A new beginning at the Rangitāne Symposium

More than 400 kaiako and learning coaches came together at the Rangitāne Symposium.

“Ka ruku te kawau, e kore ā muri e hokia – the kawau (shag) emerges from the water and transforms itself for flight, no turning back.

“As educators we need to deep dive into new things, immerse ourselves, and then there is no turning back.”

These were the words of Professor Ahorangi Meihana Durie, Massey University’s deputy vice-chancellor, at the Rangitāne Symposium.

In June, 427 kaiako and learning coaches from across four different education sectors within the Palmerston North East (PNE) Kāhui Ako came together with eight facilitators from Tai Huki Consult at Awapuni racecourse.

The purpose of this symposium was to strengthen and develop their understanding of the history and knowledge of their local area and iwi.

Having already laid down some foundations in 2022 through completion of a Blended Learning programme with Poutama Pounamu, Waikato University, this was the next step in the PNE Kāhui Ako cultural responsiveness journey.

The symposium began with a mihi whakatau, followed by Ahorangi talking about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its impacts on Rangitāne.

He also talked about the importance of understanding your iwi and their journey, and how kura can contribute to their iwi. He stressed that mana is about looking at the potential of others; if we nurture and nourish tamariki mana their true potential will be realised.

Breakout sessions

Seven different breakout sessions were provided and spread across the rest of the day, with those attending able to select four.

Some of the breakout sessions included Tēnei te Mauri Karakia, Pūtaiao and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tapasā (Pacifica perspective), and Te Tiriti O Waitangi and Ngāti Kauwhata.

Unfortunately, Nuwyne Te Awe Awe-Mohi was unable to attend the day but continues to be a key figure as the Kāhui Ako continue their journey with Rangitāne.

Throughout the day, the themes of kaitiakitanga and sustainability were prevalent in all presentations.

Everyone became very aware of protecting the mauri and the mana of our environment, and that if they want these important parts of their local community to be around for their mokopuna, they need to take action now.

At the conclusion of the day everyone came back together and were gifted a taonga tuku iho from Rangitāne iwi; a karakia and waiata “Tēnei te mauri” written by Hōhepa Isaac-Sharland to use at the start of the day with their tamariki.

“Taonga tuku iho are treasures passed down through the generations from our ancestors, they may also eventually include treasures that are being created now,” said Hōhepa Isaac-Sharland.