Over the past six months, our team has been on a remarkable journey — one of restoration, reconnection, and reclaiming the mana of our taonga. This journey culminated last weekend with the launch of Tūhua Waka at Lake Kaniere — a moment of deep pride and significance for our whānau and community.

Tūhua Waka, named after the ancestral connection to Tūhua (Our Maunga), represents more than just a vessel. It carries the wairua (spirit) of our tūpuna, embodying generations of strength, resilience, and the navigational knowledge passed down through the ages. After being carefully restored over the last six months, Tūhua Waka is now ready to glide once again across the waters of Lake Kaniere, connecting our people back to our whakapapa and the ancient traditions of waka ama.

The Journey of Restoration

The restoration of Tūhua Waka has been a labour of love, led Hayley Smith and her dedicated team , and rangatahi. When the waka was first pulled from storage, it was weathered and worn — the wood aged and neglected. Over the following months, the team worked with care and precision to restore the hull, mend the lashings, and breathe new life into the waka.

Our rangatahi were at the heart of this project, they learned the art of lashing, sanding, and oiling the wood. They listened to the kōrero about the whakapapa of Tūhua and the tikanga surrounding waka — how to care for it, how to enter it, and how to respect the connection between the waka, the water, and our ancestors. This was more than a physical restoration — it was a spiritual and cultural reclamation.

A Symbol of Resilience and Reconnection

Tūhua Waka stands as a symbol of resilience, strength, and unity. Its restoration represents the work of reclaiming our identity and reconnecting with our whakapapa. This project was about more than just restoring a waka — it was about restoring the confidence and pride of our rangatahi, reminding them of the strength and wisdom that already exists within them.

Looking ahead, Tūhua Waka will be used regularly for training and future races, providing our rangatahi with opportunities to develop their skills, confidence, and connection to our traditions. It will also serve as a platform for whānau to gather, paddle together, and continue the intergenerational sharing of knowledge.

Tūhua Waka is not just a waka — it is a vessel for our culture, our stories, and our collective future. As it cuts through the waters of Lake Kaniere, it will carry the hopes and dreams of our ancestors and future generations.

Tūhua Waka has been restored — and so have we.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to this kaupapa. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for Tūhua Waka and the generations who will paddle it forward. 🚣‍♀️🚣‍♂️

At Te Hono o Ngā Waka, we are incredibly proud of the mahi our team is doing to support whānau in creating warmer, healthier homes — and Mikayla has been at the heart of it all. Our Healthy Homes kaupapa has been a crucial focus for us, especially as we move through the colder months, and Mikayla’s dedication to this mahi has made a real difference in the lives of our whānau.

Creating Warmer, Safer Spaces for Whānau

Through the Healthy Homes kaupapa, Mikayla has been working closely with whānau to identify and address key issues affecting the warmth, safety, and overall health of their homes. This includes assessing insulation, heating options, moisture control, and ventilation — all of which are critical for preventing dampness and improving air quality. Mikayla has also supported whānau by providing winter packs, which have been especially well-received during the colder months.

The winter packs have included essentials like blankets, hot water bottles, warm clothing, and practical resources to help whānau stay warm and comfortable. Mikayla has ensured that these packs are tailored to the specific needs of each whānau, demonstrating not only her attention to detail but also her genuine care for the people she serves.

Empowering Whānau with Knowledge

Beyond providing practical support, Mikayla has been instrumental in educating whānau about how to maintain a healthier home environment. Through one-on-one sessions and group hui, she has shared valuable insights on reducing condensation, managing heating costs, and improving ventilation — empowering whānau with the knowledge and confidence to create long-term changes.

Real Impact, Real Feedback

The feedback we’ve received from whānau has been heartwarming. One whānau shared how the changes Mikayla helped them make — including better insulation and moisture control — have resulted in fewer winter colds and improved sleep for their tamariki. Another whānau expressed gratitude for the winter packs, saying they made a huge difference during the cold snaps.

Mikayla’s mahi has not only improved the health and comfort of homes but has also strengthened connections within the community. Her approach is mana-enhancing, ensuring that whānau feel supported and valued throughout the process.

Need Support? We’re Here to Help

If you think your home could benefit from an assessment, or if you’d like to learn more about our Healthy Homes kaupapa, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us — we’re here to support you and your whānau in creating a warmer, healthier home environment.

