4th

Health and Education Wananga 2011

Introduction

The Te Taitimu Trust is pleased to report on the 4th Health & Education Wananga that was held from the 5th to the 9th of January 2011. This wananga was held at Te Aute College, and once again is growing, improving and evolving further.

Planning

The planning for this and previous wananga has always been significant. Safety is the key priority and many hours are devoted to planning the activities; the Risk Management and Critical Incident Management plans go hand in hand with all activities. The Risk Management Plans dealt with how we planned to prevent/ reduce/ negate risk that may be associated with an activity and the Critical Incident Management plans dealt with how we would deal with any emergency for that activity should it arise. As a number of the activities were water based the adult/ rangatahi ratio was a key safety priority.

The plans were prepared by the Te Taitimu Trustees and were assessed and refined so they gave the best level of safety and support possible. They included the use of skills and resources which were brought to the wananga via agencies, and professionals, and the valued support of skilled volunteers. The plans were orally presented to rangatahi and mentors on the day of each activity, with the mentors receiving written copies for their reference.

The rangatahi were placed into groups with tuakana/ teina and gender balance being recognised and applied. Each group chose their own rangatahi team leader and had the support of identified adult mentors who stayed with the group for the entire wananga. Through fostering tuakana/ teina relationships with rangatahi and rangatahi/ pakeke relationships and interactions this increased the sharing of knowledge and developed whanaungatanga principles and values.

The groups were well suited to this wananga as it allowed a number of activities to take place at one time, with rotation from one activity to the next with minimal disruption. It was pleasing to see that by day two and three the leaders were stepping up, taking charge of their team and catering to the needs of the individuals and their group - through manaakitanga and awhi mai - awhi atu.

Adults whether as a mentor or in a facilitator role were asked to enable the rangatahi to increase their confidence through participation in the activities within the confines of a safe environment. This was clearly visible throughout the duration of the wananga, by the attendance of highly skilled professional people (within their vocation), in conjunction with whanau (parental support), and rangatahi, who were selected in part due to previous wananga attendance, and who had the capabilities of stepping into a leadership role - nga rangatira mo apopo.

Kaumatua and kuia, kaitiaki, ex-servicemen, whänau, a registered nurse, health organisations, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and a number of aligned government agencies were invited to be present to share resources and to facilitate activites. It truely was a wananga represented by a cross section of Aotearoa.

The WanangaPowhiri

Day One - WednesdayThe first activity for everyone who attends this particular wananga is the welcoming onto the Marae process called (Powhiri). This is where local or the home people (Tangata Whenua) Welcome visitors who have travelled from afar onto their marae (house of learning.) Introductions and links are established to visitors through an exchange of Korero (talking) about who they are and where they are from (Whakawhanaungatanga) Waiata (singing) is done after someone talks to support and compliment the speaker and often softens and eases visitors into a new and unfamiliar atmosphere. Much laughter and stories are told during this time and local history is given to let visitors know about the area. Karakia (prayer) takes place followed by lunch. Thereafter the fun began with, the setting up of tents, teams or groups and the beginning of workshops.

Workshops

Swimming and Water Activities

The rangatahi had their first introduction to the water based content of the wananga with the swimming workshop in the College pool. This part of the programme was made possible through the support of Water Safety New Zealand. Mark Haimona, Ropata Hewitt were the facilitators, and established a rapport with everyone.

Water safety, water survival skills and swimming is an intricate part of the overall programme. Some - but not all rangatahi learnt for the first time the skills of floating, swimming its self, treading water, breathing, retrieving objects from the bottom as well as the use of fins, masks and snorkels. Other activities included clearing masks and snorkels and using boogie boards for fun and also as a floatation device. They were taught basic emergency survival techniques, how to properly use life jackets and a demonstration of how lifejackets can save their lives. This included how to huddle in a group to reduce the impacts of hypothermia. This workshop is fundamental and pivotal to the whole programme as it provides an opportunity to assess each child's level of competency prior to

going into the wider aquatic areas during the wananga; and ensuring ratio and supervision levels are adequate and appropriate. Each participant gains confidence leading into the other water based activities.

Kaitiakitanga can take many forms and learning water survival techniques including swimming can only benefit the whole whanau. Water is always close at hand either the pool, river or beach and it is important to recognise potential risks, the enjoyment and the wellness aspects. Cycling

Cycling was a new activity in this year’s programme. This involved basic bicycle safety, building rangatahi confidence by providing an opportunity to have a go at riding a bicycle, teaching balance and braking techniques as well as the road rules and general bicycle safety. For some they learnt to ride a bike for the first time. Looking towards the future in Hawke’s Bay there is the possibility of a National indoor cycle velodrome. Cycle ways continue to be developed which provide our whanau and rangatahi with a great opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing as well as contributing to a more positive wider environment.

