What an incredible weekend at our annual Moko Hauora wānanga, held at Takutai o te Tītī Marae in Ōraka.
This kaupapa, delivered by Kōrari Māori Public Health alongside our Ringawhao Jay Davis, Renata Karena, and Jacob Tautari, created a space where whānau, whenua and whakapapa were honoured through the practice of tā moko.
We were privileged to support 17 kaiwhiwhi to receive their moko on their own marae. Whānau travelled from Te Tai Poutini, Taranaki, Mata-au, Rakiura, Waihopai, Ōtautahi, Awarua, and Manuherekia to be part of this wānanga.
Throughout the wānanga, we heard stories of healing, reconnection, and belonging. Whānau shared what it meant to return home, to stand on their marae, and to bring their tamariki and mokopuna together there - many for the very first time. Tā moko is so much more than ink on skin; it is a very personal journey of identity, whakapapa and coming home.
The wairua was flowing in our wharenui Te Whare Moana. There was an abundance of manaaki, aroha and plenty of kai.
A massive mihi to everyone who contributed to making this wānanga possible: Whaea Tracey, Whaea Marcia, Lily, Kaana, Brett, Rubyjane and to all the whānau who helped in the kicthen or jumped up and grabbed a teatowel after kai. And to our Ringawhao, he mihi tenei kia koutou - thank you for your time and sharing your skills and mātauranga with our whānau.
