Wiremu Grace
Ngati Toa, Ngatiawa ki Waikanae, Ngati Porou
Wiremu is a permaculture practitioner, community development worker, carver, performing artist, children’s book writer and Kura kaupapa Māori teacher. He is also a director for radio,TV, film and stage, including working for Maori TV, producing documentaries and reality TV. In his recreational time he is a surfer, a yoga enthusiast and a Tiny House builder.
Wiremu was raised in a small Maori community beside the sea on the outskirts of Porirua city. This has been the foundation of his deep connection to the whenua and cultural practices of his people that have guided him throughout his life. The creativity and connection to land Wiremu experienced as a child became the basis from which he has created his career. Wiremu is an avid supporter of Rangatiratanga in everyday life, offering earth connected education and initiatives that align with these kaupapa.
His passion for healthy communities, permaculture, gardening and natural healing is now becoming incorporated into his professional work. His focus in recent years has been on creating healthy vibrant communities based on tikanga Maori which draw the best from practices of the past and align them with present day Pakeha systems which have similar values. He believes in fostering healthy relationships, resilience, connection and life enhancing practice.