"Anna sits down with Aaron Hāpuku from the University of Canterbury for a thoughtful kōrero about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and why understanding it matters for all of us.

Together, they explore how Te Tiriti is not just historical or political, but can guide how we work, parent, lead, and relate to each other every day.

This kōrero offers an accessible starting point for anyone wanting to better understand Te Tiriti and feel more confident bringing its values into everyday life."

Today on the podcast Anna is joined again by Elizabeth Goodwin from Awhi Ngā Mātua. They talk about what Awhi Ngā Mātua is, who it’s for, and how parents can connect with this powerful community. Awhi Ngā Mātua supports parents and carers of intellectually disabled, neurodivergent and medically fragile tamariki, offering connection, understanding and practical support. This kōrero is for any parent wanting to feel less alone and more supported.

Kate and Juliet reflect on their year as working mums, sharing the real moments, the things that wobbled, and what helped them through. It’s a gentle, relatable kōrero about navigating busy lives, setting simple intentions, and remembering we don’t need to have everything sorted to move into a new year with hope and steadiness.

Juliet and Anna share an honest kōrero about grief, losing parents, and what truly supports us. They talk about the way grief can feel seasonal, the moments it rises again, and the small practices that help us keep moving. Grounded in lived experience and guided by Dr Lucy Hone’s research, this episode offers comfort, insight, and gentle connection for anyone navigating loss.

December can feel big. The pace lifts, the lists grow and it’s easy to feel pressure to buy and do more. In this episode, Kate chats with Keryn from the Brainwave Trust about staying grounded. They remind us that what our kids need in December is the same as any other time of year - connection, rhythm and moments of calm. A gentle kōrero to help you navigate the busyness with more ease.

This week Anna chats with Keli Livingston Filipo from Plunket, and it is such a fun and helpful episode. With new toys arriving for Christmas and birthdays, we talk about keeping play safe while still enjoying the magic. Keli shares clever tips for spotting sneaky risks, supporting patience, and saying no in a way that feels calm and connected. It is full of practical ideas you can use straight away.

Zazi is a mum of two, speech and language therapist, and the heart behind @zaziplays. What began as a blog during maternity leave grew into a thriving community helping parents support their children’s development through play. Now, she’s created Zazi - a brand designed with real families in mind, making everyday moments easier, calmer and full of connection.

In this episode of Being Real Parents, Anna Mowat talks with Elizabeth Goodwin, founder of Awhi ngā Mātua - a community for parents of intellectually disabled, neurodivergent, and medically fragile tamariki. They explore the kaupapa behind Awhi ngā Mātua, what parents are experiencing right now, and the insights, encouragement, and practical ways we can support one another across Aotearoa.

The Real Parents team aim to support parents to find their confidence and have more fun parenting.

In this episode of Being Real Parents, Anna talks with Keryn from Brainwave Trust about the science behind teenage brain development and why parents remain vital in the teen years. Part one of our two-part series explores research on adolescence, teen mental health, and parent–teen connection, giving you insight into why staying engaged matters and the positive difference it makes for your teenager.