Facilitation through a te ao Māori lens
Bringing everyone on the journey to reach your
group's destination
Why Choose AraHina?
Facilitation is the art of guiding groups through a collaborative journey to achieve your goals! At AraHina, we specialise in unlocking the collective wisdom of groups, enabling them to realise their aspirations through focused, fun, and inspired facilitation grounded in te ao Māori. We work with marae, hapū, iwi, government agencies, community organisations, and corporates, tailoring our approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
Marae, Hapū, and Iwi
Designing 100-year strategies that are tipuna-fueled and mokopuna-driven
Government agencies
Interweaving mātauranga Māori with modern knowledge systems to create integrated frameworks
Community groups
Designing effective strategies that enhance community impact
Corporates
Turning high-level plans into practical operational strategies
Our Services
Our facilitation services are underpinned by indigenous frameworks and the Technology of Participation (ToP™) methods used in more than 50 countries and developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs.
Expert Facilitation Services
We offer a range of facilitation services, tailored to meet your unique needs.
Public Hui
Consultation
Engage with hapū, iwi, and community effectively through our public consultation services
Facilitation
Training
Strengthen your team's facilitation skills through bespoke training for your organisation.
Strategic
Planning
Develop effective strategies for your organisation's growth and success.
Our Process
Our process is smooth and efficient, and designed to make things easy.
We handle the agenda and manage the facilitation, allowing you to fully engage with your team. With our expertise, you experience a well-organised and effective process, leaving you to focus on what truly matters!
Planning
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Before we meet online, I'll send a survey which will help me put together a draft approach and estimated quote for consideration
Preparation
Step 2: Co-design approach
If you’re happy with the proposal, we'll then meet again to organise the finer details. It's that simple!
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Delivery
On the day, I handle everything! From setting up and facilitating to packing down - meaning you can fully participate alongside your team. Post workshop I provide a high-level summary which means your team can instantly hit the ground running!
Grounded, respectful and inspired facilitation
Ārahi(na) means ‘to lead/guide’ and Hina references Hīnātore, a luminescent world that exists to provide light in the darkness or the glimmer of hope
Ko wai ahau?
Kia ora, my name is Katerina Kupenga, Ngāti Porou | Te Whānau a Apanui, and I am the founder of AraHina Facilitation Consultancy. Based in Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Dannevirke, I serve all regions of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
My 15-year career began at ANZ NZ & Australia Contact Centres, where I specialised in leadership coaching, strategic planning, and facilitation. I later transitioned to the not-for-profit sector, facilitating leadership and strategic planning programmes for school principals across the motu. In the community sector, I worked to build the capability of tangata whenua leaders and advocated for equitable funding for Māori. These experiences ignited my passion for fostering positive change for te iwi Māori and inspired me to establish AraHina Facilitation Consultancy.
Now, with two years of consultancy experience, international certification as a Technology of Participation Facilitator, and extensive strategy expertise, AraHina is dedicated to supporting groups achieve their aspirations through the art of facilitation. With a growing portfolio, proven outcomes, and an expanding team, we are set to deliver meaningful outcomes across Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Our Tohu
The Mangopare sits inside a circle, representing Hina. The Mangopare itself stands for 'by Māori for Māori' and subtly depicts the letters 'A' and 'H'. The outer detail is a simplified take on the whakarare pattern, symbolising everlasting transformation and growth.
Te Wawata
OUR VISION
An Aotearoa Hou where tangata whenua and tangata tiriti thrive
Te Whāinga
OUR MISSION
Delivering by Māori for Māori facilitation services
Te Take
OUR WHY
Because facilitation holds the potential to foster unity, unleash human potential, and drive community-led change
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Our Values
Whanaungatanga
Whanaungatanga is at the heart of everything we do and forms the foundation our workshops
Kotahitanga
Kotahitanga reflects our commitment to unity, as we believe that united as one, we’re stronger
Rangatiratanga
Rangatiratanga signifies unlocking the wisdom within the group to shape their own future
Tap into over 15 years of business coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, and facilitation experience at corporate, public and community level.
