Exploring historical significance: Tikanga Workshop provides reflection and understanding by the riverside

The first offering of the Tōia Mai Suite of Trainings for 2023 kicked off in the April school holidays. Beginning at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae, participants received an immersive experience on the marae and later by the Waikato River.

Pūrākau (historical narratives) were shared throughout the day to develop a deeper connection to the goals of Tōia Mai, equity for Māori and partnerships with Mana Whenua. 

Gary Knewstubb, Academic Staff Member in the Centre for Applied Science & Primary Industries attended Te Reo and Tikanga trainings and shared his insights. 

“I wanted to learn about the whenua, and how we can acknowledge it in Horticulture and Landscape Construction. We work amongst the dirt and to not even know the history of it is a little unnerving.”

Named for the lush gardens that once lined the awa (river) all the way to where the Wintec | Te Pūkenga campus is now situated, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa highlights the richness and depth of knowledge that exists in pūrākau and names. These pūrākau help ākonga in understanding how their studies fit into a broader context of this area. 

“One of the key takeaways, was the importance of the proper pronunciation of names, whether they are Māori, Pacific, or international names. Getting place names and tupuna (ancestor) names right shows respect for the culture and history of the land.”

The Tōia Mai Suite of Trainings dives into kaupapa (subjects) like raupatu land confiscations and the Land Wars which can be challenging for many participants. However, being able to explore this history next to the majesty of the awa provided Gary with a valuable opportunity for reflection and allowed participants to process the information. 

“I took away a new understanding of what this area means and its history. That was what I wanted to get out of it, to hear the story.”