Cultural Education
Cultural Immersion
Mātauranga Māori
Connection to Te Taiao
He au moana, arumia kia rere atu tōu waka.
He au tangata, ko ōna hua, ka kitea
Te Tai o Awatea’s vision is for all whānau to experience ‘Mauri ora’ (total wellbeing) through connection with taonga tuku iho—the treasures passed down by our ancestors. We are committed to preserving indigenous Māori knowledge for future generations of Aotearoa.
We provide safe, immersive cultural experiences that support whānau and learners to:
- Deepen their connection to whakapapa, te taiao, and each other
- Strengthen hauora (wellbeing)
- Grow confidence in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga (language and customs)
- Revitalise and live mātauranga Māori
In a modern world saturated with technology and fast-paced living, many are seeking a return to something real, grounded and healing. Te Tai o Awatea offers an authentic reconnection to the land, waters, and ancestral wisdom.
WHY CHOOSE US?
In our modern-day world with the latest technologies, many people are searching for authentic, indigenous knowledge and wisdom that is rooted in ancient practices and the language of the land, rivers and seas. We offer a glimpse into mātauranga Māori by delivering an authentic experience that will help to aide and inform the keen student and seeker of enlightenment.
How can we “re-tune” our senses to hear again the “heart-beat” of Papatūānku / Mother Earth, hone our “intuition” so we are at harmony with Her natural rhythms and reset our circadian rhythm which are essential to sleep? For us to do this, we need to return to the natural environment, disconnect from the “comfort” of modern life and listen to the sounds of wildlife, feel, sense and smell the flora and fauna as we did as a child.
Te Tai-o-Awatea Trust offers authentic half day, day or overnight experiences giving a glimpse into Māori culture through waiata (song), mau rākau (Māori weaponry), raranga (weaving), bushcraft, and waka ama (outrigger canoes).
The hope is that participants go away having received some sacred treasures that have been handed down by our forebears…
“Ko te reo Māori, te waka o te Māoritanga”
“The Māori language is the vessel that carries the Māori culture”
OUR EXPERIENCES
We offer 5-hour and half-day wānanga (learning experiences) that share taonga tuku iho (treasures handed down), and includes;
- Wānanga on Mātauranga Māori
- Mau Rākau (Traditional Weaponry)
- Rongoā (Māori natural medicine)
- Bushcraft & Nature Survival
- Waiata, Kōrero & Te Reo me ona tikanga
WHAT WE OFFER
Expected Outcomes
- A deeper connection to te taiao (the natural world)
- Practical tools for hauora: wellbeing, sleep, intuition
- Increased confidence in te reo Māori and tikanga
- A revitalised sense of identity and belonging
- A renewed sense of calm, balance, and inner direction
*Additional activities are subject to negotiation