He Kākano | Whakatū Marae – Enviroschool at Whakatū Marae
On Tuesday 19 May, 92 tamariki (children) from four kura (schools) attended He Kākano event at Whakatū marae. Hampden Street School, Birchwood School, Nayland Primary, and Tāhunanui School were the four kura in attendance.
The aim of this kaupapa was to nurture curiosity and inspire tamariki to become future kaitiaki (guardians) of te taiao through a te ao Māori lens. For some attendees this was their first time experiencing a pōwhiri at a marae, which strengthened their relationship with their culture and heritage. The guiding whakataukī for the event was poipoia te kākano kia puāwai – nurture the seed so that it will bloom.
Activities for the event included learning about the lifecycle and pūrākau of tuna (eels) and their migration, exploring nature’s connection with kōwhaiwhai and tamariki painted their own kōwhaiwhai panels. The third part of this event explored the pōwhiri process, tikanga, atua, kēmu Māori, along with a history lesson about the carvings in Whakatū marae. These activities were led by Mel McColgan, Samara Davis, Matua Mark Davis and Leana Leary.
This event was made possible through Toimata Foundation’s Environmental Outcomes Funding and by Council’s Enviroschools’ team and Nelson City Council’s Māori Partnerships team. Endorsed and supported by Pou Taiao / local iwi and Whakatū Marae, the event was co-created with Tasman District Council staff and a sister event was hosted at Te Āwhina marae. A big mihi to All Good Bananas and Mother Earth for donating the kai for the day.
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