A local initiative is bringing together Māori leaders across all levels to explore how the revitalisation of traditional Māori concepts can inspire a new way of thinking and action. In adopting this approach, organisations in Ōtautahi are starting to learn how Matauranga Māori can support positive health outcomes for the indigenous population as well as the non-Māori community.

According to Healthy Families Ōtautahi Manager Dave Jeffrey, many whānau are impacted by the rise of preventable chronic diseases. 

“This approach is part of a growing movement within New Zealand to place indigenous knowledge and practices on a level playing field with western processes and thinking. By applying a te ao Māori lens, we are able to reflect upon our environment and the critical role it plays in our overall wellbeing.”

On January 24, Healthy Families Ōtautahi invited the ‘Mana Ake – Stronger for Tomorrow’ Project Leads and Kaimahi to an afternoon of learning ngā taonga tākaro at Ngā Puna Wai, led by Community Connector, Lawrence Tau.

According to Jeffrey, “The purpose of the workshop was to equip Mana Ake Kaimahi with the skills to be able to understand how Te Ao Māori can influence their work with schools and children in a fun and engaging way.”
On the day the group of 23 learned a variety of ngā taonga tākaro, which incorporated legends and stories that they can now teach and play with their tamariki.

Mana Ake Kaimahi, Sina Latu commented: “The session has been really valuable for us in adding to our resources in supporting tamariki with ngā taonga tākaro. Getting them more in touch with different types of games to allow them to expand their knowledge and connect with different aspects such as physical and emotional, but especially spiritual because it’s not something we can connect with in every game.” 

Kevin Hapi, another Mana Ake Kaimahi added, “The takaro games we have been learning are really good for our tamariki, especially for the Māori culture because every game has a story behind it.
“It not only teaches hand eye coordination and communication, but it’s what our people did back in the day to learn new skills. We are really hands-on people, and these games really fit who we are as people.”
 

Follow Healthy Families Ōtautahi on facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/HealthyFamiliesChristchurch/?ref=bookmarks 

Article added: Wednesday 01 July 2020