Kahungunu Water Safety Wānanga 2026

Grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori, this wānanga prioritises water safety, ensuring that every participant gains the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to keep themselves and their whānau safe in and around the moana.

What to Expect

Whānau will engage in a range of activities including:

Day 1 – Theory & Pool Training (Centralines Sports Complex, Waipukurau):

Day one begins with dive safety theory and key fundamentals, including risk awareness, breathwork, and buddy systems. Participants will then put this in to practice, the essential dive and breathing techniques in a swimming pool, a safe, controlled environment to build confidence before entering the open water.

Day 2 – Ocean Dive (Pourerere Beach):

Building on the safety and skills developed on Day 1, participants will apply their learning in the ocean, diving to depths of up to 5 metres under the guidance of experienced instructors. The focus will remain on safe diving practices, kai gathering, and collective responsibility in the water

At the end of the wānanga, participants will come away with a strong foundation in free-diving safety and technique, alongside a deeper appreciation for the cultural and spiritual significance of wai.