Nifē dēbiru Pina for the yuntaku!
Teariki ʻPina’ Simpson is a Māori community leader, educator, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt based in Taranaki, Aotearoa (New Zealand). With deep ancestral ties to multiple iwi—including Taranaki, Ngāti Te Kura, Ngāti Kahu, and the Kingitanga line through King Tāwhiao—Pina’s life is rooted in whakapapa (genealogy), cultural reclamation, and indigenous sovereignty.
Pina is a passionate advocate for the revival of te reo Māori and traditional practices. He runs an eight-acre homestead where he raises cattle and chickens, embracing sustainable living and contributing to Aotearoa Kai Gatherers, a grassroots movement dedicated to restoring health through indigenous food systems.
One of the early pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Aotearoa, Pina has spent decades teaching across the country and beyond, founding the Māori Nationals tournament and mentoring a generation of practitioners. He has also led programs for children with ADHD, using jiu jitsu as a healing and empowering modality.
Brother to renowned te reo expert Keri Opai, Pina is part of a legacy committed to language, wellness, and self-determination. His work bridges physical discipline, cultural pride, and a fierce dedication to the future of Māori communities.
🎙️ In this conversation...
Pina Simpson opens up about the lived experience of reclaiming Māori identity in everyday life—from childhood memories of casual racism to the emotional significance of receiving his moko kauae. He speaks candidly about the colonial pressures that shaped his family—such as grandparents who were fluent in te reo but didn’t pass it down due to the violence of assimilation—and the personal awakening that drove him to reconnect with culture and language from a young age.
The discussion also explores Pina’s reflections on the Treaty of Waitangi and the current political climate in Aotearoa, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for Māori self-determination and justice. He shares thoughtful observations on the social fabric of Aotearoa, the complex relationships among Māori, Pākehā, and newer immigrant communities, and the unifying effect of cultural resurgence in recent years.
Touching on everything from food sovereignty to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, the conversation is grounded, unscripted, and real—offering insight into how one person’s journey becomes part of a wider movement for reclamation, resilience, and community.
🎧 Native Affairs Interview: https://bit.ly/3FRW4yX
Māori BJJ (Whātōtō) Nationals: https://bit.ly/4jbxsPU
🎵 Big thanks to Harikuyamaku of Uchinā (Loochoo)
We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Harikuyamaku for granting us access to his beautifully remixed timeless tracks from the Mystic Islands Dub album. His soulful music adds a unique touch to our podcast, enriching the listening experience for all of you.
Nifē dēbiru, Harikuyamaku!
🎵 Featured Tracks:
Anigama: https://buff.ly/46SHy3g
Nachijin-myahkunii: https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU
🌺 Instagram: https://buff.ly/46ThVzq
🌊 Mystic Islands Dub Album: https://buff.ly/4e9irMn
Connect with us: https://bit.ly/49sRWQD
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