Te Whakaruruhau connected and reconnected whānau through whakapapa, Te Tauihu iwi living locally and around Aotearoa as well as people who have made Waikawa home.
Ahi Mātao: Many who attend the wānanga come without a strong connection to te reo and tikanga and no connection to Waikawa Marae at all. It was their first visit to this beautiful rohe. For these participants, Te Whakaruruhau became a space for rediscovery and reconnecting with their whakapapa and the kāinga of Waikawa through tukuihotatanga (reo and tikanga). The experience was life-changing and marked the beginning of their reo journey, underscoring the immense success of the hui.
Ahikā: For whānau that are Waikawa residents, Te Whakaruruhau served as a vital opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of kawa, tikanga, te reo, and to actively carry out practices on the marae. The whānau ahikā are growing in confidence, particularly in executing marae formalities such as karanga, whaikōrero, and karakia. The goal is to further increase the participation of whānau ahikā, as they are the essential kaitiaki of the marae and Waikawa kāinga.
Hunga Mōhio ki te Reo: These whānau members have a solid foundation in Waikawa reo and tikanga. They serve as positive role models in the effective use and traditional practices which is crucial in supporting new learners. Additionally, they were committed to extending their knowledge of whakapapa and Waikawa history, while improving their own skills and deepening Waikawa and Te Ātiawa connections.
This multi-faceted approach ensured the kaupapa reached a diverse range of whānau, providing tailored opportunities for each group to grow in confidence and capability.
Te Whakaruruhau ki Waikawa continues to build on Waikawatanga. The initiative sustains and inspires new kaupapa to further integrate culture and heritage into everyday life.