Matua Zac Makoare commented that, “I have witnessed some of the Cycle ways in other countries like Germany and France and believe that it is Kaitiakitanga of the future (no carbon footprint).

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) spoke of their role in the newly established Iwi Fisheries Management Unit. They showed a map with the taiwhenua rohe boundaries and invited rangatahi to participate in their various rohe throughout Kahungunu which gave some a sense of belonging to a wider community.

It was explained that through Pataka and the sharing of fish resources and authorisation, fish can be provided for hui and tangihanga.

This was the first year that NKII presented an activity at the wananga and is a very welcome inclusion.

Te Taitimu Trust want our tamarki and rangatahi to be involved in whanau/ hapu/ iwi development; and support the next leaders in science, engineering, arts and design. We need the whole whanau to be involved to enable those aspirations and the natural potential to be both recognised and reached.

Dare Programme with Police

The Police provided a component of the Dare programme. The workshop was interactive and aided rangatahi to make positive choices. It covered the important topic of substance use, misuse and abuse. Rangatahi left this workshop knowing that for every action or decision that they make there are consequences. It is much better to make a decision that has positive and safe consequences. Te Taitimu Trust aims to surround rangatahi with positive role models who are proactive in this and all areas.

Matua JT (Senior Constable John Tangaere) from the Hastings Police was the Uncle everyone knew at our wananga, wearing his Police uniform, having fun and enjoying the rangatahi at the top of the maunga (hill).

Ki o Rahi with Tu Rangatira – Wellington

Ki o Rahi is a traditional Maori ball game which has been reignited. This was first taught by the Maori Battalion to Germans during the war as a means of whakawhanaungatanga.

Ki o Rahi involves team work, balance, and hand/ eye co-ordination. This is fast becoming a recognised sport. A lot of the rangatahi had not previously heard of or played Ki o Rahi however adapted readily, quickly and well. All displayed great camaraderie and sportsmanship, and excelled in the competitive aspect of the game. The rangatahi enjoyed getting their head around the rules quickly and the speed of the game.

The Ki o Rahi activity was ably lead and demonstrated by Matua Peter Noanoa who is the New Zealand Coordinator for Ki o Rahi he has a passion to inspire our rangatahi to E peke te maunga (reach for higher aspirations within this sport).

Last year Matua Zack Makoare attended a European tour, with a New Zealand Ki o Rahi contingent of rangatahi aged between 16 to 22 years. In the evening

After tea the rangatahi went into the Wharenui (meeting house) to participate in waiata and haka (traditional Maori songs and chants) as well as basic tikanga (protocols). This was facilitated by Matua Gary Pratt who is of Kahungunu/ Tuhoe descent and composes music. He is currently a kapa haka tutor for sixteen schools in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and has also been very involved with Waka Huia. Gary is passionate about rangatahi and uses Koauau and other musical instruments as a vehicle to reach rangatahi. Our rangatahi thought Billy T James had been reincarnated, we will leave the rest for you to imagine as to what went on (giggle giggle) laughter is a key element to bring rangatahi out of their shell (some can so be like a crayfish). The rangatahi had some free time for personal grooming then lights were out; while a debrief hui was held in the whare kai of the day and to prepare whanau, mentors and facilitators for the next day.

Day Two – Thursday

Day two started with a short run, breakfast and a quick tidy up before boarding the buses to take everyone to Ahuriri (Pandora pond). Upon arriving mentors and rangatahi were put back into their roopu (groups) and sent to allocated workshops/ activites where facilitators were ready and waiting. The day was off to a great start! There were five rotational stations for each group to attend during the day with scheduled water, sun block and meal breaks.

Whakapapa (history) of the area – Ahuriri

This component was facilitated by local Kaumatua and historian Fred Reti. He gave the whakapapa of the area covering the Whenua (land), Moana (sea) and some of the myths and legends. It was interesting to note that prior to the 1931 earthquake the Maori land titles at Wharerangi/ Poraiti were long and narrow. This was simply to allow whanau access to the taonga of the lagoon (the lagoon was a traditional food basket). He helped the rangatahi to identify how they linked (Whakapapa) to the environment and their world as young people, as up

and coming leaders who would sometime in the future look after the resources and the environment they were participating in.

