We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

With World Indigenous Day on August 9th, it’s an important time to celebrate indigenous cultures from around the world and their impact on day-to-day life. In WA, Joondalup franchisee Ana Tamanui is a proud Maori woman whose passion for the various cultures within her community is paramount. 

Kia Ora koutou katoa – Hello everyone

Ko Ana toku ingoa – My name is Ana 

He Maori ahau – I am Maori 

He Airihi ahau – I am Irish 

Ko Te Aitanga-A-Mahaki me Tuhoe oku iwi – I belong to two tribes and they are Te Aitanga-A-Mahaki and Tuhoe

Ko Mangatu toku Marae – Mangatu is my traditional home

Ana was born in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and comes from a very strong Maori background. Her culture influences her everyday with the way she interacts with families.

“Instilled in me are my beliefs around children and how to take care of one another. You can’t raise a village without a family,” she said. 

When the franchise became available to purchase, it was a no brainer for Ana. Working at both an Out of School Care service and now GymbaROO, Ana has always had a passion for working with children and families. 

“GymbaROO’s programs offer specific approaches and support for children’s wellbeing and this is important to me” Ana said.

“I enjoy spending time with both older and younger children. Focusing on children and families matters to me because of my upbringing”

Ana, based in WA, is active in her local Maori community, valuing connections through sports and whanau gatherings e.g. Waitangi Day, Birthdays and Christmas Day.

She values her own culture and embraces the diversity in her community. Ana hopes to incorporate cultural learnings from different backgrounds into her GymbaROO centre.