Finding Belonging Through Mentorship

In 2021, after a two-decade career as a firefighter, Jemarl Paerata made the difficult decision to resign and pursue a deeper purpose as a mentor to those feeling disconnected.

From his home in Piha, Jemarl founded Te Kaiārahi, a community organisation that helps people find deeper cultural understanding, purpose, and connection through a holistic, te ao Māori approach.

Jemarl believes our own sense of belonging can help others feel connected to their communities and to themselves. His approach blends te ao Māori principles, lived experience, and a deep connection to te taiao/the natural world, helping people to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

From firefighter to mentor

Before founding Te Kaiārahi, Jemarl spent nearly two decades serving as a professional firefighter. His work as a firefighter strengthened his resilience and leadership skills. But years on the frontline also exposed him to the cumulative effects of trauma and burnout.

This pressure led Jemarl to reconsider his approach to wellbeing and after 20 years, he made the decision to serve his community in a different way.

"I knew I needed to change. I started to really question a lot of things about myself.”

Creating spaces for connection

Jemarl founded Te Kaiārahi with a simple but powerful purpose: to uplift individuals and communities by guiding people back to themselves.

Drawing on te ao Māori principles, Te Kaiārahi helps people to connect with their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing while also engaging with te taiao as a source of healing, strength, and clarity.

The kaupapa was born from a growing concern that many people are struggling with disconnection. Feeling disconnected from culture, community or self can leave people feeling isolated and unsure of where they belong, impacting their mental health.

"I feel like my purpose is to share those things that have helped me in my life.”

Through meditation, physical activity, kōrero, and breathwork, participants are encouraged to recognise their own potential, and build the confidence to move forward with purpose and mana.

The impact of belonging

When people understand who they are and feel connected to something bigger than themselves, they are better equipped to face adversity, build healthy relationships, and contribute positively to their communities.

Jemarl’s work – whether it’s with rangatahi, community groups, educators, or corporate leaders – is helping people strengthen connection by creating opportunities to engage with culture, nature, and one another.

His story reminds us that belonging is not something we achieve alone. We all have a part to play in helping others feel like they belong. When we support others to feel grounded in who they are, they are more likely to flourish.

And when more people flourish, our communities become stronger, healthier, and more connected in the long term.