Through Matua Fred's korero a glow come upon some faces as they discovered that they fitted intricately into a hidden world that belongs to their ancestors (Tipuna) their immediate family (whanau) and their children to come.

In addition to this a parent helper Matua Brain Hoepo who had come to support his tamariki extended their knowledge base (matauranga) and gave a brief and concise korero on the bush and natural food world pertaining to where they stood.

One rangatahi commented that they thought that the bush being spoken about was just an ornament - until he tasted a berry.

Tena koe Matua Brian.

Surf LifesavingThis component of the programme was to introduce and teach rangatahi basic surf lifesaving skills in open water. They learnt the difference between salt water buoyancy and what happens in a chlorinated filled pool. (Salt water is buoyant which helps you to float). They learnt how to recognise rips and what to do if caught in one, how to get attention of surf life guards when in trouble and how to assist someone else to safety. They gained a sound knowledge base in the role of a surf life saver and the apparatus used to assist in that role. Mentors and rangatahi thoroughly enjoyed this session. Our compliments to Dave Beattie Hawkes Bay Surf Lifesaving Coordinator for his effort in getting two experienced Surf lifeguards to share their expertise in a fun age appropriate way.

Kaitiakitanga in Surf lifesaving is about taking care of our mokopuna and whanau near any water, bath, tanks, troughs, pools, rivers and beaches.

Waka ama

Matua JT (Senior Constable John TANGAERE) was the facilitator for waka ama. Due to the team sizes, including the mentors and for safety reasons two waka were strapped together. This allowed for stability and correct on the water ratios. For many of the rangatahi this component was about being part of a team, rowing in unison, listening to instructions, reliving history, but most of all it was about having fun. They enjoyed themselves so much that they didn’t realise how

well they operated as a team. The safety practices were outlined before the fun began and included a dry, on the land run. This activity was a new experience for most and greatly enjoyed.

Everywhere we looked were happy young people expanding their worlds, joyful !

Kayaking

This workshop was facilitated by the local kayaking store who provided the equipment and two tutors. Kayaking involved individual participation which helped rangatahi to puawai (blossom) and build confidence in their own personal skills and abilities. Some excelled in this area others identified that being a master at it wasn’t needed to have a great time. The tutors taught everyone skills to manoeuvre, how to roll and how stay in the kayak safely. Once relatively secure in their kayak, they then played water canoe polo for team building, which built on the basic skill set in a confined timeframe. Again the rangatahi adapted quickly. Tau ke

Marine Coast guard workshop

This workshop was facilitated by Matua Rob Hewitt and Steve Bethell both ex-navy (20 years plus service) with a vast knowledge of marine, tidal and coastal elements. Rangatahi learnt about safety aspects before boarding a sea vessel, and what should be on a sea vessel to keep everyone safe.

They learnt about call signs, safe open water practices and what to do in cases of emergency. Both Matua Rob and Steve are actively involved in the traditional double hulled waka project run by Ocean Noise Pollution, and were able to relay how call signs, safety practices, tide and other elements affect the vessel, the waka hou rua -Te Matau a Maui.

Te matau a Maui

Introducing, staircasing and building positive pathways, together we achieve more.

PHO – Health checks

This workshop was for pakeke/ whanau. It was the opportunity to have a free health check while watching the rangatahi enjoy themselves. It was a relaxed, friendly environment and the opportunity was taken up by 30 whanau. Whanau were given advice on a case by case basis as to how their check up reflected and simple steps that they could take to improve their health and wellbeing, which in turn would role model behaviours to our younger generations.

Lunch, dinner and snacks were provided at Ahuriri and was very much appreciated by all (rangatahi, adults, mentors and facilitators). It had indeed been an action filled day.

Rangatahi throughout the day had composed their own songs, raps and performed them to different speakers as acknowledgement, and a sign of honour (mihi) for time and shared experiences which had been invested to them, rangatahi are so creative and funny.

Day Three – Friday

Day three started with waking at sunrise to the sound of the Koauau being played. This helped set the mood for the up and coming events of the day.

After breakfast, followed culture practice before the buses arrived to transport everyone to Aramoana and Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve.

Day three exposed a different set of risks, because we were now stepping into a domain where we were being exposed to open water ( Tangaroa/ sea) and weather elements (Tawhirimatea) that could impact at any given moment.

