Strengthening connections with Te Awa Tupua

Date Created: September 16, 2021

It is a continuous desire of our whanau to ensure our tamariki and rangatahi are connected to their Whanganuitanga and building a relationship with the Awa.

A recent highlight has been using our new Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kits (SHMAK) in Hinengākau to encourage tamariki and rangatahi engagement with the Awa.

Tauira from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Taumarunui, Te Kura Tuarua o Taumarunui and Te Kura o Ngāpuke took a few days to learn about the kits and to investigate the state of some of the local rivers at Taringamotu, Ngahuinga and Morero.

Even though testing was the core activity, the main outcome was that the tamariki and rangatahi can build a relationship with their manga and Awa.

Trust kaiwhakarite, Channey lwikau, who is based in Taumarunui, organised this wānanga.

"When our rangatahi saw the different states that some of the streams were in and saw how our mango by some of the farms were in really poor condition, it lit a fire in them about the importance of this mahi," he said.

"Having our rangatahi on board was important as they are our tomorrow! Watching them step up and take on this kaupapa gave much hope that we are on the right path towards ensuring that our next generation play a huge part within this kaupapa."

Channey said the environment - our taiao - is one of the best classrooms anyone could have.

"Our environment is just as important as our reo Maori. These kaupapa need to be given the same respect within all kura.

"You can't teach one without the other, as they go hand in hand."