Kō tēnei taku pepeha poto ki te taha ō tōku Whaea
Kō Motūtere tōku maunga
Kō Te Punga Punga tōku awa
Kō Taitamahine tōku moana
Kō Te Arawa tōku waka
Kō Ngāti Huarere ki Whangapoua tōku Iwi
Kō Ngāti Pare rāua kō Ngāti Hei tōku Hapū
Kō Whangapoua tōku turangawaewae
Kō tōku Matua ō whānau Mareroa
Kō Kōnake tōku maunga
Kō Harataunga tōku moana
Kō Mataatua tōku waka
Kō Whakatohea ki Ngāti Porou ki Mataora ki Harataunga tōku Iwi
Kō Raikairoa tōku whare tipuna
Kō Ngapropi tōku whare kai
Kō Peter Gates hoa tane
Kō wha tamariki, raua kō iwa mokopuna
Kō Sande Mareroa-Gates ahau

Sande’s nutrition journey hīkoi began in the early 1990s as she pursued a diploma in Naturopathic and Medical Herbalism. She later completed her thesis on Māori Nutrition which led to a
collaboration with Te Whanau o Waipareira to develop a nutrition program for West Auckland
families, earning accreditation from AUT.

Over the years, Sande has contributed significantly to community nutrition initiatives. She’s worked
with organizations like Te Kotuku Kohanga Reo and Auckland City Mission, focusing on sustainable
gardening and nutritious food choices. Sande has also tutored at Wellpark College and Waikato
University Community Education, and held roles at the Heart Foundation as an Auckland Heart
Health Advocate and National Clinical Liaison.

Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, from smoking cessation support to practical cooking
classes and sustainable living practices. Sande’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of communities, particularly among Māori and Pacific peoples, is evident throughout her extensive
career.