03/12/2025
Our Cultural Support and Financial Mentor (as well as valued kaimahi and pou here at Maataa Waka ✨), John Patchett, recently finished his 3 year study - Te Pōkaitahi Tikanga (Mātauranga Māori) at NMIT.
Kia pai tō Mahi John 👏✨
John shares his experience below ✨
‘We were from all parts of Ki Te Tauihu, we also had members coming from Te Tai Poutini, Ōtaki and Ōtautahi.
Each year comprised of 6 weekend wānanga on different marae around Ki Te Tauihu, including Waikawa, Onetahuna (Takaka), Te Hora, Whakatū, NMIT (Te Toki Pakohe) and Te Awhina marae.
Wānanga would include a pōwhiri and poroaki at each marae, tāne would host the wāhine at a meal (and vice versa), mihimihi, dawn karakia on the Sunday at a place of significance, and lots of waiata.
It was learning and experiencing the tikanga of each marae, and learning the role of the tāne (and wāhine) on the marae, from being on the paepae / kaikaranga to cleaning the wharepaku.
It involved getting to know our way around each kitchen, pūrākau of each rohe, the role of tangata whenua and manuhiri, and how to manaaki our whānau.
It was a humbling and uplifting experience, at times being extended outside our comfort zones, but in an encouraging and safe space.
What I have learnt about Te Ao Māori, and myself, has been immense and well beyond my expectations.
It has been invaluable in my role as Cultural Support and as a Tāne at Maataa Waka.’
