Planting Seeds Podcast

In this Grow With Me episode of the Planting Seeds Podcast, I reflect on the month of February as we’ve already stepped into March.
I unpack some of the gems that came out of our recent wānanga, where the theme was DIRECTION, bringing focus back to what truly matters and creating simple, actionable steps that support clarity and forward movement.
March isn’t about doing anything different. It’s about more of the same. Sticking to structure. Staying grounded. Controlling what’s in my hands.
I share why getting caught in the “bigness” of a month can create overthinking, procrastination, and anxiety AND how simplifying things back to daily structure removes unnecessary pressure.
If you’re someone who tends to overcomplicate growth or feels overwhelmed by what’s ahead, this episode may bring you back to steady ground.

🔗 Planting Seeds Offerings

In this episode of the Planting Seeds Podcast, I sit down with Tāmati Rākena, Far North District Councillor, co-founder of Taiao, and a dedicated father and partner.
Raised around Waitangi and immersed in the many kaupapa of the Far North, Tāmati shares how his upbringing shaped his worldview and commitment to service. We talk about what it truly means to become a councillor and the mahi he is doing within council to support community voice and representation.
Alongside his wahine Jude, Tāmati also founded Taiao, a clothing brand grounded in kaupapa Māori and we kōrero about the intention behind the brand.
A powerful part of this kōrero centres on fatherhood. Tāmati speaks openly about raising their son who is he takiwātanga (autistic), sharing the lessons, growth and the deeper understanding of love and patience that has come through that journey.
If you get value from this kōrero, please share it with someone who would appreciate it.

🔗 Shop Taiao & Support the Kaupapa:
www.mytaiao.co.nz/

🔗 Planting Seeds Offerings:
www.form.typeform.com/to/PqdcWDEW

In this Grow With Me episode, I sit with four questions that have come from my own reflections and the Planting Seeds IG community.
These questions touch on growth, culture and consistency. I answer them from where I’m at right now, not from a place of perfection.
Questions:
What are my current wins?
How we can encourage our people to engage with and embrace culture without whakamā?
How do I keep growing without feeling broken or behind?
How do I stay consistent when motivation drops off?
Big mihi to the sponsor of the show, Bio Gold — a natural testosterone booster made in Aotearoa.
🔗Use code SEEDS15 for 15% off HERE.

This episode marks the third time sister NIX has joined the Planting Seeds Podcast and as always, it’s a kōrero filled with value, honesty, and reflection.
Recorded at Waitangi, this conversation looks back on the lessons NIX took from 2025 and the intentions she’s setting for 2026. We speak about creating joyful moments, being intentional with what we share publicly, and the strength that can be found in silence.
With the energy of Waitangi around us and NIX juggling work on the grounds, this kōrero came with its fair share of distractions AND while it was cut shorter than planned, there are still plenty of gems throughout. It also leaves us room to run it back and go deeper next time.
A reflective, real, and grounded conversation about slowing down, choosing presence, and moving forward with intention.

⬇️ Share in the comments your favourite highlight from this episode.

🔗 Express your interest in Planting Seeds offerings: ⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/PqdcWDEW

This Grow With Me episode is a kōrero on purpose and why purpose is a critical pillar of tāne wellbeing.

Purpose gives drive, meaning, and fulfilment. Without it, many men feel lost, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode. In this episode, I share the simple framework that has helped me identify and reconnect with my own sense of purpose and may support you on your journey too.

I break purpose down into three key areas:

Authenticity: Ko wai koe?
Who are you beneath the expectations, roles and noise?

Gifts: What comes naturally to you?
The things you like or that you’re often good at without trying too hard.

Challenges: What have you gone through?
The experiences and struggles that have shaped you and may now be part of what you’re here to give.

These three areas have helped me find clarity, direction, alignment and I share them openly in this episode as an invitation . . . not a prescription.

IF you’re a brother based in, or connected to, the Bay of Plenty, I also share about an upcoming 12-week Brother to Brother Kaupapa, starting the first week of March.

🔗 Join Brother to Brother Here:
https://form.typeform.com/to/oO9vmjZD

🔗 Get Your Bio Gold Here:
https://biogoldnz.com/discount/SEEDS15