HWK have been supporting the Kotahi Mano Kāika (KMK) Kura Reo and Kura Reo Rakatahi for a number of years now.
This was a four-day programme led by Kotahi Mano Kāika and supported by HWK with 40 rakatahi from as far afield as Kerikeri, Ō-Tautahi, Ōtaki, Murihiku, and Ōtepōti. The rakatahi descended on Arowhenua Marae, Te-Umu-Kaha. The programme focussed on the stories of Tarahāoa, and Kāti Huirapa. They also looked at the accounts of Natanahira Te Waruwarutū who fled Kaiapoi as a child and the pā Te Wai-ā-te-Rua-Tī The 60 Rakatahi of from across the country who were all at differing levels of te reo ability participated in the following activities:
· Whakawhanaungatanga games
· Te Reo Māori planning
· Mahinga Kai - Kohi kūtae
· Mau Rākau/Āriki
· Haka and Waiata Composition
· Whakaari
· Whakapapa
· Waka Ama
· History of the rock art
· Structured te reo Māori lessons
We also had 3 ‘tuakana’, older rakatahi, who helped to facilitate the activities and run both of these wānanga. Again, the input of these tuākana made profound difference as the younger rakatahi could relate to them but also see a pathway forward as the tuākana either still studying at a tertiary level or in the workforce but have maintained their passion for te reo Māori.
We were also very fortunate to have local support from Te Wera King and Karl Russell at Arowhenua. Local expert knowledge that helps to give a greater depth and physical connection through the environment to the stories and history that is being learnt. Also, Karuna Thurlow, and Justin and Kare Tipa supported 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 at Arowhenua rivalled those they produced at Koukourarata, this time last year.
Comments