About Ngākau Collective
My Why
Before Ngākau Collective existed, I spent a long time trying to understand who I was meant to be. I followed astrology, numerology, readings, courses, anything that might reveal the missing piece. Each path shaped me, but none felt like home.
Through it all, one thread kept returning:
I was always drawn to reflection, compassion, and walking beside others through their own challenges.
It wasn’t until my role was made redundant that everything clicked. I stopped searching outward and began listening inward. The more I created, the more I realised I didn’t need to become someone new, I just needed a pathway back to myself.
Ngākau Journey became that pathway, and Ngākau Collective grew from it.
This mahi is my way of helping others remember who they are and move forward with confidence, clarity, and heart.
Ngākau Mission
To guide and empower those on their journey of self-discovery, growth, and reconnection through intuitive, heart-centred approaches grounded in te ao Māori.
Ngākau Vision
To nurture a compassionate, empowered community where people live connected to their authentic selves and contribute to whānau and the wider world through that connection.
Ngākau Belief
Ngākau Collective is a reminder of what we already carry within us.
Our rhythm is ancient. Our truth is waiting. We are never out of alignment, only out of practice.
Here, we remember who we are, grounded, authentic, and guided by the quiet knowing of our ngākau.
The Story Behind the Name
Ngākau means heart. Ngākau Collective among other things, is an acknowledgement of the lives lost in my whānau to heart problems — too many, too young, including my big brother. He was my greatest supporter and lived manaaki and aroha in a way that left a lasting legacy.
Ngākau Collective is my way of honouring him and all those we’ve lost. When he passed, I found the courage to take up the mantle he modelled so beautifully — to lead with aroha, to uphold manaaki, and to carry the heart of our whānau forward.
Tēnā koe, ko Verna Maihi ahau.
I am the founder and kaitiaki of Ngākau Collective — weaving indigenous wisdom, intuitive guidance, and creative expression into every offering. This is where I bring all of me: Ngāti Porou through my Māmā, and Ngāpuhi through my Dad.
I’m a Virgo and a Life Path 1, grounded in detail, driven by purpose, and here to lead with heart.
I’m a māmā, a wife, daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend, and I hold this space with safety so you can be your authentic self.
I carry this mahi with gratitude and aroha, and I’m honoured to walk alongside those ready to begin their own journey.
Because healing is a journey, and your ngākau knows the way.
Certifications & Professional Training
These qualifications support the heart-led mahi that I bring to Ngākau Collective, alongside 28 years of leadership experience in the corporate world.
Energy Healing Practitioner
Geo Love Healing - 2020
Certified Life Coach
Atmana Academy - 2022
Project Management
MCI - 2025