Together, with the incredible mahi of Mikayla and the support of our wider team, we are making meaningful strides toward healthier, more secure homes for our whānau. ❤️

A group of Tāne recently had an incredible opportunity to head out on a fishing trip at Akaroa — and what an experience it was! While the jellyfish put a stop to any successful fishing, it didn’t dampen the spirits of our Tāne. They made the most of the day, soaking in the beautiful sights and connecting with each other.

They were lucky enough to see albatross soaring above, seals lounging on the rocks, and even dolphins swimming up beside the boat — a magical moment for everyone onboard. The Tāne also had the chance to set and pull the cray pots, learning about the local area and its marine life along the way.

Engaging our Tāne has been some of our hardest mahi yet, but it’s these kinds of experiences that truly bring them together and strengthen those connections. A huge thank you to all our supporters who made this possible — your support allows us to create these valuable opportunities for our Tāne to grow, bond, and reconnect. Ngā mihi nui! 🖤🐬🐟

Te Hau-ā-Uru is more than just a kapa haka group—it is a movement led by rangatahi, driven by passion, and built on a deep connection to te ao Māori. What started as a vision has now brought together 40 young people from Greymouth, Westport, Reefton, and Hokitika, all in Year 11 and above. With unwavering dedication, they have committed themselves to this kaupapa, attending two weekend wānanga and one intensive three-day wānanga to refine their performance and strengthen their connection to their culture.

What makes this group so extraordinary is the level of ownership they have taken in shaping their journey. Every waiata they sing has been written by them, every note played on the guitar composed from their own creativity. They have choreographed their own actions, weaving together poi, mau rākau, and haka to tell stories of their whakapapa and experiences. Even the props and uniforms they wear have been crafted by their own hands, a testament to their commitment and the mana they bring to this kaupapa.

Now, as they prepare for their upcoming competition in Christchurch at the end of the year, their determination is stronger than ever. Watching their growth and passion unfold has been nothing short of inspiring. Each practice session is filled with energy, laughter, and hard work, and the bonds formed within the group are undeniable. It is clear that this journey is about more than just performance—it is about identity, belonging, and a sense of purpose.

The future for Te Hau-ā-Uru looks bright. The dream is to see this kaupapa continue, creating even more opportunities for rangatahi in years to come. Next year, a special focus will be placed on identifying and supporting highly dedicated members to take their skills to the next level by joining the Christchurch kapa haka group.

Beyond the performances, the impact of this initiative has been profound. Rangatahi have shared how kapa haka has helped them find their voice, boosting their confidence in ways they never imagined. Many have discovered a stronger connection to their whakapapa, reo, and tikanga, deepening their sense of identity. The wānanga have fostered a powerful sense of whanaungatanga, where friendships have flourished, and the group has become like a second whānau.

The feedback from both participants and the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents, kaumātua, and supporters have all expressed how moving it is to see these young people take such pride in their culture. It has also become evident that this kaupapa provides a structured and positive environment, offering rangatahi a place to belong and a pathway to something greater.

To keep this journey alive, ongoing support and funding will be essential. There is a clear desire to expand opportunities for these dedicated rangatahi, ensuring they can continue developing their skills and reaching new heights. What started as an idea has now become something powerful, and with continued awhi from the community, Te Hau-ā-Uru will only grow stronger.

This is more than kapa haka—this is the next generation standing tall in their culture, embracing their identity, and shaping a future filled with pride and potential. Karawhiua!!!!

Engaging our tāne has never been easy. The journey to bring them together, to reconnect with their identity, culture, and each other, is one filled with challenges. Many have been disconnected from their whakapapa, from their tūrangawaewae, and from the tikanga that once guided their tīpuna. Yet, despite the struggles, we know how vital this mahi is. Our tāne hold the foundation of our whānau, our hapū, our iwi. Without strong tāne, our communities cannot thrive.

Our first tāne wānanga was held at Arahura Marae, a space rich with history, where the voices of our tīpuna still echo. This was more than just a gathering—it was a reclamation of identity, a reconnection to the mātauranga that has always been ours.

Throughout the wānanga, our tāne immersed themselves in the traditions of waka ama, learning not just the physical discipline but the deeper connection to teamwork, endurance, and navigation—both in the moana and in life. They delved into tikanga and kawa, understanding the importance of respect, protocol, and the sacred responsibilities they carry as tāne Māori. Mau Rākau provided an avenue to rediscover strength, discipline, and unity, while whakapapa wānanga grounded them in the stories of their ancestors, reaffirming their place in the world.

