Wheturangi McGhee - Past Pupil - Gina McGhee - Parent.

Thank you Matua Rick for all that you have done for our whānau over the years since our son Wheturangi Pōtiki was five years old. You've played a very integral role model and mentor for him since he was five years old when you were his Ripper Rugby Team Coach.

It is because of your encouragement and the example you displayed that he was able to articulate and learn how to be a team player in more ways than just through rugby. Through your example he also learned humility and how to show respect for his peers.

Kapa Haka  exemplified everything that he learned and beyond. Those were the best years of Kapa Haka at primary school that we as his parents were proud to see the prowess of his learning journey on the Kapa Haka stage. 

The hours of practice, the discipline and the dedication put into it paid off nicely when they were on stage. And it's thanks to your dedication as their Head Kaiako that took them to a higher standard which lead them to participate in Te Manu Kuratahi Kapa Haka Nationals not once but three times during his time at Primary School.

Torbyn Ngarimu-Brown - Current Student - Mikayla Ngarimu - Parent. 
Te Whare Tūranga.

Torbyn has flourished as a young man in Te Whare Tūranga under Matua Rick’s guidance, receiving abundant awhi and aroha throughout his journey. This program has been a pivotal moment in his development, providing him with the opportunity to explore his identity and understand his role within his whānau, kura, and community. Te Whare Tūranga has significantly influenced Torbyn's connection to his culture, particularly through Kapa Haka and Mau Rākau, where he has not only learned traditional practices but also gained a deeper appreciation for his heritage.

His dedication to his studies, his tutors, and the Whānau of Te Whare Tūranga is truly commendable. Torbyn holds Matua Rick in the highest esteem for his integrity and unwavering commitment to the program. Additionally, the time and effort that Matua Rick’s own tamariki, Connor and Ava, invest in nurturing our tamariki with quality teachings demonstrate their shared passion for education. Their dedication truly makes a difference in the lives of those they mentor.

We feel blessed and honoured to support this kaupapa, and anyone fortunate enough to be part of this journey should consider themselves truly lucky.

Torbyn is pictured receiving his training shirt for grading up to Taumata Tuarua (the Second Grade) accompanied by Te Whare Tūranga Kaiako Connor and Ava Paenga and Te Whare Tūranga Kaumatua - Pāpā Mike Kerekere.

Te Aroha Whaanga-Smith - Past Pupil - Rehia Whaanga - Parent.

We saw our shy girl become a strong and confident leader, a girl who knows who she is and where she is from and is immensely proud to be Māori. When I ask her who her favourite teacher has been it is always ‘Matua’ and she is referring to Rick, in experiences beyond primary school and kapa haka during this time she has longed for the consistency and standard that was taught to her through involvement with his rōpū and in his classroom as this is not always the case in all other spaces she has walked – indeed the standard was set high. 

Although some time ago now as Te Aroha is no longer a 10-year-old yet prepares for her next journey through university - she has been accepted in a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Māori and Indigenous studies at Waikato University next year and “Matua” still influences this journey through the foundations that he paved, his teachings and the care he showed in her earlier years. 

As a Mother I am extremely grateful to have had this unwavering support and the contribution Rick has made in and on my daughter’s lives this far.

Taylor Haenga - Current Student.
Kāwai Raupapa – Level 4 – Certificate in Indigenous Art - Mau Rākau.

My learning experience with Matua Rick Paenga has been both enriching and inspiring. He possesses a unique ability to teach with authenticity and respect, ensuring that every lesson is grounded in Tikanga Rākau. Matua Rick emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the art form, which has allowed me to develop a genuine connection to Mau Rākau while honouring its traditions.

Moreover, Matua Rick has provided numerous authentic learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. The practical application of my skills, facilitated by Matua Rick, has been invaluable. His thoughtful approach to teaching ensures that I am able to practice and refine my abilities while remaining mindful of the cultural significance behind each movement.

In summary, Matua Rick is an exemplary Mau Rākau tutor whose dedication to both the art form and his students is evident. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn under his mentorship and highly recommend him to anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and practice of Mau Rākau.