"A key solution to all these problems is to revive our Indigenous way of life. Clearly we can see that as we become more westernised, our environment is compromised."

Sunshine grew up in Atiu and brings a lifetime of traditional skill on land and sea to his work with Kōrero o te 'Ōrau. A master weaver and fisher, he carries knowledge passed down through generations, from reading the reef and the seasons to shaping raw natural materials into finely woven work, and  regarded as an important traditional knowledge holder. He has also performed internationally as part of a Cook Islands traditional dance group, carrying his island's culture onto the world stage. He now shares this depth of knowledge directly with the next generation through the 'Ātui'anga ki te Tango youth program, guiding young people as they learn traditional fishing methods, weaving techniques, and the cultural values behind each practice. Sunshine's mission is to pass these skills on hands-on, ensuring our youth learn them not from a book, but from someone who has lived and practised them their whole life.