What I Learned from the Maori | Koos Wabeke | TEDxWassenaar

My story is about how my relationship with the Maori came to be and how it grew towards something I could never have imagined. 10 years later I'm talking about what I have learned in that relation, something that touched me during my first contact with the Maori and that drew me towards them. Now, I would like to share that with a bigger audience. Koos is best described as someone who brings people together to change the world for the better.
Always curious and never afraid to take the initiative, through these core values he inspires the people around him.
He is a natural leader and thanks to this ability he has also become kaihautu; a leader within the Maori culture, this responsibility comes with the task of spreading that culture throughout Europe and where ever he goes.
Koos wants people to learn and develop. He wants to inspire them to bring out the best in themselves
A dreamer with an enormous drive to do the right thing for people and the environment.
What others say about Koos:
Koos is a natural born leader who has genuine affinity with the Polynesian cultures and has an approachable and sociable attitude which makes people feel comfortable around him. He impressed me with his leading the Haka for the Te Waka Maori team and is also socially aware and active. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@M0nkeeYZ]

Ka tū ana koe te haka, ka Poho kererū ki āu.....rawe! When you stood up to. Haka. I was proud. Fantastic! I hot tears in my eyes

[@laurenabobbit4786]

Thanks for your ted talk bruv and your experience of my people. ❤

[@mattpadden766]

Meke Mana Nui Kaha Arohamai nui ehoa...Respect bro!!!!Ngati Manawa

[@kuttz12]

This was so power bro! Kia Kaha and thank you for sharing your experience. Finally, what a way to finish your korero, with a haka! Kia ora

[@tumeke4328]

Nga mihi Koos that was awesome brother!

[@destryflame9343]

We Māori don't get much positive press, our media only report on the negative parts of our culture which is really the result of colonization. This is just awesome to see, very uplifting. Arohatinonui.

[@musicmad67]

Yes, and to see this white man do the haka so passionately was stunning! ✊🙏💚☮

[@IrirangiHighestVibration82]

Nga ngaru toa lol how awesome ❤what an experience for all xxx

[@troyharris1017]

Shot brother thank you bro this made me so proud to be Maori for real your mana bro I felt that all the way in the Tuhoe nation this gave me chills bro like u wouldn't understand Mana Maori and the tikanga needs more recognition and to see a brother from the Netherlands show this sort of passion I see why my people choose u as a kaihautu cause u r a leader a chief and u have this Maori wairua thanks bruv u r a legend

[@mojojojo218]

He maybe from the Netherlands...but his heart and Soul is of the World ... a true leader and visionary !

[@maraeacookson1573]

Meeean az!!! Tumeke bro 💙💙💙Hardout agree to all the comments below 🤝🤝🤝

[@WololoLazarus]

Ka tu te ihi i hi, ka tu te wanawana!! A man not Maori through whakapapa but seemingly through matauranga, ka pai to kaupapa, awesome stuff!

[@carlosmartinez-ph2hv]

great to see. I can see why they chose him. does my heart good to see an outsider with such respect. beautiful

[@Lindsay-n1r]

Koos, nga mihi nui ki a koe. Much respect & appreciation. It sad to see a pakeha brother from another country who appreciates & loves everything about Te Ao Maori than the majority of our NZ pakeha whanau. I hope that Koos has shown our pakeha whanau in NZ how two (2) cultures can live grow & move together as what Maori has ever wanted to live in this land known as Aotearoa, NZ. Mauriora. Much love Koos you are a true Ambassador to your beautiful country.

[@coasty982nz8]

Thank you for embracing our culture brother ❤🖤🤍💚 arohanui Kia koe Koos✌✌

[@mikeGietExperience]

Kia ora brother! so good to see you again, last year you gave me a lift to Te Puke :) Wont forget that ride, now I understand more and you are an inspiration ! I was backpacking in New Zealand but now looks like I put my roots over here, kia kaha!

[@jiara01]

Just viewed this today 14/10/2021 in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Just beautiful, thank you!

[@tiapaea424]

Beautiful seeing the mauri of Maori in others 🔥🔥

[@ririanicholson6107]

What a beautiful & respectfully articulated journey......Kia Ora !!!

[@tumekemuch]

Love it and the mana in him is a proud one Chur

[@mb68nz35]

Nothing but respect for Koos Wabeke and his mana.

[@moanabell3550]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!🙏♥️ We and our culture are often treated dismissively by pakeha here in Nz. For you Koos to speak of Maori culture with such affection, esteem and honour, does more than you could know for us. I cried when you performed the haka. So much respect to you friend ♥️

[@netguy888]

im maori and pakeha have been nothing but respectful to me and the culture when has this happened?

[@sharonharvey1574]

@@netguy888 it happens daily. You only have to read the comments in the news items. Rawe e tane, you represent us well ❤

[@netguy888]

@@sharonharvey1574 tēnā rawa atu koe but i was more talking in person there will always be those kinds of people online

[@mb68nz35]

@@netguy888 it happens everytime most Pakeha pronounces a Maori word incorrectly and refuse to use the correct pronouciation. The fact Maori only retain 5% of its original lands and 14% of Maori speak Te Reo...none of those things happened by accident.

