Tītiro whakamuri, haere whakamua
You know not your future until you know your past
As an organisation, Wakatū is committed to the cultural, social and economic development of our whānau as a collective, strong in our identity as Māori.
Every year, we invest in educational, cultural and development programmes to develop the capability of our whānau.
There is no cost whānau to attend our wānanga, which are available to whānau who whakapapa to the land, regardless of whether they hold shares or not.
Taiohi participants April 2017
Taiohi Wānanga
Aimed at reconnecting rangatahi o Wakatū to their ancestral whenua of Te Tauihu, this wānanga is focused on self-motivation, outdoor recreation, traditional values and identity.
Taking part in the wānanga helps our young people build connections with the whenua, their history, their whānau whānui, and Wakatū Incorporation.
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
If you have any questions about the application process or the wānanga, please contact Ihaka Griffin-Matthews (Pou Whakatairanga Whānau - Whānau Development Specialist):
Email: ihaka.griffinmatthews@wakatu.org
Phone +64 3 546 8648
Ahi Kaa
This wānanga focuses on connecting Wakatū whānau with the heritage of our customary land through outdoor recreation. Participants embark on a journey retracing the cultural footsteps of our ancestors. It includes travelling by waka, boat, bike and waewae visiting significant sites and staying at a marae in Nelson, Motueka and Golden Bay.
Te Rākau Pakiaka
In 2018, we introduced Te Rākau Pakiaka, our whakapapa and tikanga programme designed to empower our whānau in delving deeper into their ancestral roots and history. Participants have the opportunity to dive into the rich history of the Nelson Tenths’ Reserves and Occupation Reserves, unravelling the background that led to our case against the Crown.
Past Taiohi wānanga participants
Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds
Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa
I became interested in the wānanga when my mother mentioned that it was available to both my brother and I. I thought it would be a good idea to go so I could learn about my Mum’s and her Dad’s side of the family, their heritage and whakapapa and to meet some of my distant relatives. On the wānanga we went for a hike through the Able Tasman, went kayaking, used the waka ama, learnt about our heritage on our Wakatū side, visited the sacred puna, made a hāngi and learnt some awesome kapa haka pieces which we performed on the final day. We also got to meet whānau we had never met before which was awesome! I really enjoyed the kapa haka because I am a big kapa haka fan and haven’t been able to do it at my school for a while so to do it after a long time was really fun.
After the wānanga I felt so happy I had such a good time, but I was sad it was over so quickly, by the time we had all got to know each other it was time to leave.
The Wananga has helped give me a better understanding of my Ngāti Rārua Te Ātiawa heritage. It has also made me more sociable as I am usually quite shy, but I surprised myself with how close I became with the other boys and the leaders. The wānanga is an amazing experience and is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Jayme-Rae Anae
Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Koata
I had one of the most life-changing and breathtaking experiences of my life just by taking part in Wakatū Incorporation's Wānanga. We learnt about our ancestry, the land, the camps we stayed at and a variety of waiata, actions and poi. I was one of the solo singers for the waiata and I was the youngest in the group. That experience gave me courage to carry on in kapa haka. I also got to meet 12 other cousins I’ve never met before and that was awesome! I’m proud to be Māori, I’m comfortable with who I am and where I come from, and in some way I feel a stronger sense of direction. It's all been a positive learning experience and if I’m ever given an opportunity again I’d definitely take it.
