Tangaroa helps teach resilience

This is a new programme that has been created by Te Kupenga Hauora - Ahuriri Social Worker in Schools, Hinerangi Wilson.

The programme is a full-day event that incorporates three separate workshops, that are grounded in a Māori worldview. Tangaroa Ara Rau incorporates “ngā taonga tuku iho” (the many practices and values from our ancestors handed down to us). Tamariki split into three groups for the day as they move round each of the workshops that use Tangaroa (God of the sea) as the basis for their learning. Aside from the sea being a great environment for learning about resilience, “It also acknowledges the connection of local iwi and tangata whenua to the moana,” explained Hinerangi.

‍

Delivered for the first time May 10 at Pukemokimoki Marae, Tangaroa Ara Rau had been in development since the start of the year and is designed to cater to tamariki aged 7-12 years old. A group of 30 tamariki from William Colenso College, Napier Intermediate and Maraenui Bilingual Kura came together. They enjoyed a pōwhiri, introductions and learnt about Pukemokimoki before starting with the learning for the day. This included sessions at the Onekawa pools with Rob Hewitt, a navy veteran who in 2006 survived four days and three nights lost at sea after a dive trip went sour.

While tamariki were participating in a range of activities, both physical and mental Te Kupenga Hauora - Ahuriri staff from other services also interacted with tamariki and helped to impart techniques and strategies for tamariki to use in their lives.

There are plans to develop the programme further on the back of the success of the day. “I loved it so much, I want to come back again,” shared Aaliyah Goldfinch, participant from William Colenso College.