[@mb68nz35]

@@netguy888 Its like youre trying to dismiss the racism and tyranny our people were exposed to. Even now countless studies show that MAori are subjected to racism across the board. Sharon is on point with her comment. I'm more ammused by your position of blind willing ignorance on the subject topic matter.

[@dariennepohatu6719]

Ka mau te wehi, Koos! Informative, insightful & an uplifting korero of yr own personal experiences, then sharing our culture of Te Ao (the World) Maori. Nga mihi, e hoa. Mauri Ora!

[@oceandevi13]

Wow, ka pai e Koos mā! 👏👏👏 Very insightful talk Koos.

[@jordyharlem]

That was tu meke, really enjoyed the story and the haka made me proud. Awesome!

[@musicmad67]

Aw man that hit me in the feels 🥺 You were chosen because of your mana, kia ora e hoa 💚☮

[@darylobey8867]

We dont just give an outsider a special honor becuz we belive that u were sent to us becuz you cant find your self with your own people so u found your spirit with us :) ( lakota sioux/plains cree)

[@nancytemoana162]

Kia ora and much respect to you Koos. Tears flowed watching you doing your haka Bro💞

[@maori_brotha]

Ka mau te wehi! Amazing story!

[@stevenmoore8978]

Tino ataahua bro(beautiful)

[@amandalee2924]

I can see why our elders entrusted you to lead the waka, you were so natural doing the haka, they must have seen your wairua was pono & wanted a humble person who would deliver our culture to the world ❤️

[@ryanhori530]

Kia ora Brother. That was Ataahua ( beautiful ) Aroha nui

[@tamekiwaherbert2781]

I watched your documentry My Bro" I felt the all the vibes from day 1 till youse received (He Taonga Waka). I'm Maori so I know what you were going through my bro your life force awoken😯 wow lol. I appreciate you Koos For understanding Deeply My people on a personal note" And know : He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He Tangata He Tangata He Tangata. What is the most Precious in the world? It is People people People. Kia Ora👍

[@AilsaPehi]

Proud of you e hoa. Great job. Happy journey. Oceans of aroha to you and yours.

[@eddiekawhe480]

Loud and proud nga Mihi bro

[@ataimd]

Overseas people seem to fall in love with our culture so quick, it shouldn’t amaze me but it still does 💕

[@ataimd]

@xlxGolemxlx Gaming He Maori ahau!

[@musicmad67]

@@ataimd He did that haka like he's been doing it all his life 😆💚☮

[@coasty982nz8]

It's a Pitty our own pakeha kiwis "won't" embrace it too ❤🖤🤍

[@fluffymuff5519]

@@coasty982nz8 that's a blanket statement, a lot of NZ pakeha embrace and love our culture.

[@sibanought]

@@fluffymuff5519 thanks for pointing that out - one such pakeha here, and you're absolutely right.

[@ernienicholas1812]

That was wicked bro. Plus those are legendary people that trained you.

[@byroncowell6883]

Tumeke ehoa!! Amazing! Arohamai!

[@lee215]

Ataahua. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

[@brizzyreti3256]

Respect Brother ♥️ proud Maori moment cheers for that !!

[@rewetiotk8559]

I felt the mana aroha my brother

[@shadowboxing7029]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us.

[@warrenwiechern345]

Huge respect to you Koos, people will only walk away for the better!

[@tigercee8314]

the mana you carry is real 💯

[@fredwheki1088]

Much respect for you brother koos. I can see your wairua (spirit) and you do us proud ka Pai (well done).

[@whitearmouruncover2983]

Well done Brother Kia kaha Kia toa. The elders chooses wisely.

[@petersmith8599]

Beautiful, just like our culture and people, thank you for your words and respect.

[@donbennett5353]

What a heart warming presentation, you made a connection for life, and even if you never see them again, you will forever have fond memories of this time in your life. Your haka was awesome and made me feel emotional. Open hearts and open minds, sharing and accepting each others cultures. Kia ora Koos

[@madhattersqu33n36]

Wow you done amazing at the end brought a tear to my eye 🙏

[@ApteryxRex]

That Haka gave me chills. Wasn't expecting it to.

[@fu8713]

Cool bro 🤙🤙

[@kennethhammond4028]

Mad respect watching this again and keeps getting better noticing something rereke. Mauri ora. Bro.

[@Jo-cd6wr]

Awesome!!! The world needs more people like you. Much respect.

[@anetaignaszak5438]

A beautiful story about getting back to ourselves, to the inner spiritual strength. Thank you so much for that.

[@parihynes9381]

The man. Kia ora ehoa.

[@maihidouglas5826]

Too good bro MANA

[@michelletewhata7768]

Thank you for sharing

[@marcusty6957]

People from the Netherlands are something, they are very clever and well respected in New Zealand. I got nothing but good words towards them. I love the Netherlands! And this is what I call culture appreciation!!!!

