Improving Whānau Health and wellbeing where they Live, Learn, Work & Play

ePānui - 23/11/2024

Te Ngira's Recent Visit to Ngāti Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust: Insights and Exploration

Event Date: 18/11/2024

Healthy Families Te Ngira (HFTN) recently had the privilege of being hosted by one of its partners The Ngāti Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust (NMMPT). The experience offered a deep insight into the community-driven initiatives and was followed by a physical tour of their Energy Sovereignty Projects such as their Solar and Mini-Hydropower Plant Projects.

Our host began with an in-depth exploration of the origins and journey of NMMPT, painting a vivid picture of its evolution and purpose. She explained how the Trust was established in response to the growing need for a coordinated approach to support and strengthen marae, whānau, and the broader Maniapoto community.

Rooted in the principles of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga, the Trust was founded to uphold the cultural, social, and environmental aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto. Stories were shared of the early days, when marae leaders and community members came together with a shared vision of preserving their heritage while addressing contemporary challenges such as education, health, and economic development.

She highlighted how the Trust initially focused on enhancing marae infrastructure and supporting whānau well-being. Over time, these efforts expanded into broader programs, such as land education for rangatahi, community well-being programmes, and recently, initiatives such as the hydropower plant that looks at a component for future sustainability. Each step in the Trust’s growth was marked by strong community involvement and a commitment to aligning with Te Ao Māori principles.

Through the recounting, there was a clear emphasis on the resilience and vision of those who built the foundation of the Trust.  There was also strong acknowledgment for the ongoing efforts of current leaders and volunteers, whose dedication has transformed the Trust into a model for community-driven development that balances cultural preservation with progressive solutions to modern challenges. This backstory provided a powerful context for understanding the depth and impact of the Trust’s current initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to improving the holistic well-being of whānau living in their rohe.

Key focus areas included:

  1. Strengthening Maniapoto Marae: Supporting the cultural and structural needs of local marae to preserve and enhance their significance.

  1. Land and Education for Rangatahi: Providing educational opportunities with a strong emphasis on land stewardship and reconnecting rangatahi who may have disengaged from the traditional education system.

  1. The Maniapoto Cultural and Education Centre: A 24/7 hub fostering community unity through cultural programs, health initiatives, farming training, and economic development activities.

  1. The Energy Sovereignty Programme: Groundbreaking initiatives aiming to address energy hardship among vulnerable whānau by utilizing natural resources to produce renewable energy. Guided by Te Ao Māori principles; kaitiakitanga, mana motuhake, and oranga, these projects are an exemplary blend of cultural and environmental sustainability.

Our host also introduced the NMMPT Cultural and Environmental Management Plan, developed in partnership with their local community.  A living document addressing environmental and cultural priorities, the document aligns with Te Ao Māori principles, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and community.

After the presentation, we visited several key locations, including:

  • The Maniapoto Cultural and Education Centre in Waitomo: This facility stands as a testament to the community's commitment to education and cultural preservation. Its diverse range of programs was evident in the structure and setup designed to accommodate various activities.

  • The Hydropower Project Site: We explored the location where the mini-hydropower plant is being developed. Seeing the natural resources that will be harnessed reinforced the importance of balancing energy production with environmental care and cultural values.

The visit illuminated the dedication and forward-thinking approach of NMMPT. By combining cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community support, the Trust exemplifies how locally inspired initiatives can address global challenges like energy hardship and education inequality.

The passion and commitment shown by our host to their kaupapa left us inspired to think about ways to contribute to similar efforts in our own communities.

The visit concluded leaving the team from HFTN enriched by the Ngati Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust’s vision and tangible efforts. It was a remarkable experience that showcased the power of community collaboration rooted in cultural principles.