Lean Into Your Magic

There are moments that remind us exactly why this mahi matters. This is one of them.

At this year's Whānau Ora Diploma Graduation, Frances Lomas-Horomia from Ngāti Rangi was elected by her peers to deliver the valedictory speech. A huge honour, and one richly deserved.
Standing before her fellow graduates, Frances reflected on how far she'd come.

"For me, this journey has been transformational. I stand here today with increased confidence, with a stronger voice, and with a deeper sense of responsibility as a leader within my community. I have learned that leadership is not about standing in front, but about standing with our people, our whānau and our kaupapa."

It's a message that speaks to something bigger than one graduation, one diploma, one speech. It speaks to the kind of leadership we want to grow across our communities. Leadership that walks alongside, not ahead.
Frances closed with words that will stay with everyone who heard them.

"When I think back to a wānanga I attended through my mahi last year, I am reminded of the words of a kaumātua who encouraged us to 'lean into your magic.' Each of us carries something unique. Our stories, our mātauranga, our lived experiences, our connection to our people. That is our magic. That is our strength. And just like the manu kūaka, we have journeyed far. We crossed challenges, carried responsibility, and supported one another along the way. We did not do it alone. We moved together, we lifted each other, and we arrived here side by side. So don't hold back. Don't shrink to fit spaces that were never designed for you. Lean fully into who you are. Trust in your voice, your journey, your purpose."

Like the manu kūaka she spoke of, Frances's journey is one of distance travelled together. Carried by whānau, kaupapa, community and now carrying others forward in turn.

Congratulations, Frances. We are so proud to call you one of our own. Ka mau te wehi!