Let’s Talk About Ai

Our final wānanga of Season 2! This episode is all about self love - the everyday, the intentional, and the Māori ways we look after ourselves. From setting boundaries to returning to the taiao, we kōrero about what recharges us and how we protect our hauora in a world that doesn’t always make it easy. Biggest takeaway? Āta whakarongo ki a koe anō. Checking in with yourself from time to time is invaluable. AND, don't be whakamā about self pleasure! Ai ai aiiiiii xxx

This wānanga holds space for rich, meaningful kōrero, from hapūtanga, to whāngai and whaeakēkētanga, and all the beautiful, magical ways of growing a whānau. Māmā, pāpā, nannies, koroua, aunties, uncles - everyone brings something important to the life of a tamaiti. This wānanga is all about celebrating that, and making sure every part of the village feels supported and seen. Because whether the journey starts with a surprise or a long wait, one thing stays the same: ko te mea nui ko te aroha!

'Ai pai, ai paru, ko te mea nui kia haumaru!' Ko te kaupapa o te wiki nei: Mate paipai - STIs! Our in-house mātanga, Te One, takes us through why regular testing matters, the different types of STIs, how testing is done and what treatment looks like. And, we bust common myths around sexual health! Our biggest learning, e hoa mā? Let’s normalise testing... because these days, it’s way more of a flex to get tested than not! We also hear from special guest, Whaea Leanne White-Haverkamp, who shares her whakaaro and research on te whakamāori i ngā akoranga ai, particularly within kura Aho Matua.

Ngā hononga ā ipo, ngā hononga hoa, ngā hononga katoa! Āe, this episode is all about relationships! Our panel opens up about their own relationship statuses and personal journeys navigating all kinds of connections, because let’s be honest, it’s not always simple. We’re also joined by Māori Clinical Psychologist, Tākuta Tahlia Kingi, to kōrero about attachment styles and the pressure society puts on being in a relationship. Does being in a relationship really equal happiness? Let’s unpack it together, e hoa mā! Ai ai aiiiii xxx

Not all ai is healthy. In this episode, we talk trauma bonds, toxic relationships, and why doing the werkkk (self-work that is) is the key to real connection. If it’s costing your peace, your mana, or your wairua, it’s not love e hoa mā!

This episode is all about staying safe while online dating. Areare taringa mai, e hoa mā! We’re talking how to spot catfish, dodge the red flags 🚩 and what to do if your whakaahua end up somewhere they shouldn't! A must-watch wānanga to help keep your online dating life fun, flirty and safe! Ai Ai Ai xxx

Have pātai about gender and sexual orientation you've been too shy to ask? These kaupapa are complex, beautiful, and deeply personal, and this wānanga is the perfect space to explore them. Whether you've been wondering, debating, or just feeling curious, nau mai! Ai Ai Ai xxx

Did you know 75% of rangatahi in Aotearoa aged 14–17 have seen porn? Yep, it’s out there, everywhere! In this episode, the panel get real about their own wheako: how they first came across porn, what it made them think, feel, and question. It’s not about judging, it’s about kōrero. With so much content online, our rangatahi deserve honest convos and real talk about what a healthy relationship with porn actually looks like. Nau mai ki te wānanga! Ai Ai Aiii xxx

In this wānanga, we dive into WHAKAĀETANGA - consent. What is it, what isn’t it, and why is it so important that we talk about it? We hear from BRAVE founder Jess Tyson, who shares her personal experience of child sexual abuse, and we get honest with each other about having this vital kōrero. We explore the grey areas, reflect on the power of kōrero, and wānanga the role of consent in creating safe, respectful relationships. Whether you’re figuring it out for yourself or looking for better tools to talk to others, this kōrero is for you. Ai Ai Aiii xxx

We’re talking whakamahana - FOREPLAY. An important part of sexual intimacy and something we do to increase connection, arousal and desire with one another. The panel share some of their awkward foreplay moments (pop off!) and special guest, Melissa Vranjes explains how the roro (brain) is the biggest sexual organ in the body! Ai Ai Aiii xxx

Contraceptives: what’s out there, how they work, and which one’s right for you? From the pill to the IUD, we’re talking options and we’re not holding back. This episode is all about empowering wāhine and tāne with the knowledge they need to make the best choices for themselves. We get into the real talk about ikura, te whare tangata and the power of choice. A big mihi to Tui Maxwell from Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa for joining us! Ai Ai Ai xxx

In this wānanga, we talk all things tāne-related! Ure, raho... āe, this is the full package (😉). The panel talks to Tākuta Simon Snook about erections, the snip and how to make things last longer... #iykyk This is a moment for the tāne! But don't worry wāhine mā, it's all useful kōrero for you to know too! Ai Ai Aiii xxx

Why has sex become such a tapu (taboo) subject in te ao Māori? Is this a result of colonisation? In this episode, we're joined by Tiana Griffin, who helps unpack this kaupapa and shares how historical and cultural factors have shaped our understanding of sex today. Together, we challenge societal norms and reimagine a healthier, more inclusive approach to sexuality. This conversation is long overdue! Ai Ai Aiii xxx

How do we prepare for sex? How do we care for ourselves before, during, and after? And, what does a healthy sex life mean to you? A big mihi to Viv Conway from Girls Get Off for joining us! Ai Ai Ai xxx