This was only the beginning. The journey continues as we prepare for our next wānanga at Lake Kaniere Lodge, where we will deepen these connections and continue to build the foundations of tāne mārohirohi—strong, resilient, and connected to who they are.

As we reflect on this kaupapa, we are reminded of the whakataukī:

“Kaua mā te waewae tūtuki, engari mā te ūpoko pakaru.”
“Do not be daunted by a stumbling foot, but by a headstrong mind.”

Our tāne have stumbled, our tāne have faced barriers, but the true challenge is in our minds—the will to continue, to push forward, and to uplift each other. We look forward to what lies ahead, knowing that together, we are rebuilding something powerful. Mauri ora!

As we step into another year, we reflect on the changes within our Te Hono team and the exciting new faces joining us. It’s a bittersweet time as we say goodbye to some incredible kaimahi while also welcoming fresh energy into our kaupapa.

Farewell & New Beginnings

We also say goodbye to Lisa Bell, who has left the Youth Pathways team to start a new journey in Nelson. We thank her for all the amazing mahi she has done and wish her the best in her next adventure!

This year, we said goodbye to our amazing counsellor, Stephen, who has taken a bold step toward his dreams, heading up to Tāmaki Makaurau to pursue acting at kura! While we miss him in person, we’re lucky to still have him with us one day a week for free online counselling. If you're ready to embark on a self-healing journey through a strengths-based approach, he’s still here to support you.

We also said "Mā te wā" to Jerry, who has transitioned to work with our partners at Poutini Waiora. The good news? He remains part of our whānau for the incredible wānanga we have planned for 2025!

Welcoming New Kaimahi

We also welcome Julia Lavers, and we are so lucky to have her joining us! Julia will be working alongside Kaia in the Youth Pathways team, supporting our neurodiverse whānau and helping them lead the best lives they can.

We’re thrilled to welcome Whakatairangi White to our Mokopuna Ora team alongside Te Aroha Wai Pounamu. She’ll be working tirelessly to create meaningful programs for māmā, including weaving, te reo, waiata, outings, and adventures—helping to strengthen and uplift our whānau.

Joining the Youth Pathways team is Kaia, stepping into the big shoes left by our beloved Lisa. Kaia brings fresh energy and passion for supporting our rangatahi on their journeys.

We are also incredibly happy to welcome back Dani! We missed her and are so stoked she’s returned—if only for a short while—as she continues smashing her third year at uni. Go Dani!

Lastly, a huge nau mai hoki mai to Noah Mills, who has returned to Te Tai o Poutini and our Te Hono team. He will be working hard in the youth space, supporting Hayley in creating opportunities for our rangatahi to thrive.

Looking Forward

As we settle into 2025, we are excited for the growth, challenges, and successes that lie ahead. With an incredible team in place, we remain committed to whānau, well-being, and the continued development of our kaupapa. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—we can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Arohanui, The Te Hono Team

As we step into Term 1 of 2025, Te Hono o Ngā Waka is excited to launch another impactful rangatahi program, offering a diverse range of activities that not only engage our youth but also provide invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. This term's program is designed to nurture creativity, wellbeing, adventure, and cultural identity, equipping our rangatahi with skills and experiences that will support them well into the future.

Monday - Wood Carving

Wood carving is more than just an art; it is a connection to our whakapapa, a way to express our stories and values through mahi toi. Rangatahi will learn techniques and skills from local carvers while also hearing purākau that deepen their understanding of our traditions. This hands-on experience fosters patience, focus, and appreciation for the craftsmanship of our ancestors.

Tuesday - Hauora with Nikita

Hauora (wellbeing) is at the heart of our kaupapa, and Nikita's sessions provide a space for rangatahi to prioritize their physical and mental health. Through fitness activities and wellbeing discussions, they develop resilience, confidence, and positive habits that will benefit them for years to come. These sessions at the Youth Hub encourage teamwork, motivation, and self-care.

Wednesday - Adventure Wednesday

Adventure Wednesday is all about exploration and teamwork. Rangatahi have the opportunity to contribute their ideas, shaping activities that challenge them physically and mentally while building friendships and leadership skills. By stepping outside their comfort zones, they cultivate adaptability, courage, and a sense of adventure that prepares them for life's challenges.

