This is Kiwi

World-class athlete Sarah Hirini has spent nearly a decade as captain of the national women’s sevens team. Through the course of her career she’s clocked up Olympic gold and silver medals, a couple of Rugby World Cup wins and in 2019 was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She was also winner of the NZ Sports Leadership award at last year’s Halberg Awards. There’s no doubt Sarah is truly inspirational, but what sets her apart is her leadership style – nuanced, caring, and focused on lifting up others in their own leadership journey. Listen to our final episode for season two of This is Kiwi to find out how this champion athlete turned her passion for rugby into a pathway for personal growth and empowerment for others. This episode was recorded in November, 2023. A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

At just 22 years old, Nico Porteous is one of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes. He first made his mark on Aotearoa sporting history at 16 when he became our youngest Olympic medalist, claiming bronze in the men's freeski halfpipe. In 2022 he soared even higher in Beijing, clinching an Olympic gold to add to his two X Games gold medals alongside being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Nico's accolades speak volumes, but beyond the medals there’s a depth of character and wisdom that belies his age. Nico joins Jane to discuss his journey to global success, how he navigates intense performance pressure and the values shaping his life beyond the slopes. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with a remarkable role model. Stay tuned for the final episode of this season: 26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

In sharing daily dad life with his social media following of nearly two million, Louis Davis challenges fatherhood stereotypes by being meaningfully present for his family. Join Louis as he sits down with Jane Yee and, through genuine humour and heartfelt anecdotes, offers an alternative narrative about the role and responsibilities of fathers. As he shares his wisdom on the beauty of whānau, the joys of parenthood and the importance of integrity, Louis' story serves as a poignant reminder of life's simple pleasures and the power of genuine connections. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday: 19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance 26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

Kendall Flutey is on a mission to help create a better future for kids all over the world. As the founder of financial literacy software Banqer, Kendall is focusing her ambition for good in a bid to empower the next generation towards a future of financial wellbeing. Combining unbridled passion, a generous spirit and tenacious business acumen, Kendall is a force to be reckoned with in the entrepreneurial space. She joins Jane Yee to discuss what it means to be intentional in all areas of life and share wisdom from her journey that can benefit us all. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday: 12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood 19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance 26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

Te Aorere Pēwhairangi is a dynamic content creator dedicated to making te reo and te ao Māori accessible. After a promising rugby league career was cut short by injury, Te Aorere moved into translation work which led to TV presenting roles and a dedicated following on social media where he connects with hundreds of thousands. Te Aorere talks to Jane about his commitment to his people, including his campaign ‘Waewae the 35’ that raised $115,000 for Cyclone Gabrielle-stricken communities. Recently recognised as a local hero by Kiwibank, Te Aorere is on a mission to serve, inspire and make a meaningful impact in Aotearoa. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday: 5th February - Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition 12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood 19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance 26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

What happens when you take on your trauma with the whole world watching? Jazz Thornton joins Jane Yee for a raw and entertaining kōrero between friends that exposes the reality of turning your pain into purpose in a very public way. The young mental health advocate and social media star speaks openly about the highs and lows of sharing her life through a lens and reveals what motivates her to show up for others every day, even as she continues to work through her own intense historic trauma. With an unwavering commitment to hope and demonstrating a resilience that is both remarkable and inspiring, this is Jazz Thornton as you’ve never heard her before.  Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday: 29th January - Te Aorere Pēwhairangi on​ finding inspiration 5th February - Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition 12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood 19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance 26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network

Meet Robbie van Dam, a visionary entrepreneur and finalist for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Spark Innovator Award for 2023. Through his company GoodNature, Robbie’s passion and commitment has helped revolutionise the pest control industry thanks to a groundbreaking trap that humanely kills pests with remarkable efficiency. With over 22 million pests killed worldwide and huge monetary savings in conservation efforts, Robbie’s inspiring story of challenging the status quo, making meaningful change and turning innovation into a global success is not to be missed. Brought to you by The Spinoff Podcast Network together with Kiwibank

Dr Ellen Nelson is a military veteran, esteemed academic, and Kiwibank local hero of the year for 2023. For this special kōrero we delve into Ellen's passion for improving working conditions for parents and her campaigns advocating for flexible and inclusive workplaces. We find out what drives Ellen, covering her bold approach to leadership, mammoth volunteer effort leading the evacuation of Afghan refugees to Aotearoa and academic achievements focusing on women's empowerment. Ellen's relatability and openness offer valuable insights as we learn from her wisdom and experiences in creating a more inclusive and balanced society Brought to you by The Spinoff Podcast Network together with Kiwibank

With Matariki, the Māori new year, on the horizon, there's no better time to delve into the significance of this celestial celebration with someone who played a pivotal role in its recognition on the public holiday calendar. As a renowned expert in indigenous knowledge and the Professor of Mātauranga Māori at Massey University, Dr Rangi Mātāmua is Kiwibank's New Zealander of the Year for 2023. In this very special episode, Dr Rangi joins host Jane Yee with a wealth of wisdom and expertise that extends beyond the stars, encompassing topics such as living by the Maramataka and food sovereignty. Gain applicable tips on how you can acknowledge Matariki and improve your relationship with the earth, all while being captivated by Dr Rangi's calming presence, delightful cheekiness, and profound wisdom.  Brought to you by The Spinoff Podcast Network together with Kiwibank

As founder of Girls That Invest, Simran Kaur wears multiple hats: financial columnist, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and financial literacy advocate. Her highly acclaimed podcast has garnered over four million downloads and topped the business podcast charts worldwide. At just 26 years old, Simran's remarkable achievements, including speaking at the UK House of Parliament, defy her age. In this conversation Jane Yee gets to know the woman behind the success story, revealing Simran's humility, generosity and determination to empower others. Get a glimpse into the motivation, mindset and resilience of this remarkable wahine and learn from her wisdom and experience to help improve your own financial health. Brought to you by The Spinoff Podcast Network together with Kiwibank

Beyond his triumphs in professional sport, Dave Letele has always maintained an unwavering commitment to his community. Through the establishment of the BBM Motivation foundation, Dave has emerged as a beacon of hope, establishing free fitness classes, nutritional guidance, and smarter food banks to help those eager to reclaim their health. The Spinoff Podcast Network's Jane Yee sits down with the 2022 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year for a deeply moving conversation that transcends accolades and achievements, as she uncovers the heart and soul of Dave Letele's work. They discuss becoming a true advocate for change, empowering rangatahi to break free from their disadvantages and embracing a future overflowing with limitless possibilities. Brought to you by Kiwibank together with The Spinoff Podcast Network

Kiri Nathan isn’t just a leading figure in the Aotearoa fashion industry, she’s a true inspiration – a remarkable artist and guiding mentor to young indigenous designers. Kiri stands apart from her peers in the world of fashion, with her commitment to incorporating her whakapapa in her creations by using Māori patterns, textiles and weaving techniques. In this kōrero we discover what motivates Kiri and the obstacles she’s conquered to achieve respect and success in this notoriously tough industry. We also learn about the impact she’s had at a community level that goes far beyond her personal achievements. The epitome of integrity and resilience, Kiri’s story and tenacity provide plenty for us to learn from about how we can bring more of ourselves to our own fields of passion, but also use our knowledge and experience to encourage and empower others. Brought to you by The Spinoff Podcast Network together with Kiwibank

Coming soon