On 27 September, Te Ara Whakatipu – Hīkoi ki Whakatipu Waitai began. This programme, developed by Kara Edwards, acknowledges the manawhenua of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka. It aims to immerse rangatahi into natural environment at one of the tribe’s significant ancestral places.
The rangatahi began the hīkoi at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu, where they were hosted by Ōraka Aparima (thanks to Riki and Lynley for all your mahi) and given a kōrero from Hākui Muriel Johnstone. They then travelled to the Hollyford Track for a 20km walk and a four-day stay at the Hollyford Lodge. There they learnt about iwi history, the natural environment, mahinga kai etc, and participated in various team-building exercises.
Ōraka Aparima kaumātua Dene Cole and member Kyle Davis represented our rūnaka and participated and contributed to this wonderful kaupapa. Dene presented an inspirational kōrero to the rangatahi, on identifying and seizing life’s opportunities. He also mentored a couple of rangatahi around gathering kaimoana on the rocky coast near Atuarere. Kyle joined the rangatahi for their hikes and forest walks and was able to kōrero with them about general Ngāi Tahu history, traditions and Māori archaeology. Nā Kyle Davis.
Rangatahi take a break during their hīkoi ki Whakatipu Waitai.
Everyone during an activity at the lodge.