Dr Ruakere Hond is a long-time kaiako (teacher) and proponent of the revitalisation of the local form of te reo Māori in Taranaki. He is considered one of the key Taranaki tribal leaders in tikanga and histories.

Kiwai Kete acknowledges the close relationship between Tainui Waikato and Taranaki and Ruakere will talk to the history of this connection and how that relationship continues through to today.

Tai Moana Tai Tangata – A Taranaki Tribal Perspective is a four-part speaker series extending on the themes of Tai Moana Tai Tangata, bringing a Taranaki lens to continue the exhibition’s narrative. This after hours speaker event offers an opportunity for the Taranaki community to come together to kōrero, and hear from local speakers on nationally significant topics. Other events in the series include; Wharehoka Wano on Te Kingitanga and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, Ngamata Skipper on waiata poi and Bishop Philip Richardson on the Cathedral Church of St Marys.