Kura Reo Rakatahi ki Koukourarata 7-11 October
This was a four-day programme led by HWK and run in collaboration with Kotahi Mano Kāika. 40 rakatahi from as far afield as Kerikeri, Ō-Tautahi, Ōtaki, Murihiku, and Ōtepōti
descended on Koukourarata, Port Levy, Banks Peninsula. The programme focussed on the stories of Koukourarata, of Kāti Huikai. The 40 Rakatahi of Kāi Tahu descent who were all at differing levels of te reo ability participated in the following activities:
· Whakawhanaungatanga games
· Te Reo Māori planning
· Mahinga Kai
· Planting
· Mau Rākau/Āriki
· Haka and Waiata Composition
· Whakaari
· Whakapapa
· Waka Ama
· History
· Structured te reo Māori lessons
We also had 3 ‘tuakana’, older rakatahi, who helped to facilitate the activities and run the hui. Again the input of these tuākana made a profound difference as the younger rakatahi could relate to them and also see a pathway forward for themselves as our tuākana are studying at a tertiary level or working but have maintained their passion for te reo Māori.
We also very fortunate to have Matiu Payne and whānau host us at Koukourarata, give us the history of of the area and show take us out to trawl for pātiki and gather kūtae. Iaean Cranwell who lead the waka ama sessions, and Karuna Thurlow and Henare Te Aika support with their expertise in te reo o Kāi Tahu and waiata composition. The skits the rakatahi devised to help retain the stories they were told at this Kura Reo will go down as some of the best ever. You can watch the story of Patupaia-Rehu here.
Ko kā hua - Outcomes
1. We felt the two kura reo were both a success, the goals we had for both kura reo and aspirations we had for the rakatahi were achieved. Having so many rakatahi participate and leave emboldened and passionate about te reo Māori grows that passion in others who were not able to be there.
2. Rakatahi reported the following:
a. The importance of the survival of the language and culture and their role in it.
b. New ‘te reo Māori’ friendships.
c. Understanding some of the tribal histories and the connections between Kāi Tahu hapū.
d. The importance of our historical sites and wāhi tapu.
e. That they want more of these types of wānanga that combine structured learning with fun activities and history.
The Te Tihi group wrote a new waiata for the hapū at Koukourarata naming their wāhi tapu entitled, ‘Kākānui Tiro ki Manuhuia’
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