[@tonyjohnston1793]

Awesome work bro kia kaha

[@khromethirteen87HGOD]

🫡🤟🏿😎Appreciate Your TRUTH BROTHER thanxx You

[@roxykatipa9365]

awesome watch. ngamihi

[@djdjae]

Kia Ora ! what mana respect !

[@invadersin5203]

Kia ora e hoa. Your respect and aroha for this land, it's people and their culture is beyond words. Thank you.

[@HOPALONGCHIEFKIWI]

WAKA a means to travel to your home. Arohanui the home you travelled to. Love.

[@benjaminleef8992]

So proud of you brother learning our culture must respect

[@trisha1237]

Love it! thank you

[@cheeseisdelicious111]

beautiful talk❤

[@shannnz9148]

They chose well 🙏. Here we are.

[@heyitsdaphh5983]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to learn, express and showcase our culture. As everyone said. Nothing but respect for you and every person who followed on this beautiful journey. I may not be the only one who thinks this, even though you arent māori. That i know of. You are māori to me. Corny but true. Rawe Mana.

[@moziboy75]

Kia ora e hoa Te Kaihautu .... the wind eater What a privelage....the man has mana.

[@moziboy75]

@@Moonglow1-y9x I said "Hello my friend, The Wind Eater"...that was the name given to him an honour and a privilege

[@piripiwright9415]

Mean Māori 💪🏾 Tena koe!!

[@jdpoki1844]

Hoia tō waka e te rangatira. Row your waka chief and let your spirit guide you back to hawaiki. Kia Ora

[@tainagoodwillie3674]

Kia ora to you. Ngongotaha is my mountain Utahina my river Te Arawa my Whaka Te Arawa is my tribe Ngati Whakaue is my sub tribe Raukawa is my name (on my mum phone. Maoris still money poor in NZ) I just want to say from one Maori to another. Chur bro. Never had a Ted Talk make me cry. You are the the right man for your role. And have made me proud. And proved our elders right. They always are. Na naku noa Chur bro

[@cuzzybro2199]

Respect!!

[@makneonz]

was beautiful to watch and listen to your korero (talk) thank you for sharing about our culture and your experience, proud of you bro with you performing your haka.

[@Frank-rx8ch]

Bless you, kia ora. It takes a lot of courage, mana, faith and strength to put anxiety aside and put your trust in someone or something that works for greater things to come.

[@sweetazz01]

WOW!!!! Awesome ❤

[@litarakempa9363]

Sheesh he did that Haka like he's been doing it his whole life the good man! What a beautiful appreciation of another's culture! We need more like him so tired of being looked at like an alien 🤣

[@justinemakirere2482]

Respect brother

[@delta2080]

my dad and my uncle are on that waka hahahaha cool!! so much respect bro thank you!

[@earlehart2123]

awesome!

[@terenasimons5247]

Beautiful talk Koos!!!

[@kelstonify]

wow your mana and haka are inspiring. Ngā mihi koutou katoa

[@philiphema2678]

"Ka pae to korero e taku hoa! Ataahua no to wairua". "Your address was well-done, my friend. It was beautiful from your heart". No tangata Maori.

[@jadecostello3325]

I need to go home. Been in Australia too long

[@pungazs]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@irondragon6423]

Awesome ka mau te wehi 😝BLEH

[@myzstepn]

Nothing but love for you. Our Maori culture is the best❤️

[@Tokoa144]

Ka mau te wehi e te Rangatira! Tuturu whakamaua Kia tina! Haumia e hui e.. Taiki e!

[@tewhetusimeon2863]

I'm proud to be moari Ngati tuwharetoa I say it proudly

[@HOPALONGCHIEFKIWI]

Hans Honamen ( please forgive my spelling).. a Danish sailor who married in to a culture by aroha. He was a leader and hero to the Maori in Maketu. Short story long ... founded the name Tapsell..meaning in his native tongue (Danish) Top sail. Please give time to research his legacy.

[@parker6739]

He was my ancestor we are from his son retiretis line

[@jamierapana-soe2439]

Chur my bro ✊

[@AndrewMorten11]

Tumeke bro 😉

[@comment2302]

Kia ora for this my bro

[@Bellenickna]

Ka pai tama!

[@taukamo4]

Beautiful

[@Hippohydra]

Ka wani kē!

[@ricksmith9177]

Awesome!

[@moriahtukaki4543]

👏👏👏

[@pitashelford5926]

❤️🙏🤗🥳🌊. Nga tino mihi nui ki a koe, koutou o Te Netherlands 🇳🇱. Awesome as. Respect. I think back to all the old Mill Hill Dutch Catholic Priest in NZ whn I was young in Mitimiti... They all spoke beautiful , fluent Te Reo Maori....

[@teawaruaedwards274]

Awesome Haka brother.

[@mariakawiti4508]

Tena koe Koos Wabeke!!!