SHAUN RANGI NUKU 

Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Hauiti, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahinerangi, Ngāti Toa Rangatira 

2024 Graduate of Heke Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao 

2026 Akonga, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao 

Self-employed, Co-Owner of Kawa Moana 

Kaiako Kairuku, Kairuku Rangahau Moana 

5 Mei 2026

Shaun Rangi Nuku grew up between Palmerston North and the Rangitīkei Valley, surrounded by whakapapa, whānau and strong Māori foundations. His early years were shaped through kōhanga reo, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Manawatū, and later Hato Paora in Feilding. These experiences grounded him in te ao Māori from the very beginning. Today, Shaun lives in Wellington with his partner, where together they are co-owners of their business, Kawa Moana. Te Wānanga o Raukawa has always been part of his world as his mother, Huatahi, has long worked as a kaiāwhina, and three of her sisters have been pūkenga and kaihautū there. For Shaun, the Wānanga has never just been a place of study; it has always felt like home. 

Like many, Shaun explored a few different paths along the way. He studied and worked in Dunedin before moving to Wellington. He felt in his work there was something missing and realised it was te ao Māori. At the same time, he felt a strong pull from his whānau, calling him back to where he truly belonged. That journey led him home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa. As a diving instructor and commercial diver, Shaun had already built a deep connection with the moana, spending countless hours in taiao spaces and contributing to community-based marine projects. Everything began to line up, and the signs were clear: the Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao programme was where he needed to be. It quickly became his happy place. 

Through his work and study, Shaun has seen clear gaps in the system, particularly around the protection of taonga species such as kūtai and kina and the lack of meaningful involvement of mana whenua in marine decision-making. He believes these issues can be addressed, and that the Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao programme equips him with both the knowledge and credentials to help create change. Alongside his studies, Shaun has continued working as a scuba instructor and commercial diver, contributing to marine research projects and strengthening the link between mātauranga Māori and science. 

One of the most rewarding parts of the programme for Shaun has been reconnecting with atua Māori. Whenever challenges arose, the pūkenga were there offering support, guidance and encouragement. He describes them as not only highly knowledgeable, but as people who truly live and breathe kaitiakitanga. Shaun wholeheartedly recommends the programme to anyone who wants to stand up for our taiao, protect our marine environments, and reconnect with atua Māori. His advice to anyone considering this journey is simple and powerful: be who you are, “tū kaha, tū maia, tū Māori!” 

Shaun’s work continues to focus on protecting taonga species and restoring their natural habitats, and after graduating, he intends to keep walking this path. Guided by mātauranga Māori, strengthened by science, and anchored by whānau and whenua, Shaun’s journey is a reminder that when you follow what feels right, you often find your way exactly where you were always meant to be. 

Toitū te marae o Tane, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te iwi  

(If the land and sea are sustained, the people will prosper)  

 If you would like to know more about the Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao programme, go to Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao - Bachelor of Environmental Management