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Jade Dayna Kanara Mills | Finding Sisterhood, Love & Identity | Takatāpui Talk Ep. 8
Today on Takatāpui Talk, I sit down with the wonderful Jade Dayna Kanara Mills—a proud Māori whakawāhine whose whakapapa connects her to Hokianga, Te Rarawa and Ngāti Tāmāra.
Jade shares an extraordinary life story spanning decades. Growing up at a time when there was little understanding or language for young whakawāhine, she speaks openly about leaving home, finding community, surviving through sex work, and discovering the strength that comes from chosen whānau.
This is also a beautiful love story. Jade reflects on the man she has loved for more than 30 years, the life they have built together, and the joy of creating a future that once seemed impossible.
We also talk about the cultural work Jade has undertaken through Aha Ko Te Aha, the importance of preserving our stories, and what it means to grow older with gratitude, humour and purpose.
Some parts of this conversation are frank. We discuss sex work, identity, belonging, and the realities faced by many whakawāhine of Jade's generation. These are Jade's lived experiences and personal reflections, shared generously and in her own words.
Thank you, Jade, for trusting Takatāpui Talk with your story.
If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it. Every subscription helps us preserve and celebrate the voices of our Takatāpui community for future generations.
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I think this is one of those episodes people will come back to. Jade has a way of telling her story that feels like you're sitting across the table with her, listening over a cup of tea. Those are often the conversations that stay with people long after they've finished watching.
Thank you for listening to Takatāpui Talk with Donald Hollingsworth.
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Arohanui.
