ko te whānau o riki consultancy

Ko wai mātou?

Riki Consultancy is a Māori-owned, whānau-led organisation specialising in cultural capability advisory services and professional development across the education, corporate, and public sectors.

Our whānau recognise that many organisations in Aotearoa are seeking to deepen their understanding of Te Ao Māori and uphold their responsibilities as Tiriti partners. At Riki Consultancy, we create safe, empowering spaces where individuals and organisations can positively challenge their assumptions, build cultural confidence, and learn to navigate meaningful pathways between Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā.
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Meet our team

Tō Mātou Whānau

Janelle Riki-Waaka

Ngaati Taahinga, Ngaati Maahanga, Ngaati Hautiti

Kaihautū / Director

A dynamic and experienced leader, she brings over 14 years of expertise across leadership, strategy, and governance. Janelle is a powerful keynote speaker, skilled coach, and engaging emcee — known for her ability to inspire, challenge, and connect with a wide range of audiences. Her passion for te Tiriti o Waitangi education and her sharp strategic thinking make her a trusted guide for clients and communities navigating transformational change. When she’s not deep in kaupapa Māori or leading courageous kōrero in boardrooms, you’ll find her screaming the house down in support of her favourite rugby league teams or trying to look like she's somewhat coordinated in her newest pastime - reformer Pilates! Janelle’s superpower? The perfect blend of warmth, insight, and a fearless ability to provoke new thinking — all delivered with aroha and authenticity.

Nathan Riki

Ngaati Taahinga, Ngaati Maahanga, Ngaati Hautiti

Kaihautū / Director

Nathan's expertise lies in fostering culturally empowering practices founded in Te Ao Māori. A previous University Lecturer specialising in Te Reo Māori and Culturally Responsive Practices, Nathan is a dynamic speaker and highly experienced consultant. Nathan supports our clients to comprehensively integrate te Reo Māori and embed tikanga Māori into their everyday mahi. Nathan is warm, funny and well known for leaving a lasting imprint on the communities and organisations he engages with.

Mel Tukapua

Tangata Tiriti

Kaiurungi / Operations and Administrations Manager

As our Kaiurungi, Mel assumes the helm and skilfully steers Riki Consultancy - she IS the boss! Her dedication ensures not only smooth sailing but also the seamless and efficient operation of our organisation. With a meticulous eye for detail, Mel oversees all administrative processes and her adept management ensures that our internal processes align with our whāinga, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of Riki Consultancy. Mel is here to tautoko you on your journey so get in touch anytime!

Kaupapa

Our content is designed to inspire, connect, and empower — offering practical support for your journey, both personally and professionally.

Hapori

You’ll also have access to our online hapori — a safe space to share your learning, ask questions, and connect with others on the same journey.

Online Learning

 Our online kōwae ako enables you to go at your own pace, revisit content as often as you need, and engage in a safe, supportive learning space - sharing and learning from others too.

We're here for you!

We’re here every step of the way, providing the guidance, resources, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence and purpose.
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Mōhio / To know

Mārama / To understand

Matatau / To be proficient 
KŌRERO TAUNAKI / testimonials

What our hoamahi say about us

There are no words to express what I have just watched, only a sense of utmost respect and gratitude for the sharing of this knowledge and the ultimate significance of sharing to ensure the protection of the culture and traditions.
— IAN SEXTON
Occasionally PD events are impactful and some have an effect
going forward. For me, yours was hugely significant. Hard to give words to ‘scales falling from my
eyes’; impacting deeply my thoughts, heart and spirit; being the catalyst for a journey of change.
— CARI MATTHEWS
Yes, I felt uplifted, yes,I felt connected and yes, I felt that reigniting of that long dead spark in my belly. The words, thank you do not seem to be enough, but thank you for embarking on your journey to make a difference in the turbulent ocean waters of education and hopefully beyond. Your work is so significant, so important! Ngā mihi.

— GINNY MACPHERSON

Check out our Kōwae Ako now e hoa mā!

Don't miss the opportunity to get in the waka and start your journey. We will be right by your side every step of the way, cheering you on! It's never to late to learn, grow, know and do better. Our mokopuna are relying on us to make the world we will pass down, a better place. We've created this opportunity for them. Kia kaha e hoa!
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