Who We Are
Pēpi Penapena was started by a mother/daughter team who want to build happy and positive whānau through-out the country. Our tūpuna had wonderful whānau values and protected their tamariki above all else. As a people, we lost a lot of this knowledge.
Through Helen’s research these past 20 years, we know how our tūpuna supported each other and raised their children. We want Māori parents and whānau to learn, understand and own that kaupapa and apply it to their everyday life, building strong relationships between whanaunga/relatives and the children under their care.
Helen unfortunately died in 2019 after a long battle with breast cancer, but her legacy lives on through Pēpi Penapena.
Come on this journey with us. We once were warriors, but we were Gentle and respectful parents too. This is what we lost, and what we can find again!
Helen Mountain Harte M.A.
Founder - Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou
I've dedicated the last 20 years researching traditional Maori birthing and parenting practices, and now want to educate and inspire the nation about the wonderful tikanga our tupuna practised.
Liz Harte
Founder - Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou
Inspired by my mother's work, I'm applying my years of product management, strategy and planning to this kaupapa. As a mother of two young children who I treasure and adore, I want to help other parents love the whanau they have and raise happy tamariki.
Vision
Every tamaiti, every child, is happy, loved and strong
Mission
Empower whānau with gentle and respectful parenting ways to achieve immediate and lasting change in the lives of pēpi and tamariki.
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