coaching both Juniors and Seniors for at least 20 years of this time with the Club. 

A few years ago I had a health scare which has made me re-look at what is really important  - which is Family and being healthy, both physically and mentally, is such a key to longevity. So my coaching has changed somewhat and is now helping people feel as good as I do.

For me Dancing for Life is a way to promote and give back to an awesome organisation that has holistic health conversations, with our kids early, to plant the seed of making good choices in their lives. 

What I have learnt, of late, is to try and find ways to continue to grow and increase the "comfort zone" so I see Dancing for Life as a chance to stretch the boundaries.