Thursday - Waka Ama

One of the most exciting parts of our program, Waka Ama, provides rangatahi with an opportunity to engage in a physically demanding yet deeply cultural sport. Training on Lake Kaniere not only enhances their fitness and teamwork but also strengthens their connection to the water and their ancestors. The discipline and coordination required in Waka Ama are transferable skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Friday - Hang Out Day

To round off the week, Hang Out Day offers a relaxed environment where rangatahi can unwind, connect, and explore different activities such as VR, guitar, and arts. This unstructured time fosters social skills, creativity, and a sense of belonging within our youth community. Having a safe space to simply be themselves and engage with peers is crucial for their emotional and social development.

Building a Strong Future

This term’s program is more than just a schedule of activities—it is a platform for personal and cultural growth. By participating, rangatahi build confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections that will support them throughout their lives. They are given opportunities to explore their talents, embrace their heritage, and prepare for future leadership roles within their whānau and communities.

We remain committed to empowering our rangatahi, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and experiences needed to thrive.

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui!

Last week we gathered as a community to watch a powerful and thought-provoking documentary about the Haka Day Incident. Around 30 whānau members joined us for the screening, coming together to reflect on the resilience, challenges, and unity of our people. It was more than just a movie—it was an opportunity to learn, to kōrero, and to draw strength from the stories of those who came before us.

The film left us all deeply moved. There was a sense of shared understanding in the room, a recognition of the struggles and injustices faced by our tūpuna and the importance of standing strong in our identity as Māori. For some, it was an eye-opener; for others, it reaffirmed the importance of holding onto our tikanga, our reo, and our whakapapa. After the movie, the discussion flowed naturally, with many sharing their personal connections to the themes of the documentary and how it relates to our experiences today.

The documentary tells the story of a pivotal moment in Māori history—one that exposed the deep racial injustices embedded in the education system. It recounts how a group of Māori students were punished for performing haka, an act of cultural pride and identity, and how this event sparked conversations about systemic racism, identity, and the power of resistance.

Key themes explored in the documentary include:

• Cultural Suppression – The historical efforts to erase Māori identity in schools and the wider education system.

• Resilience and Protest – How rangatahi and whānau stood up for their right to express their culture and be unapologetically Māori.

• Institutional Racism – The way in which policies and attitudes in education marginalized Māori students and how this continues to affect our tamariki today.

• The Power of Haka – More than just a performance, haka is a form of resistance, identity, and unification for our people.

• Healing and Moving Forward – The importance of acknowledging past injustices while creating a future where Māori voices are heard and valued.

Watching this documentary reminded us that the struggles faced in the past are still relevant today. We see it in our schools, in the way our tamariki navigate their identity, and in the ongoing fight for equal opportunities and cultural respect. It reinforced the importance of ensuring our rangatahi feel proud of who they are and have the support they need to succeed.

The film also inspired conversations about what we can do as a community to continue advocating for our tamariki and ensuring they grow up in spaces where their culture is celebrated, not silenced. It encouraged us to keep pushing for kaupapa that uplift our people, to educate our young ones about their history, and to challenge systems that do not serve our whānau well.

Overall, the movie day was a success, not just because of the film itself but because of the connections it strengthened within our community. It was a reminder that together, we are strong, and that through our stories, our history, and our haka, we will continue to stand tall.

As the cost of living continues to rise, many whānau are feeling the pressure, particularly when it comes to preparing tamariki for the school year. The financial strain of school supplies, uniforms, and essential items can be overwhelming, making it difficult for some families to ensure their children have everything they need to start the year with confidence.

At Te Hono, we believe in equity in education and ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive. That’s why we have worked hard to provide support to whānau across our rohe. Recently, we were able to provide Hokitika Primary School students with brand-new school bags, lunchboxes, and drink bottles. To further ease the burden, we also included Warehouse vouchers, ensuring tamariki have access to additional school essentials. We didn’t forget about oral health either—each pack included a toothbrush and toothpaste to help reinforce the importance of looking after our smile!

For our rangatahi at Westland High School, we were able to distribute vouchers for Red Street Wear, helping students access the necessary uniform items they need to start the year feeling prepared and proud. Uniforms can be a significant expense, and we want to ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to financial hardship.

But our mahi doesn’t stop here. We worked in partnership with the Mātauranga Komiti to extend this kaupapa to kura in Māwhera, focusing on providing stationary funds to help alleviate school costs for whānau. Education should be a pathway to opportunity, not another financial barrier for struggling families.

