Improving Whānau Health and wellbeing where they Live, Learn, Work & Play
ePānui - 22/11/2024
Healthy Families Te Ngira - Whakawhanaungatanga and Professional Development in Taitokerau
Event Date: 08/11/2024
Kia ora whānau! Our Healthy Families Te Ngira team recently completed a transformative haerenga to and across Taitokerau, immersing ourselves in learning, connection, and tradition. Guided by Puanga, the whetu signaling Māori New Year for Ngāpuhi, our purpose was to deepen our understanding of systems change through community discussion, historical insights, and cultural practices. Each day brought us closer as a team and more connected to the legacies of our mātua tūpuna.
Day One: Monday, 4 November 2024
Our journey began with an emphasis on unity and shared experiences, as we traveled together, shared meals, and stayed in the same whare. This setup provided valuable time for listening, learning, and understanding each other's aspirations, helping us reflect on our practices and areas for growth. This experience reinforced our commitment to regularly attending Healthy Families Te Ngira meetings to strengthen relationships, test ideas, seek support, and gain insights for positive change.
We visited Te waka Ngātokimatawhāorua, where we were reminded of the deep knowledge required to construct a waka, each part serving a specific purpose. Led by karakia, the waka’s movements were unified through coordinated calls and responses. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding the conditions that drive systems change, inspiring us to create spaces for ongoing dialogue and make Healthy Families Te Ngira’s impact clear and accessible in our communities.
At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, we reflected on the historical struggles of rangatira to protect their iwi, rangatiratanga, and mana against colonization. This powerful reminder encouraged us to approach our work with care and determination, particularly in supporting kaumātua affected by dementia and their whānau. The Museum of Waitangi further emphasized the strength drawn from Māori identity and the sacrifices made for whānau, reaffirming our commitment to support kaumātua and their communities with dedication.
Day Two: Tuesday, 5 November 2024
On the second day, we joined Healthy Families Northland and experienced the power of whakawhanaungatanga. Through shared kai, laughter, and conversation, we built unity and fostered meaningful connections. This experience highlighted the importance of taking time to connect over food to strengthen trust and find common ground, a valuable practice to carry forward in our work.
We then explored Healthy Families Niho Taniwha prototypes, observing a team’s visual and simplified approaches to tracking ideation and outcomes, inspiring us to integrate these practices into our own approach.
Later, we visited Waianiwaniwa, a place of healing for Hongi Hika and his Ngāti Rehia warriors. The cleansing process through karakia served as a reminder of the need for self-care—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically—especially after challenging times.
We also observed the swirling waters at Kororipo Pā, which served as a metaphor for the preparation, harmony, and teamwork required to achieve impactful outcomes.
Ngāti Rehia’s efforts to reclaim the significance of Kororipo reminded us of the importance of cultural values and history in our own work.
Day Three: Wednesday, 6 November 2024
Day Three began at Kororāreka, Tapeka Lookout, where we reflected on the historic struggles that led to the New Zealand wars. This site reminded us of the importance of standing firm in our values, seeking collaboration, and remaining honorable despite adversity.
At Kororāreka Te Maiki, we visited the surviving flagstaff, which serves as a lasting witness to these historical events. We then visited New Zealand’s first Christian church, which still bears the marks of conflict. These sites taught us the importance of dialogue, compromise, and trust-building, even with those who may seem like adversaries.
We also honored the legacy of Mira’s ancestors at te urupā Aperahama before learning from Matua Rereata Makiha at te mahinga kai Pirikōtaha.
Day Four: Thursday, 7 November 2024
Our day began with Matua Rereata and Dallas King at Te Piiti Marae, where we learned about the wisdom of Puanga and the Maramataka, used by our ancestors to harmonize with the natural world.
The lunar calendar guided their decision-making with accuracy, teaching us to apply these principles in our own work. Later, we joined Dallas King at Ōhuri to sow seeds, highlighting the importance of teamwork and the shared responsibility of nurturing growth.
Dallas spoke about mahinga kai, encouraging us to strengthen and expand these practices to nourish both our families and our relationship with the land.
We concluded the day by visiting Rawene, Ōpononi, and Ōmapere, reflecting on the rich history and cultural significance of these places.
Day Five: Friday, 8 November 2024
Our final day took us to Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, the majestic kauri tree. Despite the track being closed for maintenance, the enduring presence of Tāne Mahuta reminded us of resilience and strength. Inspired by this symbol, we reflected on the importance of nurturing and expanding our mahinga kai practices and supporting whānau as a foundation of our work. As we journeyed back to Kirikiriroa, we reaffirmed the connections we had developed throughout the week, committing to regularly check in with one another, offering support, and staying aligned in our shared direction. Maintaining these close bonds will be crucial as we move forward together.
Through this journey, we found a broader and deeper perspective as systems innovators. We strengthened our kaupapa, connected with Healthy Families Northland, and reaffirmed our commitment to honoring the kōrero tuku iho of our tūpuna.
🔗 *Iti noa he pito mata—a small seed can sustain many.
We are deeply thankful to everyone who shared their time, knowledge, and stories with us. This experience will lead us forward, rooted in respect, unity, and resilience. 🖤
