Our Story
Navigators of Indigenous Wisdom
About us
Welcome to the heart of 'Ei Moana, where the currents of indigenous wisdom meet the shores of personal and community empowerment. Our story is woven into the tapestry of experiences, resilience, and dedication of our founders, Repeka and Jennings George-Koteka.
As torchbearers of applied indigenous knowledge, Repeka and Jennings have spent over two decades immersed in Community Development, Ministry of Justice, Cultural Report Writing, and Systems Change. Their journey, shaped by the boundless wisdom of the Moana, led to the founding of 'Ei Moana in 2023 - a testament to the belief that indigenous approaches hold the key to solving social and economic challenges.
Repeka George-Koteka
Pepeha
Ko Aitutaki, Mangaia, Mitiaro, Rarotonga taku enua ipukarea
Ko Titikaveka to Oire
Ko Takitumu te Vaka
Ko Moana nui a Kiwa te Moana
Ko Tutara Teatuiro Terei taku Papa
Ko Ngatamariki Ngateina taku Mama
Ko Repeka George-Koteka taku ingoa
Born on the island of Rarotonga, Repeka George-Koteka's late grandfather, Noo Teatuaito Terei from Titikaveka, bestowed upon her the name "Repeka" after her great, great grandmother.
At the age of two, her mother moved with her to Aotearoa New Zealand. Repeka attended Parnell Primary School, where, at the age of fourty, she went through a process of reclaiming her identity. Since then, she has not looked back.
"Taka’i koe ki te papa enua, Akamou i te pito enua, A’u i to’ou rangi"
As you step onto the surface of the land, Fasten the umbilical cord, Carve out your world. (Ani et al., 2012, p. 9)
Educational Journey
In 2020-2021, Repeka completed her Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge degree, focusing her research on Indigenous Knowledge and Wellbeing.
In 2022, she entered her Ph.D. Philosophy Journey in Advanced Applied Indigenous Knowledge, exploring Systems Change in the Cook Islands by addressing the question, "What is Cook Islands' Identity."
Professional Experience
With over 20 years of work experience in the community/social sector, Repeka's achievements include supporting Not-for-profit organizations in achieving their aspirations, providing a platform for her personal and professional growth.
As a Pacific Systems Lead, she focuses on equitable health outcomes for Maori and Pacific people in West Auckland. Certified in Mentoring, Supervision, and ICF-approved Executive and Leadership Coaching, Repeka has offered her services as a Coach to both the business and community sectors, accumulating over 300 paid coaching hours.
Jennings George-Koteka
Pepeha
Ko Tukao, Manihiki te Henua
Ko Pāpā George Karaponga toku Pāpā Ruhau
Ko Māmā Rei Toka Rimoia toku Māmā Ruhau
Ko Ngere George toku Metua Vahine
Ko Abraham Jessie toku Metua Tane
Ko Repeka toku Vahine Akaperepere
Ko Jeduthun-Praise toku Maui Mua
Ko Shekinah-Glory toku Maui Rua
Ko Te Ama te Maui Potiki
Jennings George-Koteka hails from the Cook Islands, growing up in Otara, South Auckland. Fluent in his native Māori language, Jennings seamlessly engages with Māori Kaumatua and Kuia, thanks to the similarity of his dialect from the northern part of the Cook Islands to some iwi in Aotearoa.
Married for 22 years, Jennings is a devoted family man and a proud father of three amazing adult sons.
"
Ka Hopu Te Kiore, Hi!
Ka Horo Te Kiore, Ha!
Hikarearea!
He Tuku Teke Heke, Teke Heke, Teke Heke
Faka Teke, Faka Teke, Faka Teke
Faka Neke, Faka Neke, Faka Neke
Faka Nuku, Faka Nuku, Faka Nuku
Hi Ekoko!
Educational Journey
Jennings holds certifications in Mentoring, Supervision, and ICF-approved Executive and Leadership Coaching. As a seasoned professional, he provides valuable supervision for youth mentors and youth workers. In 2022-2023, Jennings successfully completed his Masters of Applied Indigenous Knowledge degree, with a particular focus on developing an indigenous framework rooted in the Cook Islands cultural perspective.
This innovative framework aims to enhance the practice of youth workers and elevate the quality of services provided to youth within the Youth Justice System.
Professional Experience
With over 20 years of experience, Jennings is deeply passionate about working with people, particularly in the realm of youth development, youth leadership development, and community development. His journey in voluntary youth work, faith-based initiatives, and various paid employment opportunities reflects his commitment to creating positive, engaging spaces within the local community.
Since 2013, Jennings has been an integral part of the Youth Justice sector, contributing his skills and dedication to foster positive change. His work focuses on creating environments that empower and uplift the youth in the community.
Nurturing Family and Business
Residing in West Auckland with their three young adult sons, Repeka and Jennings George-Koteka made the decision early in their marriage to prioritise the upbringing of their three boys.
Their shared commitment to core values, centered around faith and their relationship with God, forms the solid foundation for their marriage, family life, and business endeavours. Every decision, endeavour, and aspiration is underpinned by a shared faith, with prayer serving as the guiding force in their personal and professional journey.