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About Us

What do we do?

maia dreams' vision

Inspiring and equipping individuals, families, and communities to gain confidence through Personal Development, Mātauranga Māori, Fitness & Performing Arts.
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Years of Experience
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Students Impacted
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Who are we?

the dream team

Meet the people that keeps the dream alive. The team that can enable you to dream confidently.

Kristyl Neho

general manager
and founder

An artist, actor, storyteller, creator, director, facilitator, mother, writer, MC and public speaker.

sian graham

2IC/Operations Lead

Brings a wealth of expertise, with eight years of experience in the tech industry, specializing in small business accounting, tax, and inventory solutions.

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get to know us

the trustees

Meet the leaders who guide our vision and values. Committed to fostering growth, integrity, and lasting impact.

Pam De
Frere

a remarkable individual who brings immense value to Maia Dreams Charitable Trust. Pam is a lover… See more

Eunice August-Smith​

Eunice Smith aka Mumty is a multi-talented theatre practitioner, singer, director and facilitator… See more

Kaysie Cornes Kohu

Kaysie is an accomplished educator and cultural practitioner who serves as the CEO of Nehera… See more

Nigel
Messervy

Nigel brings over two decades of educational experience to his role and currently serves as Principal at Havelock… See more

CONFIDENTLY DREAM WITH US.

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Confident Me Performing Arts merges personal development with acting, movement, music, and improvisation to build self-esteem, communication skills, and creative expression. Participants explore their talents in a supportive environment, using performing arts as a tool for self-confidence and emotional growth.

Program Goals

  • Enhance Creative Expression – Provide a platform for students to explore their artistic voice.
  • Build Confidence Through Performance – Help participants overcome stage fright and embrace public expression.
  • Develop Teamwork & Leadership – Encourage collaboration and communication through performing arts.

Program Components

✔ Acting & Improvisation – Developing character work, emotional connection, and stage presence.
✔ Voice & Movement Training – Strengthening vocal projection, articulation, and body awareness.
✔ Live Performance & Storytelling – Encouraging self-expression through monologues, skits, and collaborative scenes.
✔ Creative Collaboration – Engaging in group performances, devising original content, and exploring Māori storytelling traditions.
✔ End-of-Program Showcase – Every program culminates in a public performance, either as part of a local event, a festival, or on stage at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Event Centre, providing participants with a professional performance experience.

Confident Me Performing Arts inspires participants to express themselves boldly, develop their unique talents, and gain confidence through the power of performance, culminating in a meaningful showcase of their growth.

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Next Level is a 30-day guided self-growth program designed to help individuals build confidence, resilience, and clarity in their personal development journey. Through structured activities, live support, and accountability, participants gain practical tools to take their self-improvement to the next level.

Program Goals

  • Strengthen Self-Confidence – Help individuals take control of their growth and mindset.
  • Provide Structured Support – Offer step-by-step guidance for self-improvement.
  • Encourage Accountability & Reflection – Reinforce positive habits through check-ins and journaling.

Program Components

✔ 30-Day Challenge – A structured guide with daily exercises for self-growth.
✔ Two Live Group Zoom Calls – One at the start and one at the end for support and goal setting.
✔ Private Facebook Community – A safe space for sharing progress, encouragement, and insights.
✔ Daily Check-Ins – Morning and evening accountability posts via Messenger.
✔ Weekly Live Videos – Additional support and motivation from the Maia Dreams team.
✔ Self-Growth Journal – A guided workbook focusing on gratitude, habit-building, emotional awareness, and resilience.
✔ In-Person Workshop – A hands-on session to reinforce techniques and provide deeper learning.

Investment

💰 $199 per participant (Includes journal, facilitator guidance, live sessions, resources, and daily check-ins).

Next Level is for individuals ready to step up, take action, and create lasting personal transformation. By the end of the program, participants will feel more confident, self-aware, and equipped with the tools to continue their growth journey.

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Taonga Mātauranga is a hands-on, school-based program that introduces students to the fundamentals of filmmaking, scriptwriting, and on-screen acting. Designed to foster confidence, creativity, and storytelling skills, this program empowers students to develop their own narratives and bring them to life through film.
Program Goals
Teach the Basics of Filmmaking – Introduce scriptwriting, camera techniques, and on-screen performance.
Encourage Self-Expression – Help students use film as a tool to tell their own stories.
Incorporate Tikanga Māori & Cultural Storytelling – Empower students to explore and express their cultural identity through filmmaking.
Program Components
✔ Scriptwriting & Storytelling – Developing strong narratives, characters, and dialogue.
✔ On-Screen Acting & Performance – Learning how to perform naturally in front of the camera.
✔ Practical Filmmaking Techniques – Understanding camera work, angles, lighting, and directing.
✔ Editing & Production Basics – Introducing students to the post-production process.
✔ End-of-Program Film Screening – Every program culminates in a public showcase of student films, either at a festival, a school event, or Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, giving students the opportunity to see their work on the big screen.
Taonga Mātauranga provides students with the confidence and technical skills to explore the world of film, while celebrating their unique perspectives and storytelling abilities.

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Confident Me is a proven personal development program that has been running for over 16 years, positively impacting more than 18,000 students across Aotearoa. Grounded in Mātauranga Māori, the program integrates Personal Development and Performing Arts to grow confidence, resilience, identity, and wellbeing in a fun and empowering way.

Target Groups:

  • Children (Years 5–8)
  • Youth (Years 9–13)
  • Parents
  • Teachers
  • Adults
  • Whānau sessions (Parent and child combined)

Key Outcomes:

  • Strengthened self-confidence and self-worth
  • Clear sense of cultural identity and belonging
  • Enhanced communication and leadership skills
  • Greater emotional resilience and mental wellbeing
  • Tools for self-awareness, goal setting, and personal growth

Program Format:

  • 10-week programs are available
  • Year-long programs are recommended for deeper transformation and more sustainable outcomes
  • Tailored to meet the unique needs of schools, kura, communities, and organisations.

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