Tū Māia 2023 - Te Waipounamu Journey
Published: 02/03/26
Travelling to Ōtautahi for our Te Waipounamu Whakanuia event proved to be quite challenging on Tuesday, 3 October 2023.
Participants, including members of Te Tauihu o Ngā Wānanga and Te Hāpai Ō, had their travel plans disrupted. But instead of dampening our spirits, it seemed to invigorate us. Negative energy was swept away, and although Tuesday had a bit of a chill in the air, there was a sense of excitement as we gathered at the gates of Ngā Hau e Whā. Our thoughts were with those who were stuck at home or in transit en route.
Awards ceremony
Managers and whānau, alongside a few Tū Māia 2022 graduates, joined us to support the Tū Māia class of 2023 as we celebrated their achievements.
Highlights
This particular group of Tū Māia individuals were lively, supportive, and warm. The participants and our Kaitoro have been on a journey of self-discovery, challenge, and transformation. The connections they've formed with each other, coming from various corners of Te Waipounamu and different sectors of Oranga Tamariki, were truly evident and tangible.
We sang these words with joy and respect as the class of 2023 expressed their gratitude to the staff of Ngā Hau e Wha Marae at the conclusion of the hakari. These lyrics encapsulate the Tū Māia journey that we have all been on together.
Caroline Nicol: I think for me, a lot of it's about respect that if I can learn even just the basic pronunciation of words and use of those words in an appropriate way, that that will enhance the relationship I can build with my clients. So, yeah, it was just a really good opportunity. I liked that it was 18 weeks. You know, it's palatable and it can fit around my work.
Cindy Wilson: I'd really like to be able to relate more. I was just saying that people, when you come on to a marae or you're involved with people from a marae, they have a big presence and sometimes you're very intimidated. So I want to be able to embrace the big presence.
Craig Hughes: I feel comfortable because I've had the experience before. The only issues I have is whether I'm going to cough at night or sneeze or snore too much! That's about the only thing that worries me.
Soraya Walker: My role is a Māori role and sometimes I feel like I could learn more around my culture.
Caroline Nicol: So we are public servants. We are kāwanatanga. We represent the crown and we're mandated actually, to step up and ensure that we live and breathe the principles of the treaty in our work.
Cindy Wilson: And I think that everybody should embrace it. It shouldn't just be OT. It should be everyone. It's part of our culture. It's part of our heritage. Yeah.
Is this page helpful?