Whakatūria te Tūāpapa: Wānanga at Arahura Marae

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!