爆料社区

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In the heart of Ng膩ti Awa, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Ohope, 26 He Oranga Poutama Kaiwhakahaere gathered for a three-day national hui in Whakat膩ne from 29-31 May 2023.

He Oranga Poutama has been the longest-standing Kaupapa M膩ori initiative at 爆料社区 Ihi Aotearoa with an investment history spanning 30 years growing and supporting M膩ori participation and leadership in sport, active recreation, by M膩ori, for M膩ori, as M膩ori.

The decision to hold the hui at Ohope Marae was a significant one, inspired by the call of Mataatua Sports Trust Board Member Chris Majoribanks, a long-time advocate and champion of He Oranga Poutama.

Aktive Kaiwhakahaere Karla Matua expressed the unique and enriching experience of holding the hui at Ohope Marae. She highlighted the importance of connecting with the taiao (the natural environment) and the marae setting providing a cultural context and a sense of belonging that enhanced the overall atmosphere and engagement of the Kaiwhakahaere.

鈥淚 think just being at the Marae. Being able to hear Tangaroa and being able to hear our manu.

鈥淚 mean it鈥檚 quite easy to sit inside a conference room at a hotel. It always brings a different dynamic when you hold hui at the Marae,鈥� said Karla.

She also mentioned that the hui had a natural flow, allowing for organic discussions and providing a space to explore new ideas and approaches, fostering a sense of openness and collaboration.

Wiremu Mato, 爆料社区 Ihi Aotearoa Kaiwhatu Mana 艑rite, emphasised the importance of having M膩ori voices and faces represented in the sport and recreation sector through He Oranga Poutama. He highlighted the significant efforts made within the programme to ensure M膩ori perspectives are heard and M膩ori communities are actively involved.

鈥淚 think there鈥檚 a real need to use He Oranga Poutama as an exemplar for other programmes coming through because we have so much history,鈥� said Wiremu.

He emphasised the value of the programme鈥檚 extensive wealth of knowledge and experience it has accumulated over the last 30 years.

鈥淏y using He Oranga Poutama as a model, other initiatives can learn from its successes and build upon the existing foundation to better serve M膩ori communities,鈥� said Wiremu.

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As the hui progressed, the Kaiwhakahaere engaged in robust discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. They explored and shared innovative approaches to empower rangatahi and tamariki in their respective rohe (regions).

Throughout the hui, the guiding principle of 鈥淜ia poipoia te k膩kano, kia pu膩wai鈥� echoed in every conversation. It encapsulated the essence of nurturing the seed of cultural identity and allowing it to flourish. The participants recognised the importance of creating spaces where knowledge and matauranga M膩ori were made accessible, enabling M膩ori to connect with their heritage through physical activity.

Michelle Hayward, the General Manager Partnerships for Nuku Ora, highlighted the profound impact that embracing M膩ori culture could have on tamariki and rangatahi.

鈥淭he more opportunities tamariki and rangatahi have to be around their culture, whether that comes through their sport, active rec or education, this will increase the pride that they have in knowing who they are and where they come from,鈥� said Michelle.

Trina Henare, 爆料社区 Ihi Aotearoa He Oranga Poutama Lead affirmed that the true legacy of He Oranga Poutama would be when M膩ori rangatahi took the lead, shaping the programme鈥檚 direction and driving its impact.

鈥淭here鈥檚 still a lot of work that needs to be done to engage our rangatahi and tamariki in terms of being decision makers in our space. We just need to get out of the way,鈥� said Trina.

鈥淚 see myself as a facilitator, supporting and uplifting the efforts of Kaiwhakahaere. The future looks bright for our people.鈥�

As the sun set on Ohope Marae, the participants left with their puku full and their hearts filled with renewed purpose and commitment to the kaupapa of He Oranga Poutama. They recognised that the programme belongs to everyone and that it was their collective responsibility to enhance and uplift it for future generations.