Work with us.
Research & Writing
Makanaka engages the practice of writing as a tool for transformation and connection. Deeply interested in how we relate to each other and how this reflects societal and institutional structures, her papers and essays have been published in academic journals and publications such as Pantograph Punch, Metro, Vice and Ensemble.
As a practice-led researcher she has experience conducting research and outreach with diverse communities. Makanaka has conducted participatory research projects, co-led a feasibility study for a research and evaluation centre, and devised creative and culturally appropriate methods and processes.
Makanaka is available for commissioned writing pieces and research projects including conducting literature reviews and field research.
Consulting & Training
Makanaka has designed and facilitated programmes that integrate education, art and social justice. This includes women’s programmes, playgroups, youth creative hubs and training for local businesses with the aim of supporting social cohesion. She also developed The Well’s curriculum and continues to refresh learning materials as she deepens the breadth of her research and scholarship.
Makanaka is available and can support you with:
Curriculum design
Programme design
Anti-racism educational resources
Lectures & Speaking
Makanaka brings her expertise as a teacher and honours the lineage of storytellers and wisdom holders she comes from as a skilled and engaging facilitator, educator and speaker. She is an experienced teacher who has shared on a range of social issues exploring the intersections of race, ethnicity, migration and sexuality.
She currently develops and facilitates The Well, and has tutored at Auckland University of Technology since 2018.
Makanaka is available for:
Speaking engagements
Panel discussions
Keynote address
Public lectures
Workshops
Meeting facilitation
1-2-1 Sessions
Makanaka is an embodied practitioner trained in African Kemetic Yoga. You can book private 1-2-1 sessions either online via Zoom or in-person. Time slots are added seasonally as she works with 3 clients each season.
Makanaka brings her knowledge of institutional structures and the inequities they manifest as to her practice and responds through sharing indigenous practices, cosmologies and gentle movement with clients. She loves supporting birthing people especially her queer and indigenous kin.