Jenna-Rose is an Indigenous Māori from the iwi (tribes) Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toarangatira, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Te Whānau Ā Apanui in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
As an Indigenous researcher and educator, Jenna-Rose has collaborated with Māori communities, organisations, government institutions, and public bodies to deliver in-depth seminars and symposiums on Māori culture, Indigenous rights, and the history of New Zealand. While in New Zealand, she remains actively engaged in her tribal community, taking on key roles in cultural ceremonies and traditions.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience, she has dedicated herself to personal development, using the wisdom and traditions of her culture to support individuals in building inner strength, deepening self-awareness, and strengthening mental resilience. Through the teaching of Haka, she aims to help people strengthen their self-confidence, enhance their well-being, and overcome physical and mental barriers. At the same time, she promotes the transmission of Māori practices and shares her culture with the world.
Jenna-Rose has taught Haka for women in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Her goal is to create a safe and empowering space for female self-empowerment through the practice of Haka Wāhine (women’s Haka). While the Haka for men and women shares the same origins of Toa (strength) and Mauri (life force), their respective sources of Mana (power and influence) are distinct.
The Haka for women arises from the essence of Mana Wāhine (the power of women) and is deeply rooted in Wairua Tapu (sacred spirituality), Te Whare Tangata (the source of life), Te Whare Manaaki (the house of care), and Te Whare Tiaki (the house of protection).
In her workshops, Jenna-Rose draws from these elements by using dynamic movement, expressive gestures, and powerful vocal expression to support women in recognising and embodying the strength of feminine energy.
