This week, the girls began their learning journey with Oranga-tiratanga and Ngā Pou Māreikura. They were introduced to the format for our 7-week wānanga series, where each week we will explore a pūrākau connected to an atua or tupuna wahine, learn an activity to helps them exercise Oranga-tiratanga (self-care practice), and contribute to a collective Whare Tapere performance or creative practice.

We learnt the pao (short chant): I ahu mai, which was gifted to the kaupapa by Hiraani Hutana (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pōrou, Kai Tahu & Kāti Māmoe). In the dark, we lay, side by side, and repeated the words together, until our voices were in sync. The pao speaks of our connection to Hineahuone, the first woman fashioned from the sacred sands of Kurawaka. It celebrates our potential and encourages us to take flight and let our voices be heard.

Movement and play were important parts of the day too. They kept us warm in the cold but also allowed us to use our bodies to do the learning, have fun, and to connect with each other.

Each week, the girls will be asked to respond to 3 sets of prompts:

1. to capture a moment with a polaroid, based on the theme of the day
2. to add to their 'tuhi-a-wairua' (reflection journal)
3. to complete a 2-question survey to help us understand what they are learning and enjoying.

We look forward to our haerenga to Arataki Visitor Centre and Te Waonui a Tiriwa, next week, to explore the pou: Ko au te taiao ko te taiao ko au.