My conversation with Qiane was utterly delightful. She’s a down to earth human, with great practical advice that I’ll know you love and relate too. It’s immediately evident that she’s on this earth for a reason, her kaupapa has guided her, taught her and been incredibly rewarding.

Qiane is the founder and leading wahine of NUKU which is a project to amplify indigenous voices. NUKU is a movement, powered by, made by and made for, indigenous women. I highly encourage you to check out the total of 63 (at time of publishing with the goal to get to 100) indigenous wahine she has featured so far - so many incredible women with lessons for us all. Podcasts are on all good apps and stories + visual at https://nukuwomen.co.nz

We begin the conversation with Qiane telling us her journey with story telling; growing up as the only kid around and it being part of her Maori and Cook Island culture.

For those who want to know what they’re getting themselves into, here’s a breakdown

• We chat about how storytelling is what makes us human (i.e. distinct from other mammals) and listening to stories can actually produce feel-good hormones!
• Qiane tells us how NUKU came about - from long-form journalism to running her own business. The birth of NUKU actually came about in a big transition in her life - dealing with grief and infertility.
• Qiane gives us her WHY for NUKU - the long and the short of it is that indigenous women are at the bottom of the ‘privilege ladder’
• What has she learnt from NUKU - some incredible life lessons that I won’t give away here. (HINT: get to the root of your stress if you can!)
• How important our environment is for our stress levels and mental space!
• Food as a way to connect with friends and whānau. How to connect with those who are a little quieter or shy (meet them where they’re at and do something that helps them feel comfortable).
• How she and her partner of 18years balance each other out and the safety of the relationship allows her to be vulnerable and be held by him.

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