When Levi Simon started working at Te Arawa Fisheries she had no idea it would set her on the path to discover her whakapapa, culture and language.

Joining the team in an administration role, Levi’s tenacious personality and drive to learn new things quickly saw her become the Business, Systems and Iwi Development Officer.

Five months since starting at the organisation, Levi says she loves working closely with iwi and Māori around the rohe.

“It feels so good knowing you’re helping our people and they’re always so lovely to deal with.

“I wasn’t brought up Māori so this role has really helped me reconnect with my culture. I have met whānau I didn’t know I had and I have started learning te reo Māori. 

“Without this job, I may not have started this journey to find and reclaim who I am as a Māori wahine.”

Levi says she’s grateful to the Te Arawa Fisheries team, who have encouraged and supported her on this path of discovery. 

“Working at Te Arawa Fisheries isn’t like working for some other company where you’re just one of a hundred staff members. Here you’re treated like whānau.”

Levi says she also enjoys the variety of her role.

“In other jobs I’ve found myself reaching a point where I couldn’t develop further. Here I’m continuously kept on my toes – nothing’s the same and there’s always something new to learn, which I love.”