Contact Katerina @ AraHina today to learn more about our facilitation services and how we can support your organisation.
Testimonials
Kauri Pou Tiaki Virtual Reality project
Purpose:
To guide participants through a collaborative and facilitative journey to shape a story that captures the rākau kauri tikanga and mātauranga of the Waikato rohe as well as our role in protecting these mighty trees
Participants:
10 including Mana Whenua - Pou Mātauranga representatives, Waikato Regional Council Tai Ranga Whenua, Kauri Protection team, and Virtual Reality agency
Outcome:
A set of storyboards that will be woven to shape a rākau kauri story that informs the virtual reality experience which will be shared with kura and communities to build knowledge and create hope for the future of kauri.
Timeframe:
1 day (9am - 3pm)
Waikato Regional Council
Kauri Protection Team
Penu Marae Ruatorea
Purpose:
To delve into important discussions regarding the strategic direction for Penu and to design a rautaki that captures our dreams and aspirations for our mokopuna’s mokopuna
Participants:
20
Outcome:
Long-Term Strategy for Penu Vision, Strategic Pou, Strategic Rautaki, Success Measures
Timeframe:
1 full-day (9am - 8pm)
Penu (Rongo-i-te-Kai) Marae
Marae komiti
Ag Research Māori Strategy Refresh
Purpose:
To collaboratively review the progress of the Te Ara Tika Māori Transformation strategy and refresh it for the next 3 years, ensuring alignment with the new science priorities. This workshop was pivotal in highlighting the past achievements of Te Ara Tika and the strong need for Te Ara Tika and AgResearch’s strategy (Tā Mātou Rautaki) to become one.
Participants:
Approximately 15 staff, predominantly researchers, including members of the AgResearch Senior Leadership Team, the Māori Research and Partnership group, and representatives from People and Culture, participated in a two-day workshop at our Grasslands campus.
Outcome:
Te Ara Tika Strategic Plan 2024-29 includingTe Ara Tika’s mataora (life cycle) and whanaketanga (evolution) contains specific objectives and five pou (pillars) and key actions for each pou
Timeframe:
2-Days
AgResearch
Māori Strategy, Research and Partnerships
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Whāngārā Farms Taiao Committee Strategy
Purpose:
To surface the dreams and aspirations for Te Taiao o Whāngārā
Participants:
60 Including Mana Whenua, Tangata Whenua, 5th Generation Farmers, a Dame, a Chief Judge, and locals
Outcome:
A 100 year environmental blueprint for Te Taiao o Whāngārā that includes a Vision, 3-5 High-Level Strategic Pou, and Tohu/Framework that brings the strategy together
Timeframe:
Thursday evening 6pm - 9pm
Whāngārā Farms Taiao Committee
Te Taiao Committee
Te Taiao Committee
Whāngārā Farms
FAQs
I am based in Dannevirke, North Island but cover all regions across Aotearoa New Zealand
When investing in a facilitator, it’s important to consider the value that we bring to your project. A skilled facilitator can guide complex discussions, build consensus, and create actionable strategies tailored to your specific needs. At AraHina we offer flexible pricing based on the scope of work to ensure you receive the best value for your investment.
The following is an example of how I quote for my services:
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Facilitation Rates
This service is for those wanting to engage with me to facilitate your workshop or meeting. When you engage with me to facilitate a session, I take care of the agenda preparation and facilitation, guiding the group through the process, handle group dynamics, and ensure productive outcomes. This service is charged as a one-off fixed fee for the entire group.
