We are thrilled to share the exciting progress of a powerful new kaupapa for rangatahi, by rangatahi—a kapa haka group envisioned by the talented Whakatairangi White. When Whakatairangi came to us with her vision, we knew we wanted to support her every step of the way to make this dream a reality. With 40 rangatahi from across Te Tai o Poutini coming together, this group is growing into something truly inspiring, bringing energy, passion, and a deep connection to our culture through haka, waiata, and poi.

The group will be performing their set in Ōtautahi next year, showcasing not only their talent but also the unity and spirit that come from creating something as a collective. What makes this group so special is that everything—from the waiata lyrics to the choreography of haka and actions—has been crafted by rangatahi. They’re even working on their poi, adding another layer of depth and tradition to their performance.

Their first wānanga was held at Westland High School, and we were absolutely blown away by what they achieved together in such a short time. Watching them collaborate, learn from each other, and weave their ideas and skills into this powerful kapa haka performance has been a privilege. Each moment they spend together strengthens not only the group but their connection to their heritage and each other.

We’re so proud of Whakatairangi and all the rangatahi involved. This journey is more than just a performance—it's a collective process of growth, learning, and unity. We can’t wait to see them take the stage in Ōtautahi next year and to witness the beautiful and powerful representation of Te Tai o Poutini they bring forward. Tū māia, tū kaha!

This spring, Te Hono O Ngā Waka had the privilege of distributing ready-to-plant gardens to local whānau, encouraging them to dig into the dirt alongside their tamariki. Thanks to Te Rau Ora’s generous funding, each garden kit was designed to support our community’s journey toward self-sufficiency and healthy kai, with a particular focus on engaging the younger generation in the joys and responsibilities of growing their own food.

The initiative has already been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback! Whānau have shared photos and kind words, showing how much the tamariki are enjoying their gardening experience. The sight of kids getting their hands in the soil, tending to their plants, and watching their hard work grow has been a highlight for many families. It’s inspiring to see tamariki so invested in nurturing their gardens and learning hands-on about kai sustainability.

One unexpected challenge we faced was the relentless spring rain. However, our kits came equipped with protective lids, a detail that turned out to be a blessing for keeping our young plants safe from being waterlogged. This simple addition has allowed families to plant and grow with confidence, rain or shine!

The journey back to self-sufficiency and healthier, homegrown kai is more than just a practical endeavor. It’s a pathway for whānau to reconnect with our kōrero and ancestral practices, reawakening the skills and knowledge that sustained our tūpuna. By taking these first steps toward growing our own kai, we’re not only cultivating our gardens but also sowing seeds of resilience and well-being within our community.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Te Rau Ora for supporting us in this endeavor. Their funding has made it possible to take these ideas off the page and into the soil, where they can grow strong roots in our community. We’re excited to see how this initiative will continue to flourish and evolve, empowering more whānau to grow, share, and sustain their own healthy kai.

This week we gathered for a special day session dedicated to building the capacity of whānau through the art of raranga (weaving). Our focus for the day was creating beautiful putiputi (flowers) from harakeke, a traditional craft that not only brings us together but also keeps our cultural heritage alive.

This past weekend, we had the privilege of hosting Mind Over Manner here in Te Tai O Poutini, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. The workshops focused on providing practical tools and strategies to support our neurodiverse tamariki, especially in the kura environment.

Nikita’s Triumph in Muay Thai!

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Nikita’s incredible achievement—her first Muay Thai fight in Christchurch, where she claimed victory with a round 2 knockout! Nikita’s journey has been one of sheer determination, grit, and unwavering dedication, and her performance in the ring is a testament to what it means to commit fully to your goals.

In tribute to the remarkable Davina, whose life touched so many, we celebrate her brilliance, love, and enduring spirit. From the first time I met her, she radiated kindness, joy, and intelligence, and it was clear that her children were the centre of her universe. Every gesture, from the thoughtful birthday parties she organised to the love she showered on her tamariki, reflected her unwavering dedication as a mother.

This week has been an exciting and action-packed time for our rangatahi as we took them to the Hokitika pool to practice flipping the waka. The energy was high as many of our youth came together, eager to sharpen their skills and gain confidence on the water.

We are excited to introduce and welcome our new rangatahi kaimahi, Tina Tainui, to our Te Hono O Ngā Waka team! Tina has already proven herself to be a dedicated and valuable member of our team, having worked with us over the past few months. Her commitment to our kaupapa shines through in everything she does.

Last week, I had the privilege of taking seven incredible young wahine on a horse trek, an experience that turned out to be far more transformative than any of us anticipated. This adventure was not just about riding horses through scenic trails; it was about building confidence, fostering connections, and showcasing bravery.

The sun was shining, and the community was buzzing with excitement as whānau gathered at the local pool for a day of fun and health promotion. Children splashed in the water, laughter echoed, and the smell of pizza filled the air. This whānau day was not just about enjoying the summer; it was also an opportunity to engage with our community and get their voice about immunisations.

Te Tai O Poutini was abuzz with excitement as Mana Mokopuna visited for the first time to collect the voices of our Rangatahi. The Rangatahi were eager to share their stories and experiences.

This winter, we have had the privilege of putting together winter packs for our whānau through our Healthy Homes Mahi. It's heartwarming to see the community come together, supporting one another to ensure everyone stays warm and well during these colder months.