- Mike Moka Toria Timoti -
April, 18th 2015
Wedding by invitation only.
Our Unique Love Story
"Strength through Struggle"
-As quoted by Life Education Trust Founder - Trevor Grice
Fate, Destiny, Soul Mates you name it they seem to represent it
Before they met both Mike and Toria were born and bred in West Auckland. At a young age Mike lived for a few years in Kihikihi and started Kohanga there. This Kohanga was coincidently held at her marae Mangatoatoa - a place that would one day grow very special to her.
Mike and Toria first met when Mike joined Te Rōpu Kapahaka o Te Atatu they were only ages 6 & 7. Right from the start they were bitter enemies and rivals, this was probably because they were such strong competitors.
For the next 8 years of Kapahaka it was a rollercoaster ride that took them to all sorts of places.
-Competed in regional and national kapahaka competitions
-Competed in midget, junior, intermediate and senior groups
-Kaitataki wahine and Kaitataki tane (many times....together)
-Travelled and performed overseas in LA & Winnipeg, Canada.
At 14 & 15 years old both Mike and Toria went through tough times in their lives, as a result they realised who was really there for them in their time of need........Each other!
They found strength through struggle -and this is where their love started.
At 15 & 16 years of age they become independent and moved in together to start making a change for themselves.
The rest as we all know it, is history.
They have challenged all the statistics of stereo typical Māori and have rekindled the love of both of their whanau.
They are now 26 & 27 and living the dream, their own dreams. The pursuit of Happiness.
"We remain truly grateful to all the people who have helped us get to where we are today and are tremendously honoured by all the opportunities we have had to help others.
Our day of union is not only celebrating our love but also a day for us to give thanks.
Thanks to the many people that have helped, nutured, supported, inspired and loved us.
This is for you!"