Grounding our knowledge and experiences of water bodies, Tangaroa Ara Rau invites us to look at the many pathways of Tangaroa. In the ways that Tangaroa sits in relation to the moon, moving the tides in and out, Tangaroa is depicted as the Atua of human movement, as water constitutes 80% of the human body. On the other hand, Tangaroa Ara Rau draws from the longer whakataukī, ‘Ko Tangaroa Ara Rau, ka kaheko te tuna i aku ringa’ an ode to kai, and the urgency with which we must reclaim ancestral food practices.

In terms of the kaupapa of waka hourua, the theme speaks to the many voices of Tangaroa, connecting us to the ocean and its mercurial forces while also expressing our focus on physical activity. At this Toi Ako Wānanga, participants will get the opportunity to take part in a waka hourua experience with master voyager, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr. Here he will also share his knowledge and whakaaro around whakatere waka.

This Toi Ako Wānanga provides an opportunity to connect Iwi and health promoters, Māori academics, tertiary students, community leaders, youth workers, independent businesses and health practitioners from across the motu where kaupapa Māori practices will be promoted, shared and developed.

Numbers have been capped at 40 participants to accommodate for the waka hourua workshop.

Summarised Programme

8.30am - Karakia and mihi

9.00am - Sailing on Hinemoana | Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr

12.00pm - Kai o te ranui

2.00pm - Stardome, star compass and kōrero

4.00pm - Closing karakia

*Toi Tangata reserves the right to change the programme at any time.