This qualitative research examines Pākehā New Zealanders’ experiences in waka ama through in-depth interviews. The analysis reveals cultural identity negotiation and knowledge exchange processes as Pākehā paddlers develop bicultural identities through deepening connections within te ao Māori. For many, waka ama serves as a gateway to tikanga, te reo Māori, and community. Participants emphasised that meaningful engagement requires sustained, humble participation to avoid the risk of appropriation. Humility emerged as an orienting ethos enabling learning as cultural outsiders and fostering openness to discomfort, continuous learning, and recognition of knowledge limitations.

Pasifika youth are overrepresented in the criminal justice sector and, most worryingly, within violent offending statistics. Trends in violent offending behaviour show Pasifika youth have the highest rates across all ethnicities. However, there is a lack of interventions designed for Pasifika youth, with the absence most prominent in community-delivered programmes. This qualitative study facilitates an explorative talanoa with Pasifika probation officers. Thematic analysis of data-generated themes highlights the strength of culturally responsive practice and a desperate need for rehabilitation programmes available within the community.

Māui Tinei Ahi is an ancestor who achieved a number of remarkable things in his life—from fishing up lands, to slowing the sun, to sourcing fire, and much more. The fire pūrākau details Māui’s interaction with his great aunt, the Atua of Fire, Hinemahuika. It tells the narrative of Māui sourcing fire for humankind. While this pūrākau is well-known in Aotearoa New Zealand (and in other islands of Te Moananui a Kiwa), various kurahuna are often overlooked. Based on the author’s PhD thesis, this article provides an original retelling of part of the fire pūrākau.