When we say kia kaha, we often think of being tough, loud, or unshakeable. But what if real strength is something quieter? In this week’s blog, I reflect on a moment where staying true to my values meant speaking up softly – even when it was uncomfortable. It’s a reminder that being strong isn’t always about taking charge. Sometimes it’s about standing firm, staying kind, or choosing not to fold when it matters most.

On my very first day of kura, my kaiako taught me one rule – Kia aroha tētahi ki tētahi – show love and care for each other. No big behaviour chart, no long list of do’s and don’ts. Just that. And honestly, it’s a principle that’s stuck with me my whole life. In this blog, I share a few lessons from that first day, the mistakes I made, and why this simple piece of tikanga still guides how I try to lead, parent, and show up in the world today.

When we found out our pōtiki (youngest), Kōtuku needed glasses, it hit me harder than I expected. This blog is a bit of a reflection… on guilt, denial, and the stuff we pass on without meaning to. It’s about realising I can’t always control the outcome, but I can control how I show up. And if wearing glasses means she feels seen, supported, and not alone, then I’ll wear them with pride.

Reflections on Loneliness, Community & Connection
In this week’s kōrero on Beyond the Hustle, Anton sits down with social scientist Carl Davidson to explore the growing epidemic of loneliness in Aotearoa. From the surprising stat that 1 in 12 people are chronically lonely, to the idea that a single friendly kōrero could be the only connection someone has all day – this blog is a powerful reminder of the role hospitality plays in building community. A must-read for anyone working with people.

Shrink the Plate – Get More Done
Ever noticed how a task magically takes up all the time you give it? Whether it's an assignment at kura or a big business decision – we fill whatever space and time we allow ourselves. In this blog, Anton shares real-life examples (including garage clutter and portion control!) to show how shrinking your plate – metaphorically and literally – can unlock a whole new level of focus and productivity.

In hospo, mistakes are inevitable. A wrong order, a long wait time, or a simple slip-up – it’s never ideal, but it happens. What truly matters is how we handle it.

In this blog, I share why owning our mistakes (without excuses) is the key to building trust, both in business and in life. From handling guest complaints to everyday challenges, the way we respond to setbacks defines us more than the mistakes themselves.

Because at the end of the day, life’s too short to waste time defending what went wrong. It’s better to find a solution and move forward.

Read the full blog here

The words we choose have power – they can lift people up or tear them down. Whether we’re speaking to our kaimahi, our tamariki, our whānau, or even ourselves, the way we shape our kupu makes all the difference.

In this blog, I share a lesson from my childhood that’s stuck with me to this day, along with some real-life examples of how small shifts in the way we kōrero can create better outcomes – in business, in leadership, and in life.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what we say. It’s about how our words make people feel.

Last week, Aotearoa stood proud as Te Matatini 2025 brought the power of te reo Māori, tikanga, and kapa haka to the world stage. Millions tuned in, social media was flooded with unforgettable moments, and people - Māori and non-Māori alike - were deeply moved by the performances.

But here’s the challenge: Te ao Māori isn’t just something to admire when it’s entertaining. We don’t get to celebrate kapa haka while staying silent when kaupapa Māori and te reo Māori are under threat.

In this blog, I reflect on the beauty of Te Matatini and ask the big question - if te ao Māori gave us this incredible gift, what will we give back?

Life gets real when we step outside our comfort zone. This week’s blog dives into why doing hard things actually makes us feel good. From my whānau’s personal wins to tackling business challenges, I’ve realised that comfort is the real trap. Happiness? It’s found on the other side of the hard stuff. Read the full kōrero here

Many people say, “I don’t see colour,” thinking it’s a way to express fairness and equality. But the truth is, ignoring cultural differences doesn’t create unity - it erases identity.

In this blog, I challenge that mindset and explore why recognising and respecting cultural differences is the real way to show aroha and manaakitanga. Whether stepping onto a marae, visiting a temple overseas, or simply engaging with different communities here in Aotearoa, acknowledging tikanga, history, and identity is how we truly build respect.

It’s time to stop pretending we’re all the same and start embracing the richness of our differences. Let’s see the world in full colour. 🌏