What exactly is an adult? What lessons can we learn, and how might young people better manage their own transition into adulthood?
These questions and more are explored in new OAR FM programme and podcast Baby Pakeke, hosted by Tia Fleming.
In te reo Māori, pakeke means to be grown up, adult, or mature. The status isn’t immediately conferred on reaching a specific age.
Tia said the podcast recognised there was an in-between stage of adulthood, “when you’re no longer rangatahi but don’t quite feel like a fully settled pakeke, either”.
“The overall message is, this is our first time living. Some people learn certain lessons ahead of others and some people never learn other lessons.”
Through one-on-one conversations, Tia explores her guests’ life experiences, from schooling into further education, work and parenthood.
Reflecting on her own experience of transitioning into adulthood, Tia said there was much to be gained by moving on from tough life-lessons.
“Sometimes I feel like I am doing things wrong and I want to restart but I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that our actions have consequences, and as much as I want to restart the game, unfortunately, I cannot.
“But I can always do better next time.”
Baby Pakeke is broadcast every second Monday at 4.30pm on 105.4FM and 1575AM.
Listen to all Baby Pakeke episodes on OAR FM and other major platforms.
