Matt Renata has been a youth worker for many years and is now studying Christian theology through an indigenous lens - specifically a Māori and Pasifika lens. We talk about his years working with youth - how and why he got into it and what he learned about himself along the way. We talk about his exploration of his whakapapa (ancestry), and what a difference that has made to his life. And we dive into his theological study and hear about what he's studying and why it is bringing him so much life.  We also talk about Matt's involvement at Ihumātao - an area of land in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) that was set for development despite local Māori having ancestral claim to the land.  Last year a number of people, including Matt, headed to Ihumātao to protest the development and ask the government to step in.  Matt fills us in on some of the background of Ihumātao and why it was so important, and what his involvement was during the weeks of protest.  Find Matt on Instagram  To understand more about Ihumātao see Pania Newton's TedX Auckland talk on YouTube ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at: Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com   Music by Strahan: Spotify: Strahan Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusic  or  facebook.com/commonerscommunion Instagram: @strahanmusic  or  @commoners_communion