Date Created: September 13, 2021
Te Rangataioho is an exciting new kaupapa that has emerged in the past year. This two-year educational journey is aimed at a group of 10 to 12 year-olds who are uri o Te Awa Tupua, speak te reo Maori, passionate about their Whanganuitanga and have supportive whanau.
A Manga lti grant made a small contribution to the programme which was designed by Rama Ashford (Ngati Tuera, Ngati Hinearo, Ngati Ruawai) after her experience teaching this age group at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Atihaunui-aPaparangi.
"This age group is on the crest of rolling into a teenager and young adult, and we believe that with the additional iwitanga, mita and te reo development, we can positively influence their direction in life to be tangata tiaki and practitioners of iwi knowledge and custom," she said.
"Te Rangataioho is the weaving together of young minds and their awakening as a new and resilient wave of kaitiaki and leaders for tomorrow. These crucial years will allow for final shaping and moulding before they enter wharekura or college."
Seventeen taiohi took part in the inaugural week-long noho held in April at Parikino Marae. The focus at this noho was on Nga Pae e Rima o te marae; Te Tū a Tamakorero, Te Tū a Hinewaiata, Te Tū Marae.
"The talent, ngakau and capacity of the tauira to learn and retain our korero tuku iho is far beyond their years, and successive noho will be held during the second week of each school holidays until November 2022," Rama said.
The final noho will be held on the island of Ra'iatea in Tahiti from whence the Aotea waka and Turi departed to Aotearoa.
Coordinated by Te Taioho Ltd of which Rama is a co-founder and co-director, the plan is for Te Rangataioho to continue for several biennial intakes and contribute to the revitalisation, restoration, and creation of matauranga and taonga tuku iho of Whanganui and Aotea waka.
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