Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Tuhoe, Tūwharetoa

Kalinia is the mātāmua of Hori Rahui and Kareen Solomon. She was raised with a strong Māori worldview in a reo Māori household. Hori and Kareen were instrumental in the revitalisation of te reo and tikanga Māori within the South Canterbury region.

While raising her family of five, Kalinia has worked predominantly in the English-medium education sector as a te reo Māori teacher and kapahaka tutor from ECE to tertiary level. She has worked for several organisations including the University of Canterbury, Te Wānanga o Raukawa, and Te Huri Tai (Mau Rākau – Māori martial arts).

Previously a member of the Board of Trustees of Arowhenua School and Education Committee of Arowhenua Marae, Kalinia is still actively involved in the Arowhenua Marae as their kaikaranga (caller). She was also the Mana Whenua Cultural Advisor for the Ministry of Education for the building development of Arowhenua School and Opihi College.

Kalinia is currently a certified professional learning development facilitator for the Leadership Lab. Her role includes working for equity for Māori students within the education system and developing the cultural capacity of our kura (schools) within Arowhenua. Kalinia is also a facilitator for Te Ahu o te Reo in Arowhenua.

Kalinia is driven by her passion to contribute to the revitalisation of te reo Māori for her mokopuna, and all mokopuna, so that our reo continues to thrive.