A Special Day on the Moana: Connecting, Learning, and Looking Ahead
Kia ora Whānau,
Friday was a truly special day out on the moana for our rangatahi!
The focus for this wananga was all about connection and reconnection. We had a mix of rangatahi who were returning to the waka taurua alongside a few new faces taking to the water. It was a beautiful thing to witness the tuakana-teina dynamic in action, with our experienced rangatahi guiding, encouraging, and looking out for their peers.
We couldn’t have asked for better conditions—a warm, sunny start with a gentle sea breeze building throughout the day.
Thanks to the team at Bays Boating in Motueka, we had a support vessel available, which allowed our kaihautū, Jodi and Jorge, to step back and oversee from a distance. Having enough knowledge and confidence spread across each waka meant our rangatahi got to experience traveling on their own. It also gave us the perfect opportunity to practice essential safety drills, including towing a waka.
Where to Next?
This rōpū is well and truly ready for the next adventure! They’ve shown they can handle more wind and greater distances.
If the weather permits for our next wānanga, we are aiming to head into the park to explore Motuareronui (Adele Island).
At Te Tai o Awatea, we know that standard classroom models don’t work for every learner. We strive to keep our kaupapa real, fun, and deeply engaging—creating a safe environment where our rangatahi can learn directly from the Atua and the elements around them.
A massive, heartfelt mihi to all the supporters and funders who make Te Tai o Awatea possible. Your belief in our rangatahi is what allows these transformative journeys to happen.
Arohanui,
The Te Tai o Awatea Whānau