Department of Conservation

Department of Conservation (DoC) component delivered on the inshore reef of Te Angiangi. We observed rock pool eco systems, how one thing effects another, and how there is a balance in those eco systems. We could see paua, kina, crayfish and any other marine species in their natural habitat and environment. Another important aspect was that we all saw the smaller creatures of Tangaroa that we all tend to step over and not even notice. All these creatures play an important role in Tangaroa. The rangatahi were learning by doing with hands on experience.

Ministry of Fisheries

Another component was the Ministry of Fisheries presentation which included both law and Maori lore – tikanga, in relation to the responsibilities’ and the expectations for food gatherers. The rangatahi were exposed and gained insight into practices of Kaitiakitanga/ conservation for now & future generations i.e. our actions today will have effects and consequences for tomorrow. Those that attended with our rangatahi now know the reasoning behind why there are number limits, size requirements for sea food (kai moana). The reasons for the establishment of the Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve were explained as well as the rules for entering it. Outside of the Reserve the Rangatahi were put through their paces and learnt how to identify the sex of paua and crayfish as well as having a hands on experience in measuring those creatures.

Both the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Fisheries components were delivered by uniformed and non uniformed staff. The interaction between them and the rangatahi was friendly, and indeed even jovial. The rangatahi clearly have no issue when it comes to asking for information.

Snorkelling - Te AngiAngi ReserveA snorkel/ free diving session through the marine reserve (stingray bay) improved water safety awareness and skills. Rangatahi were able to practise techniques previously learnt under the supervision of the above agencies and other kaitiaki where they gained a better understanding of the comparisons of being exposed to open water from swimming in a pool environment. This promoted and developed confidence, leadership and teamwork skills. Once again they could see paua, kina, crayfish and any other marine species in their natural habitat and environment. The rangatahi were exposed to all kinds of marine life and mammals this increased awareness of the Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve, the health and education benefits it provides the rangatahi, their whanau, hapu, Iwi and community.

Day Four – Saturday

This day started with a local Kaumatua Boy Piritahi who began the personal health and education component for the day.

This was expressed by talking (korero) about Maori cosmos history, mythology and legends (whakapapa) to enable the rangatahi to develop an awareness and feeling (Wairua), of their own personal spiritual, mental and physical life force (Mauri). The shared korero was about the interaction of their mauri on the environment in which they live, so that we all have a better understanding of the

importance of managing the environment that we live in for future generations to come.

He supported the protocols (Tikanga) of how rangatahi could embrace Tangaroa positively who would in turn nurture the hearts and minds of rangatahi through connection to their social and environmental worlds.

Other facilitation workshops that day were provided by Bank of New Zealand & Westpac for managing personal monies, how to invest in sustainable resources, how to manage inheritances’ and trust funds from ancestors (Tipuna).And the words of Needs and Wants rung clear in our Tamariki and rangatahi minds.

Nutritional Workshop

Mason Ngawhika from Auckland delivered a workshop on nutrition and healthy eating. He used the saying “you are what you eat. “He also used the Wharekai ceiling panels at Te Aute College as example of Mahinga kai and traditional food gathering( eg Koura/crayfish and Kumara) The artwork on the ceiling panels give good kai/food examples from the past.

He brought a more in depth discussion by re-enforcing more traditional ways of eating. He helped the rangatahi to understand that we live in an instant “McDonald world” that isn’t always a good choice for us. Having a more staple and healthier diet doesn’t mean that it needs to be expensive, but rather, making a more common sense choice is better for us.

He presented statistics on the effects about different foods that are impacting on us as a people in New Zealand, and the obese and diabetes facts that are here in our own backyard. So that the rangatahi could really identify where they could see themselves there were a number of food games played and a D.V.D played which allowed them to forward plan to make the right choices in food to better equip them for a typical day, and to allow them to live longer and stay healthier.

This Kaupapa supported by the PHO Hawkes Bay was something new to Te Taitimu Trust and this sort of vision is something most rangatahi and whanau need to develop in the future. Despite the title this was a really informative and interesting workshop which both Rangatahi and Adults enjoyed.

Skits, Plays and Stories

After tea that evening the rangatahi were given time to prepare for a skit night where whanau were invited to come and participate. They were able to see how the rangatahi had grown in their well being and confidence. This proved to be well received by all who attended and leaders emerged as a result. It also provided stronger family and community bonds. Up and coming stars were born, “Watch, this space Pio your Kahungunu cuzzies are coming through and will be nipping at your heels."

