Reverend Dr Hone Te Rire

Walking in Faith, Whānau, and Whakapapa 

As an academic, spiritual leader and te reo Māori champion, Reverend Dr Hone Te Rire is playing an important role in strengthening culture and resilience within his community. Born in Kawerau in the 1960s, he is the second eldest of nine siblings. His whakapapa is firmly rooted in the whenua and communities of Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe, and he is proud of the strong connections that flow through both his mother and father.  

“I’m a product of their union, and I am proud of my whakapapa. I also have very strong blood relationships through my father’s mother, which are special to me.”

Dr Te Rire’s early life was shaped not only by his whānau but also by the spiritual leadership of his father, who served as an Amorangi (Spiritual Leader) in the Presbyterian Church.  

The passing of his father in 2000 was a deeply felt loss, but also a moment that strengthened his connection to his whānau and his faith.  

“Not long after my father passed, my nannies and aunties from Onepu, reached out to me and said, ‘Boy, come home and sit in the church on Sundays, sit in the pews so that we would stop crying and feeling mokemoke (sad) for your father.’

“That moment grounded me in my faith, so in 2007 I began my journey to become an Amorangi.”

Ordained as an Amorangi in 2009, Dr Te Rire has since served his community as a spiritual leader, weaving together scripture and tikanga Māori to guide and support those around him.  

At the 2025 graduation ceremony of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, he not only completed his PhD but was also honoured with the Award for Excellence in Te Reo Māori.  

“Receiving the Excellence in Te Reo Māori award was very special. Te reo Māori is the voice of our tīpuna, and this recognition affirms its value in our lives today.”

His academic journey now continues with a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship, building on his doctoral research and extending his contribution to Māori communities. His research focuses on the interrelationship between te reo, cultural identity, and scripture as a foundation for community resilience in the face of environmental risk.

“This fellowship is an opportunity to continue the mahi I began in my PhD, but more importantly, it allows me to give back.  

“I’m excited to keep learning and to support our communities in preparing for the challenges ahead.”

Dr Te Rire wears many hats including serving on several boards and committees, and he admits that taking on a PhD was another big commitment, but one he was ready for.

“My colleagues asked how I balance everything, especially having just completed a PhD. I confessed it was a lot of mahi, but that it’s all about discipline. You have to set time aside for that mahi.

“I submitted my proposal to the research committee stating I would complete my PhD in three years, and I meant it. I had to walk my talk, and that’s exactly what I did.”