//002 Veeshayne Patuwai

In this episode we meet Veesh Patuwai (nee Armstrong) and talk about life in the Far North, the gentrification and regeneration of her Glen Innes community and, how she playing her part in raising the next generation of Indigenous female leaders.

Veeshayne is most recognised from her days in radio as a DJ for the urban Māori station Mai Fm. In the 90s, she moved to the big smoke of Auckland from small town Moerewa, quickly making her mark in the industry by becoming the first Māori female to ever win Best New Broadcaster at the Mobil Radio Awards.

While she is known for her radio and acting career, it is her mahi supporting kōhine Māori that sits closest to her heart. As the creator and kaitiaki of Urutapu, a leadership programme for young Māori women, Veesh is championing indigenous women to transform our communities and recognise our potential and power.