The cost of living is skyrocketing, and with it, the cost of education-related expenses. From school uniforms and lunchboxes to books and digital devices, the burden on whānau is increasing. We know that when tamariki have access to the right tools for learning, they have a better chance of succeeding, growing in confidence, and reaching their full potential.

This initiative is about more than just supplies; it’s about creating opportunities, lifting up our community, and ensuring that every child—regardless of their whānau’s financial situation—can step into their classroom ready to learn.

If you or someone you know needs extra support, or if you’d like to contribute to this kaupapa, reach out to us. Let’s continue working together to build a stronger, more equitable future for our tamariki and whānau.

At Te Hono, we are incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with Amanda Hannah, a wahine of Tāmaki Makaurau with whakapapa connections to Canada. Her mahi with our team began in Term 4 of last year, and since then, we have been privileged to host her for two community wānanga. The impact of her work in helping us re-regulate ourselves, heal, and support our whānau and community has been profound.

Amanda brings a depth of knowledge and a heart-centered approach to her mahi, guiding us in closing the loops of stress and understanding the patterns that contribute to burnout. In our busy lives, especially in kaupapa-driven spaces, it is easy to keep pushing forward without recognising the signs of stress and exhaustion. Through her wānanga, we have learned how to identify these signs early and, more importantly, how to prevent burnout before it takes hold.

One of the most valuable takeaways from her teachings has been the distinction between self-care and self-soothing. While self-soothing offers temporary relief, true self-care provides long-term restoration and resilience. Amanda has shared practical, easy-to-implement strategies to incorporate self-care into our daily lives, making well-being more accessible for everyone in our whānau and community.

The opportunity to work alongside Amanda has been a gift. Her approach aligns beautifully with our kaupapa of reindigenisation, holistic well-being, and strengthening whānau. Her guidance continues to ripple through our community, empowering us to care for ourselves so we can better care for others.

We look forward to continuing this relationship, learning, growing, and healing together. Ngā mihi nui, Amanda, for your aroha, guidance, and the invaluable knowledge you have shared with us. We are truly grateful to have you as part of our journey.

What a way to end the year! Our Mokopuna Mums Rōpū came together for a day filled with joy, laughter, and delicious kai to celebrate the bonds we've built and the incredible journey we've shared. The highlight? A trip to the movies to watch Moana 2, a fitting choice for our kaupapa of connection, identity, and resilience. Of course, no celebration is complete without kai, and this year’s spread was the best yet—complete with a fondu dip that was an absolute hit!

Looking back on the year, it’s hard not to feel proud of everything we’ve achieved together. From small moments of connection to powerful shared experiences, this rōpū has grown into a space of safety, strength, and mana. We've supported each other, learned together, and celebrated who we are and where we’ve come from—always with the goal of creating a better future for our tamariki.

As we look ahead to the next chapter, we're thrilled to welcome Te Aroha to our team. Her energy, passion, and vision bring a fresh perspective to our mahi, and we can’t wait to see the new direction she will help guide us toward. Change is exciting, and with it comes growth—not just for our rōpū, but for our entire community.

Creating spaces where we can be comfortable in our own skin, celebrate our whakapapa, and honor our tūpuna is critical for the thriving of our tamariki. These connections are the foundation on which we build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging for ourselves and our mokopuna.

Next year promises to be just as exciting, with new adventures, opportunities, and memories waiting to be made. To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you for your aroha and commitment. Here’s to another year of connection, growth, and fun!

As the year came to a close, we celebrated our final whānau day of 2024 at the stunning Lake Kaniere. The event was alive with activities, laughter, and connection, showcasing the unity and joy that define our whānau. It was a perfect conclusion to a year of growth, challenges, and triumphs.

Teaming up with the local Muay Thai community brought a unique energy to the day, inspiring tamariki and rangatahi with a showcase of skill and discipline. The waka sprint race, Te Hono vs. Muay Thai, added excitement and embodied the essence of teamwork and whānau spirit. Team Te Hono—just lol!

On the shore, tamariki delighted in bouncy castles, while Tim and Rosa's Magic Show mesmerized the crowd with enchanting performances. The delicious kai brought everyone together, sharing moments of warmth and connection.

Lake Kaniere Whānau Day was more than an event; it was a celebration of community and the strength found in shared experiences. As we farewell 2024, we carry forward the spirit of this day, united and uplifted, ready to thrive together in the new year.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Meri Kirihimete!