He Waka Tapu: Mens Wānanga: Tēnei te Pō, Tēnei te Ao

9:00 AM

Pōwhiri & Whakawhanungatanga (Welcome & Icebreaker)

Karakia Timatanga (Te Ao) (Opening prayer)   

- Mihimihi & introductions (sharing pepeha if comfortable) 
- Icebreaker activity (e.g., "He aha te mea nui?" – "What is the most important thing?" with short, shared responses)

10:00 AM

Ngahere Haerenga: Crafting Walking Support Sticks (Mens Circle)

- Mens circle in the ngahere (bush), Mindful exercise with breathwork and sound
- Discussion on the significance of the rakau (stick) as a taonga and tool for reflection/support.
- Hands-on session: Selecting, shaping, and sanding sticks (guidance provided).
- Optional: Carving initials or symbols with meaning.

12:00 PM

Kai (Lunch)

- Shared meal with mindful kōrero (conversation).
- Karakia kai (blessing for food).

1:00 PM

Bonsai Making Workshop

- Introduction to bonsai as a metaphor for patience, growth, and stewardship.
- Practical steps: Potting, pruning, and shaping small native plants (e.g., mānuka or kōwhai saplings).
- Participants take their bonsai home as a reminder of the day’s learnings.

3:00 PM

Closing For the day 1 Session:

- Group reflection: Sharing insights from the day.
- Karakia whakamutunga (closing prayer).

7:00 AM

Morning: Arrival & Ceremonial Opening: Depart Christchurch

- Meet at a He Waka Tapu (161 Pages Rd) for a brief introduction.
- Carpool to Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill), a sacred limestone rock formation with deep spiritual significance to Māori and a powerful place for initiation.

9:00 AM

Arrival at Kura Tawhiti:

- Opening Karakia (Māori prayer/invocation) – Honor the land and ancestors.
- Smudging/Cleansing Ceremony – Use native herbs (kawakawa, harakeke) or sage to purify the group.
- *Circle Introduction* – Each man shares his name, why he’s here, and what he seeks from this passage.

10:30 AM

Solo Time & Nature Connection: Silent Walk & Rock Exploration

- Walk in silence among the boulders, absorbing the energy of the land.

- Find a personal rock formation to sit with, journal, or meditate.

12:00 PM

Shared Meal in Circl

- Simple, hearty food (e.g., stew, bread, fruit).
- Discuss first impressions of the land and any insights from solo time.

1:30 PM

Afternoon: Initiation & Challenge

Physical & Mental Challenge:

- Stone Carry Ceremony – Each man selects a stone that represents a burden or challenge he carries.
- Group Hike – Walk together to a high point, holding the stones as a symbol of resilience.
- Release Ritual* – At the summit, men speak aloud what they are releasing, then leave the stone behind.

Storytelling & Wisdom Sharing:

- Elders or guides share stories of masculine initiation from different cultures (Māori, Celtic, Indigenous traditions).
- Discussion: "What does it mean to be a man in today’s world?"

Fire Ceremony & Integration:

- Set up a communal fire (if permitted) or use a portable fire bowl.

Fire Ritual & Intention Setting:

- Each man speaks his commitment for this rites-of-passage journey.
- Offerings are made to the fire (written fears, old identities, or prayers).
- Chanting, drumming, or simple songs to close the ceremony.

Shared Meal & Brotherhood Bonding.

- Eat together, share stories, and reflect on the day.
- Optional: Night watch/ solo sit under the stars for those who feel called.