Cultural Immersion

Cultural Immersion

The ocean currents, pursue them that your waka would soar.

The currents of man, his fruits are seen.

Te Tai o Awatea supports whānau to experience mauri ora through connection to taonga tuku iho—ancestral Māori knowledge passed down through generations. Our kaupapa is grounded in whakapapa, te taiao, and living mātauranga Māori in ways that are authentic, safe, and meaningful.

Our Kaupapa:

In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, many are seeking a return to something real, grounded, and healing. Te Tai o Awatea offers an authentic reconnection to whenua, wai, and ancestral wisdom.

By returning to the natural environment, we re-tune our senses—listening to the heartbeat of Papatūānuku, restoring intuition, and realigning with natural rhythms essential to wellbeing.

 

 

WHY CHOOSE US?

  • Authentic, Māori-led facilitation
  • Learning grounded in te taiao
  • Inclusive experiences for all ages and abilities
  • A safe, respectful space to learn, reconnect, and grow
mau rakau carved

OUR EXPERIENCES

We offer half-day, full-day, and overnight wānanga, sharing Māori culture through hands-on learning, including:

  • Waiata, kōrero, and te reo Māori and associated practises,
  • Mau rākau (traditional weaponry)
  • Raranga (weaving)
  • Bushcraft & nature skills
  • Waka ama (subject to conditions)

Participants leave carrying taonga tuku iho—knowledge and practices gifted by our tūpuna.

 

WHAT WE OFFER

We provide immersive cultural experiences that support participants to:

  • Deepen connection to whakapapa, te taiao, and each other
  • Strengthen hauora, balance, and inner calm
  • Grow confidence in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
  • Reconnect with identity, belonging, and purpose

*Additional activities are subject to negotiation

 

Testimonials

Te Tai o Awatea presented a good mix of opportunities for students to listen/learn and to participate actively, which made the morning feel dynamic and engaging with a variety of different information being shared
Name
Coordinator
Our tamariki loved this event. They were able to link learning from the classroom to the real life mahi people who crew the waka do. They were able to implement their learning in the workshops and loved getting on the waka and exploring them
Tasman Bay Christian School
Students really enjoyed the day. Considering the whether was mixed, we were glad that we could still participate in the workshops under cover. Students really loved the exploration of the actual waka and talking to the crew about what it is like sailing them. Students also enjoyed the hands on nature of the workshops which made it fun and engaging. The speakers at each workshop did a great job managing the group, and finding ways to engage with the rangatahi
Nayland College
I rawe te kaupapa ki ngā tamariki
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia Te Matangi
English
Te Reo English