Publication Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2026
Author(s): Troy Ruhe, Mani Malloy-Sharplin
Journal Name: Te Manunui
Volume / Issue: Vol 1, Issue 1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.67466/temanunui.2026.1.1.7
Keywords
Mahinga kai; Moeraki; tuakiritanga; rangatahi
Abstract
A strong cultural understanding, through te reo and mahi Māori, enhances hauora while positively impacting care for the taiao. This paper outlines the theoretical and operational steps of implementing our kaupapa, Te Pōhā.
Te Pōhā is a kaupapa that provides a space for wānanga and immersion in te ao Māori through mahinga kai and conservation. These practices are centred on pūrākau pertinent to the rohe Waitaki. It is the first kaupapa of its kind in the Waitaki and will grow the puna of rangatira in the taiao.
Utilising whakapapa as an agent to weave the tauira to the taiao through mahinga kai is the content of the kaupapa. Our content was co-developed through wānanga with exponents in te reo, the taiao, astronomy, and history of the Waitaki.
The implementation of this content in a wānanga setting has had many triumphs and learnings through gaining funding and legitimacy; thus this paper serves as a resource that neatly packages pūrākau, histories, health and education benefits, operationalisation, and all associated resources for use in future proposals.
The answers to hauora sit within pūrākau pertaining to place and space. The implementation sits within the taiao; we use this paper as a reflection piece to assist the journeys of others.