This skit was performed by the group Crazy Horses.The story of Te Angi Angi and Te Whatuiapiti

A long long time ago ... about 3 weeks ago, there were 2 gangs fighting for the wharepaku.There names were Crazy Horses and The Palangis. These gangs were lead by 2 chiefs named Te Angiangi for the Crazy Horses and Te Whatuiapiti for the Palangis.The leaders of both gangs came to a decision, instead of fighting they would have a Feed Off to see which gang could provide the best kai hakari.Te Angiangi sent two of his prospects, Silly Horse and Porangi to the supermarket to get supplies for the Kai Hakari but instead Silly Horse decided to go to the

liquor Store.Te Whatuiapiti, the Leader of the Palangis, sent his prospect Jeff the Palangi to the vege store to get veges and they did.The Crazy Horses were a boastful group who had already decided that there Kai Hakari was going to be the best and started celebrating early by drinking the alcohol that Silly Horse and Porangi had purchased instead of the kai. When Te Angiangi arrived to check on the crazy horses, he was angry that they had not prepared any kai and growled Silly Horse and Porangi for disobeying him. He then sent them back to the supermarket to get kai.On there way, Silly Horse and Porangi were pulled over by the poupou and because both Silly Horse and Porangi had been drinking they were arrested and taken to the station. Meanwhile, at the Palangi camp, Te Whatuiapiti and his crew were hard at work preparing the meanist kai and awaiting the arrival of Te Angiangi and his crew.Te Angiangi started to worry, why it was taking so long so he sent Pretty Pony tolook for them. When he found out that Silly Horse and Porangi were in jail he knew that he and the Crazy Horses would be unable to provide Kai for the Feed off.He and the Crazy Horses arrived at the camp of the Palangis upset and embarrassed.Te Angiangi spoke to Te Whatuiapiti “Te Whatuiapiti you have won the Feed Off, therefore I give you the wharepaku for your crew to use for ever”The moral of the story is: Never drink and drive!Never celebrate a victory before its completed!And finally never send someone named Porangi or Silly Horse to do an important job!

Day Five – Sunday

The last day together started with breakfast the cleaning up of the Marae, there was a general consensus that all the aims and goals set for the programme were met, that for the most part our activities did all fit together well and fitted the theme of conservation, connectivity and sustainability, supported by those who attended the wananga and contributed in other ways.

The final bell rang for service and presentations of achievements were made to rangatahi, mentors and acknowledgement was given to the various organisations who contributed to another successful wananga.

We would like to make special mention about the people that often aren’t seen but without them the wananga could never function, to all the ringawera and workers that tirelessly worked and to the trustees who have again made this year happen a heartfelt thank you. Kia ora for your koha of aroha, time, and financial assistance.

Last but not least to the rangatahi, you are our future and will make the difference for yourself, others and generations to come. You are the soil in which we invest our time and enjoy watching you grow. Your smiles are our smiles.

HRC Research with Te Taitimu Trust

Our Trust is in the process of applying for funding from Health Research Council over the next three months which will support some of the ideas for the future of rangatahi.It examines how Tangaroa nurtures the whole well being of our youth through their connection to their social and environmental worlds. Aims for this project are investigative and explore what effect the “Motivating Rangatahi to become Rangatira of the Future” component in the wananga has on the well- being and health of young people who attend.

Another aim is to gift rangatahi and whanau voices on their perceptions of well-being and health. This research will invite youth and whanau to engage in a meaningful way. To ensure Tikanga is adhered to the research process will be guided by an advisory group including community Kaumatua and kuia. It is intended that this research will be able to contribute unique and valuable findings to local community, regional, national and international academic literature on programmes for rangatira health and well-being. This Kaupapa and research will evolve in time.

Conclusion

This wananga has been promoted and designed to cater for 75 Rangatahi. This year was no different, and right up to day one we had our full quota of rangatahi. 75 Registrations had been made. However at Powhiri it was clear to see that we did not have those numbers. The end result meant that the wananga was delivered to a smaller group than intended. At the final debrief it was decided that 50 should be the desired number for future wananga as we believed that we would be better able to cater to the needs of everyone and everyone would have a more pleasant experience.

The wananga itself received both local and national coverage with two articles in the Hawke's Bay Today, and two items on Maori Televisions Te Kaea. All articles were prominent and clearly showed the positive effect that the wananga was having on all involved.

We have carried out our own evaluation with rangatahi, mentors and indeed with organisations and individuals who delivered the workshops. We continue to get good feedback and are always open to learning. We really want to make each wananga better than the last.

We believe that one of our strong points has been our planning, and as a result has meant that we have had another successful wananga which was incident free.

The trustees would like to pay tribute and thanks to our funders, sponsors and helpers.