Tuia te Tai Poutini wānanga
30 Jun
Some of our Senior students recently participated in a wananga run by Whiriwhiria Trust at Tauraka Waka A Maui marae in Bruce Bay.
Whiriwhiria Trust run a leadership development kaupapa called Whiria te Tai Poutini (Weave The West Coast). Whiria te Tai Poutini looks to work alongside schools to support and encourage senior Māori students to realise their potential to do great things for themselves, their whānau, and their wider community.
Their focus is on building strong young Māori by exploring what it means to be connected to whakapapa, whenua and community. The programme is made up of three wānanga (gatherings) over the school for Years 11, 12 and 13. They welcome Māori students wanting to develop their leadership skills and build their capability and capacity to contribute to others. Below is a recount from two of our students of their time during the Wānanga.
Tuia Wānanga, Mahi Tahi (Bruce Bay)
Going to the marae was an awesome experience, and I had a really good time taking part in all the different activities. We listened to stories about the history and imporatnced of the marae, which helped me understand more about Māori traditions and why they are so important. We also searched for Aotea, and it was exciting when we found some.
After that, we played fun games with students from four different schools. There were about 30 of us altogether, so it was a great chance to meet new people, make friends, and work together as a team.
I really enjoyed the last couple of days because I learned a lot, had heaps of fun, and made some great memories that I’ll remember for a long time.
Thanks to everyone and a big mihi to Harmony who bravely put up with a van load of boys.
Nā Jack Hemi
Te Tauraka o Maui Marae
When we arrived at the marae, we were welcomed by the haukāinga, Jeff and Maia. They then shared the history of the area and told us stories about their wharenui.
We did heaps of fun activities with the students from the other schools who came along. One of the activities was learning about the timeline of Māori arrival in Aotearoa, and we also played games together.
We had the privilege of visiting the old pā site beside the Makaawhio Awa, where I even found my own piece of Aotea pounamu.
I really enjoyed this wānanga and look forward to our next one at Arahura Marae. Thanks to all the kaiako and students from Westland, Buller and Greymouth High Schools and Reefton Area School. A special thanks to the organisers from Tuia, who volunteered their time to support us all.
Nā Jack Delamare
