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 special wānanga.
Tā moko is intergenerational. Whānau spoke about returning home, standing on their marae, and bringing their tamariki and mokopuna together there, many for the first time. Tā moko is spiritual; the wairua in Te Whare Moana was strong, supported by manaaki and aroha from the collective gathered. Tā moko is rongoā; whānau shared their stories and the meaning behind their moko. Tā moko is hauora; for many, the journey was one of healing, identity, and reconnection to their turangawaewae.
A heartfelt mihi to everyone who helped make this wānanga possible: Whaea Tracey, Whaea Marcia, Lily, Kaana, Brett, Rubyjane, and all the whānau who lent a hand in the kitchen or were quick to grab a tea towel after kai.
To our Ringawhao Jay, Renata, and Jacob he mihi nui ki a koutou. Thank you for your time and your dedication to sharing your skills and mātauranga with our whānau. Your mahi and mauri has left a lasting impact on everyone who took part.
We have had the great privilege to bring the taonga of Tā Moko to our hapori for the last 6 years through Moko Hauora. This kaupapa gives so much to those who receive moko – moko supports whānau to be more connected to Te Aō Māori, to rediscover whakapapa connections, to whānaukataka together and understand how moko can benefit their hauora.
For some receiving moko can awhi addressing past mamae, trauma and hurts so that they can move forward not only for themselves but also their whānau. I always find it mystifiying that simply being in the wharenui hearing the purakau of our tīpuna, kaumātua and those gone before us while someone receives moko creates such energy that heals, uplifts and envokes such aroha.
To be involved in this wānaka is mirimiri for your soul - whether you are in the back kihini cooking up a feed of tītī, arm’s length deep in the sink with dishes, on the tepu receiving moko or creating moko as a kaita – moko is the gift that keeps giving long after the ink has set in. Tā moko is intrinsically apart of who we are as māori, so why wouldn’t it be good for us? Mō tātou ā mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – For us and our children after us.
-Karina Davis-Marsden, Kōrari Māori Public Health Manager
“Moko Hauora is an opportunity to bring whānau home, our mahi centres around hauora and cultural identity is a huge part of that. Our whānau who are connected to their culture have a stronger taha wairua – spiritual health which is often an area of hauora that is lacking. This year we provided resources for Matariki and hauora hinengaro (mental wellbeing) alongside our kauapapa for whānau to read and talk about to promote general wellbeing.”
-Nadine Young, Kōrari Māori Public Health Kaimahi
“I absolutely love my tā moko, and it has healed beautifully. For me, receiving tā moko was about carrying my connection to Te Ao Māori wherever I go and continuing to strengthen my identity.
My tā honours my nan and represents her love, guidance, and the support she gave me throughout her life. When I look at it, I’m reminded that she is always with me and encouraging me to keep going.
A highlight of the experience was receiving my tā moko at my marae during my first-ever visit there. As someone who did not grow up connected to my roots, it felt like a true blessing. I was surrounded byaroha, support, and a strong sense of belonging. During the process, I felt peaceful, happy, and deeply connected to my nan. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity.”
-Jorja (Kai Tahu)
“The weekend was truly life-changing and something our whānau will carry with us forever. While the tā moko was incredibly
special, it was the aroha, care, connection, kai, and conversations that made the experience so meaningful.
It felt like decades of healing happened in a single moment. For our tamariki to know who they are and where home is means more than words can express. For our whānau, our tā moko will always represent this weekend and a significant transition in our lives - one of connection, belonging, and identity.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made us feel so welcome and supported. Thank you for making us feel like we had come home.”
-Cath (Kai Tahu, Kāti Mamoe)