Co-Facilitator: Required for large groups with complex needs
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Travel Costs:
- Mileage: IRD NZ rate of 0.95c per km
- Flights from either Palmerston North or Wellington airports
- Parking
- Accommodation if required
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Facilitation Training:
Involves teaching individuals the skills and techniques needed to facilitate their own sessions. As a trainee facilitator trainer, facilitation training is delivered through Facilitate Aotearoa. The costs are calculated on a per-participant basis
- We provide facilitation training that covers the Technology of Participation methods and strategies for effective group management
- We offer tailored training options for organisations as well as public courses throughout the year
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Additional Costs (managed & organised by the client)
- Venue hire
- Catering
- Branding/Design (I work with a Māori designer who provides bespoke pricing for clients)
Don’t let price be a barrier: Fixed rates are available upon request and services are tailored to fit your project’s needs. For a detailed and customised quote, please contact us with your project details. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and provide a proposal that aligns with your budget, ensuring a transparent and straightforward process
Discounts: Are available for grassroots not-for-profit organisations
Koha - Probono: Available upon request for any kaupapa that is lead by Māori for Māori
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we are lucky to have the opportunity to pursue the CToPF ToP International certification, and now that I am certified, I’m working on becoming a ToP facilitator trainer alongside our accredited providers Facilitate Aotearoa. Becoming a certified ToP™ Facilitator gives you an internationally recognised award and gives your colleagues or clients confidence that you are an effective facilitator who can meet their expectations of performance. Certified ToP™ Facilitators (CToPF) meet a global standard for effective consensus building in strategic planning, action planning, foresight, historical reviews, dialogue and stakeholder engagement of all types. If you’re interested in learning more or exploring certification, please get in touch!
If you are wanting to check if your preferred date is available please check my workshop availability calendar. If you're preferred date is available make sure to book in a no-obligation kōrero. Before we meet, I'll send a quick survey which will help me put together a draft approach and proposal including an estimated quote for consideration. If you are happy to go ahead and feel that I am the right fit, we'll meet once again to sort out the finer details and I'll take care of the rest! It's that simple!
At AraHina, we align with the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Statement of Values and Code of Ethics, established in June 2004 after extensive consultation with facilitators globally. We believe in the inherent value of individuals and the collective wisdom within groups. Our role is to enable each member to contribute meaningfully, supporting the group’s autonomy in making its own decisions. By fostering collaborative and cooperative interactions, we help build consensus that leads to impactful outcomes. We are committed to continuous professional growth and collaboration to advance our facilitation practice. Please visit the IAF Website for more information.
While I don’t offer cultural competency training, I help teams co-design Māori strategies, ensuring that initiatives such as cultural competency, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, or Te Reo Māori training are initiatied by those directly inolved in the change. Too often, change is imposed "on people" without their input, which can lead to resistance. By involving your team in the planning process, they’re more likely to take ownership and be invested in the outcomes.
Investing in a facilitator helps eliminate the stress of managing discussions, juggling different perspectives, and keeping everyone on track. I handle the process, allowing you and your team to focus on contributing ideas without the pressure of guiding the conversation. This reduces the risk of conflict or misalignment and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard, leading to clearer decisions and stronger buy-in. By managing time, structure, and group dynamics, I help avoid the frustration of endless debates, off-topic discussions, or unproductive meetings. Ultimately, I streamline the process, making it more efficient and collaborative while freeing up your energy for what really matters - achieving meaningful outcomes.
"Facilitation is the art of guiding people through a process towards agreed upon objectives in a manner that encourages participation, equity, ownership, full potential and creativity by all those involved.” (Technology of Participation Group Facilitation Methods Manual ICAA)
What on Earth is Facilitation?
The Zen of Groups, Dale Hunter, Anne Bailey and Bill Taylor say: "Group facilitation is the art of guiding the group towards agreed objectives. A facilitator guides the process and does not get involved in the content. A facilitator intervenes to protect the group process and keep the group on track to fulfil its task.” (Hunter et al, 1992)
Trusting in the process to unlock the wisdom in the room and unleash human potential is truly powerful. That means that no hui, engagement, or outcome is the same and that’s what I love best!
As a ToP Facilitator, I’m trained in the Technology of Participation (ToP) methodology, which is all about guiding groups through effective decision-making and planning. I use structured methods like Focused Conversation and the Consensus Workshop method to keep discussions clear and on track. The ToP methods I use are internationally recognised and have been proven effective across various contexts. My aim is to not only facilitate productive meetings but also to empower your group with tools and techniques that you can use in the future.
Contact us
Katerina Kupenga - Dannevirke
Aotearoa, New Zealand