There is something powerful about kaupapa that are born within whānau and carried with aroha. That is exactly what Wikitoria has done through her project, Te Heketanga o te Tohorā.

Growing the Puna 2025/26 Intern Wikitoria Tahuparae gently but courageously centres a life phase we rarely discuss openly: the transition into kaumātuatanga. While we celebrate the wisdom, mana, and strength of our kaumātua, Wikitoria recognised that this stage of life also carries complexity: identity shifts, physical change, questions of purpose, and quiet moments of uncertainty. Rather than observing from a distance, she stepped into the space with her own whānau.

Over a period of six weeks, Wikitoria designed and facilitated a wānanga series grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā exploring taha wairua, hinengaro, tinana, and whānau. Alongside rich kōrero, she created a guided wellbeing journal specifically for kaumātua, a taonga that includes goal-setting, gratitude, reflection, identity exploration, and space for storytelling. What emerged wasn’t merely a resource, but became a vessel for articulation, aspiration, and connection.

From this lived engagement came her original framework: Te Heketanga o te Tohorā – A Kaumātua Wellbeing Framework. Drawing on the metaphor of the tohorā and the notion of descent or transition, the model honours ageing as movement into deeper waters, layered, ancestral, purposeful. It is both an intellectual and cultural contribution grounded in whānau experience.

Perhaps most moving is the video documentation capturing reflections from week one and again at week six. The growth was visible: confidence strengthened, vulnerability shared more freely, and whanaungatanga deepened. It was a reminder that when we create culturally safe and intentional spaces, transformation follows.

Importantly, this kaupapa does not end with her internship. Wikitoria aims to continue weekly sessions with her kaumātua, expand into toi-based days and māra days, and including her sisters and cousins to tautoko as well. This is sustainability in its truest form; mahi that remains with the people it was created for.

Through attending Kauora Ahurei and Tākaro Wānanga as part of her Growing the Puna journey, Wikitoria further strengthened the foundations of her work. It is her humility, courage, and deep aroha for her kaumātua that truly define this project.

Te Heketanga o te Tohorā reminds us that supporting our elders is not passive; it is an active, intergenerational responsibility. Wikitoria has honoured that responsibility beautifully with her project.