Kia Ora Koutou Katoa
Anei tōku pepeha ki te taha ō tōku matua:
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Tama Te Kapua te rangatira
Ko Ngātoroirangi te tohunga
Ko Tongariro te maunga
Ko Taupō-nui-a-Tia te moana
Ko Tūwharetoa te iwi
Ko Jemarl Timataria Paerata ahau.
After a long career as a professional firefighter, I made the decision to serve my community in an even deeper way. I founded Te Kaiārahi to uplift and inspire people to reconnect with themselves and lead lives grounded in balance, purpose, and self-leadership.
Through my own journey of transformation—overcoming personal struggle, stepping into fatherhood, and walking alongside rangatahi and leaders alike—I’ve come to believe in the power of aligning the hinengaro (mind), tinana (body), and wairua (spirit).
I now live in Piha, on the west coast of Aotearoa, where you’ll often find me surfing, fishing, walking in the bush, or holding space for others to do their own healing and growth work. I’ve travelled the world extensively with my son Elliot, a professional surfer and former NZ Open Men’s Champion. I was proud to manage the New Zealand Junior Surf Team in 2008 and 2009, supporting our rangatahi on the world stage in France and Ecuador.
At the heart of everything I do is one belief:
We all have the power to transform our lives—when we’re willing to reconnect, take ownership, and with intention.
Te Kaiārahi
Means to Mentor.
Mission
Our mission is to uplift individuals and communities by guiding them back to themselves—through a holistic, Te Ao Māori approach to mentoring that nurtures the mind (hinengaro), body (tinana), and spirit (wairua), and by reconnecting with Te Taiao (nature) as a source of healing, strength, and clarity.
Our Reason Why
Many people today are struggling—disconnected from themselves, their purpose, and the world around them. They carry the weight of uncertainty, lacking fulfillment, direction, and a sense of belonging.
At Te Kaiārahi, we exist to change that.
Our programs empower people to rediscover who they are by reconnecting with Te Taiao (nature) and embracing the wisdom of Te Ao Māori. Through this journey, they begin to see their own value, awaken their potential, and learn to navigate life with confidence, purpose, and mana.
We don’t give them the answers.
We walk beside them as they find their own.
Because every person deserves a path to a life that is abundant, grounded, and deeply meaningful.
Our Values
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”
“What is the greatest thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!”
Manakitanga
Generosity and support for each other.
Whanaungatanga
Fostering relationships through understanding and trust.
Kotahitanga
Working together for a common goal.
Kia Kaha, Kia Maia, Kia Manawanui.
Senior Firefighter Paerata.
Hitiri Te Paerata.
Meet the Team
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Jemarl Paerata
Founder, Director & Mentor of Te Kaiārahi.
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Cameo Stavers
Wellness Mentor and Administrator of Te Kaiārahi. Experienced youth worker & surf instructor.