Charlene currently resides on Aotea and is self employed as a contractor with Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea as the Trust Finance Officer and is also a member of the Kirimana Operations Team on the Trust. Charlene is interested in becoming a free diving analyst so she can heavily immerse herself into learning about regeneration and restoration in the moana. Love and respect of our moana and Tangaroa is important to Charlene, so that our generations to come can have the same opportunities to connect, protect and respect all living species in the oceans of Aotearoa. She believes that Pou Rāhui is supporting this kaupapa and providing the upskilling needed in order to achieve her goals. Charlene’s favourite experience on the project so far was the wānanga with Ramari (tohorā expert) and her highlight was receiving her freediving qualifications. Charlene looks forward to her sons growing up with a generation of gifted taiohi who will be able to lead them and guide them in the ways of te ao Māori.