Back in 2012, we introduced readers to Tangiora Hinaki, a vibrant mother, storyteller and community voice who had carved out a life full of family, faith and dreams in the Pilbara. More than a decade on, we caught up with Tangiora to hear how her journey has unfolded and how her dream of media and leadership has grown into something bigger than she once imagined.

Tangiora Hinaki is from the eastern tribes Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou, and is a citizen of both Aotearoa (NZ) and Australia. Now approaching her 50th birthday, she reflects on raising eight children in Australia, being married to her lifelong partner, and becoming a grandmother. Her story remains deeply rooted in family, faith and the power of media to bring people together.

When we first met Tangiora, she was working at ABC Pilbara, discovering her love for media and storytelling. She later transitioned to Ngaarda Media, based in Ieramagadu (Roebourne), and over the past nine years has grown with the organisation, first as a manager and then as CEO.

“When I arrived, there were only two staff and a casual worker. There was no breakfast show, no statewide news, and barely a thousand followers on Facebook. I brought what I’d learned from the ABC, but through a First Nations lens,” she recalls.

Under her leadership, Ngaarda Media has flourished. Today the organisation employs 11 staff, produces a daily statewide First Nations news bulletin, and has grown its online community to more than 37,000 followers.

Stepping into the CEO role was not something Tangiora originally set out to do. “I felt like an accidental CEO,” she admits. “At heart I’m a content creator, but I learned about operations, human resources and grant writing along the way. I had to grow into leadership.”

Her growth has been supported by mentors and shaped by her participation in the 2020 Leadership WA Rising program, which she credits with helping her develop emotional intelligence and lead a team with compassion. Now, with an operations manager in place, she has stepped into the role of Chief Editorial Officer, giving her more space to return to her first love, creating content and telling stories that matter.

Tangiora’s story is not just about career achievements. At its heart are her family and faith. With eight children and now grandchildren, she reflects on the challenges and joys of raising her family in Roebourne, a town with a long and complex history.

“My four youngest children grew up in a community marked by both resilience and trauma. But our strong family values, our spiritual belief in Yeshua, and our love for each other have helped us navigate it all,” she says.

Her Māori heritage and Christian faith continue to ground her. “The fundamentals in the Holy Bible guide me – love your neighbour, walk in humility, forgive quickly. Life is too short to hold on to bitterness,” she reflects.

Among her proudest professional highlights are the national awards Ngaarda Media has won for journalism, including recognition for breaking major news stories such as coverage of the Cleo Smith case. But the milestone she is most excited about is the launch of Ngaarda TV, a new platform that will stream current affairs and highlight First Nations stories from across Western Australia. “We’ll be like Netflix, but dedicated to telling stories from our people, from the Pilbara to the South West,” she says with a smile.

Looking back, Tangiora says she would tell her younger self in 2012: “You are enough. Don’t let critical voices or workplace bullying silence you. Stand your ground, speak with courage, and soldier on in your own light.”

Her advice for younger women and aspiring journalists is just as powerful: “You are the future. Be brave enough to tell your truth, even when it feels stressful. Storms pass, joy comes again. Be kind, be humble, and be quick to forgive.”

From a modest two-bedroom house in Roebourne to leading the Pilbara’s only Indigenous media hub, Tangiora’s journey is one of resilience, leadership and unwavering belief in the power of story. While she once dreamed of becoming the Oprah Winfrey of the North West, today her vision is bigger: to ensure First Nations voices are heard, respected and celebrated across Western Australia and beyond.

Her story remains as inspiring now as it was in 2012, proof that with courage, humility and a deep love for community, dreams can grow far beyond what we once imagined.