Matt Renata

Born and raised in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt), Wellington. Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Ruapani, Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi and Gujarat ancestry. Married to Rachel (Ngāpuhi/Japanese) since 2016. Welcomed our son, Mana Tuku Iho, in April 2024.

Since having a youth worker in high school, I've been involved in youth and community development since 2005. I’ve worked, volunteered, and served across many youth organisations, kaupapa, and movements over the past couple of decades.

World-changing youth-development māramatanga came to us when Rach and I studied a Bachelor in Indigenous Theology, Diploma in Māori Leadership, and Diploma in Reo Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau during 2019–2024. These studies have been transformational for both our personal lives, and our youth and community development mahi. This textures the way we do our youth development teachings and trainings.

Through storytelling, connection, and wānanga, we share these insights with the people we're grateful meet.