OUR TEAM

Tēnā tātou katoa,  We are Tangata Tiriti here in Aotearoa and are the founders of Tiaki Tours. We are Enger Pelosi Fear, Michael Hygemann based in Hāwea, Wānaka, Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island of NZ). We have two beautiful tamariki and three very tame chickens.

Tiaki means to care, protect and conserve. Deciding on an appropriate name such as Tiaki is important to us and comes with a strong obligation. We aim to live into and honour the true meaning of the word. It describes what we feel to be crucial for tourism to operate positively and powerfully on the land here.

We are committed to the nations Tiaki Promise and the concept of regenerative tourism. We believe that tourism can be doing a lot better in terms of giving back to  tangata whenua and the land of Aotearoa and Te Waipounaumu.  Our aim is to honor our commitment to this beautiful place as lifelong kaitiaki of place, whenua and all activities we engage in as a newly established business.

We are humbly seeking and receiving guidance and advisory support from local hapū/papatipu, established Māori Tourism operators and Indigenous cultural impact agency – Making Everything Achievable to ensure we are operating in accordance with our values and also the values and direction of local communities.

 Enger says:
“I have spent the last 15 years of my life quietly learning tikanga and te reo Māori as a Kairaranga and early childhood teacher learning how to be an effective ally, kaiako and bi-cultural exponent in my mahi.  I am always learning and ready and willing to learn more. My background and passion in mahi raranga and environmental sustainability has shown me the importance of having a deep gratitude and respect for mātauranga Māori and te ao māori.”