Te toto o te tangata, he kai; te oranga o te tangata, he whenua, he moana

While food provides the blood in our veins, our health is drawn from the land and sea

E aku nui, aku rahi, e hika ma.

Embark with us on a journey of discovery in a two-part wānanga, exploring the vibrant treasures of Te Tairāwhiti whilst connecting with our outdoor therapeutic community.

Our voyage begins with "Kariri", a two-day wānanga set at Te Pahou Marae (Manutuke) where we will chart into the ancient practices of Waka Hourua (Double Hulled Voyaging Canoe) with Tairawhiti Waka, immerse yourself in the timeless art of celestial navigation, decoding the stories of the stars with guidance from the experts at Te Tairāwhiti Museum and explore creative expressions with local kaitoi through various artistic mediums, reflecting on the beauty of the stories, matauranga (knowledge) and traditions we’ll be learning about.

Following this, those who have register for the next wananga will continue their exploration with a second two-day wānanga "Kaewa" based in Ruatōrea, a town rich in culture and surrounded by pristine landscapes. Enveloped by lush native foliage and forests, Ruatōrea offers a peaceful setting to further immerse ourselves in the region’s vibrant traditions and history. During this time, we’ll delve into the world of Rongoā, the traditional Māori healing practice led by Kathy Keelan. We’ll learn about the medicinal properties and traditional uses of native plants and trees, discovering how they have been used for centuries to restore balance and well-being.

Come reconnect with nature’s blueprint and unlock the insights of true well-being as we explore tradition, creativity, and the soul of Te Tairāwhiti.

Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship

In our wānanga, we will embrace kaitiakitanga—guardianship. This deep connection calls us to take responsibility for the care of the land and sea, recognising that the health of the environment is intimately tied to our well-being. By honouring this relationship, we ensure a sustainable future for the land, the sea, and all who depend on them, for generations to come.

Tai Timu, Tai Pari - Reciprocity

Like the sea, relationships thrive on Tai Timu, Tai Pari - Reciprocity. Just as the tides flow and return, so do our exchanges—giving and receiving in harmony. By nurturing these connections, we create a continuous cycle of support and growth, enriching everyone along the way.

Whāngai - Nourishment

We draw nourishment from Tāne Mahuta, guardian of the forest, and the healing wisdom of Rongo-mā-Tāne, the atua of peace, cultivated plants and rongoā. Through our connection with Te Taiao, the natural world, we nurture our well-being in body, mind, and spirit, fostering balance and harmony within ourselves and with the land.

Hōtaka o ngā wānanga / Programme

Kariri

Pōwhiri / Welcome: 11am Saturday 17th May - Te Pahou Marae

Poroporoaki / Farewell : 8.30pm Sunday 18th May (those who are departing Tairāwhiti Monday morning are welcome to stay Sunday night at Te Pahou Marae )

Kaewa

Monday 19th depart Te Pahou Marae - drive to Ruatoria (Kariaka Marae)

Tuesday 20th - Spend day in the local ngahere/ bush with mana whenua - return to Marae for 2nd night - poroporoaki that evening

Wednesday 21st - Transport provided back to Tairāwhiti to airport etc. Earliest we can drop at Gisborne Airport is 10.45am.

ĀTA Member Registration

The annual ĀTA membership fee is $40 unwaged, and $60 waged click here to become a member (it reduces the overall cost of the wānanga for you)

Prices for Wānanga include:

Kariri 2-day Wānanga:

Accommodation 2 nights (Te Pahou Marae, Manutuke)
Kai for all meals (Please send in any kai requirement e.g Glycemic, Paleo, Vegetarian, Allergies etc)
Workshops including:
- Beginners Raranga (Weaving)
- Acrylic Painting
- Navigation: Star Dome experience (Te Tairawhiti Museum)
A Waka Hourua Experience from Tairāwhiti Waka including:
- Presentation
- Wānanga on Te Tairawhiti waka
- Sailing on the ocean (Weather Dependant)
Purakau - Story Telling of some of the local Iwi providers and Tangata Whenua
Transport around Gisborne
Shuttle to and from the Airport (Please let us know beforehand to allow sufficient time to organize carpool trips)

Kaewa 5-day Wānanga:

All of the Above, as well as:
Accommodation 2 nights (Kariaka Marae, Ruatorea)
An interactive wananga focused on the Ngahere lead by Keelan Poi (The Bush Kura)
A Rongoā session with Kathy Keelan (Te Runanga o Ngati Porou)

N/B This event has limited spaces, particularly the Kaewa 5-day option with only 20 spots available so secure yours quickly!

Early bird finishes on April 30th 2025