Kahungunu Dive Wānanga is an immersive experience aimed at bringing whānau Māori together to reconnect with our wai. Through a tikanga and mātauranga Māori approach, this is a hands-on wānanga to learn the essentials of free-diving and dive safety. At the end of our wānanga, whānau will come away with practical free-diving skills and a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of wai.

What to Expect

Whānau will engage in a range of activities including:

Day 1 – Pool Training: Dive safety and basic skill-building in a controlled environment. Participants will learn essential dive techniques in a swimming pool to ensure everyone feels comfortable before transitioning to open water.
Day 2 – Ocean Dive: Taking the skills learned from Day 1, participants will experience diving in the ocean with a dive limit of up to 5 metres in depth. This will provide an opportunity to apply practical skills in a natural environment under the guidance of our experienced instructors.
Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori: Educational sessions focusing on the cultural and spiritual importance of wai, incorporating traditional and modern applications of tikanga.
Knowledge Sharing: Resources summarising the teachings will be available and shared to encourage ongoing learning within whānau and the wider community.

Who is it For?

This wānanga is suited for whānau Māori from ages 15 years and over who are interested in learning about safe diving practices, water safety, and the cultural connections to wai. It’s ideal for those wanting to build practical dive skills while gaining a deeper understanding of tikanga Māori and the significance of our waterways.

Our Dive Instructors from Tangata o te Wai

Robert Houkamau (Ngāti Kere, Ngāti Porou): Founder of 'The Dive Club - Te Karapu Ruku' and 'Tangata o te Wai' Charitable Trust, Robert has a lifelong connection to Tangaroa. After leaving school at a young age, he pursued self-employment and eventually returned to his passion for the sea, sharing his knowledge of mātauranga and tikanga. Robert’s dedication to water safety and dive education is focused on keeping whānau safe while fostering a deep respect for the moana and traditional practices.

Waimaria Hurinui (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu): Waimaria’s passion lies in empowering whānau, particularly wāhine, to become both nurturers and providers. Growing up gathering kai, she experienced firsthand the lack of safe diving techniques within her community. Now a certified scuba diver, Waimaria is committed to teaching safe diving practices while ensuring the preservation of cultural traditions.

Together, Robert and Waimaria bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a commitment to both marine conservation and community well-being. Their collaborative efforts through 'Tangata o te Wai' are not only about enhancing diving skills but also fostering a sense of responsibility for our marine environment.

Gear List

Day 1: Drink Bottle and lunch for day 1 only. A small koha for our powhiri/whakatau at Rongomaraeroa marae, Pōrangahau.

Noho Marae: Blanket/sleeping bag, Single sheet, Pillow, Towel, Toiletries, Ear plugs (if light sleeper), slippers, warm clothing.

Wet Gear: Togs, warm clothing/change of clothes, 2 x towels

Dive Gear: Wetsuit, Mask & Snorkel, fins & booties, weight belt, gloves. All dive gear can be borrowed - please indicate in the registration form.