In wave three of the Whānau Ora commissioning of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, a specific fund was introduced targeted at increasing the health and wellbeing through a medium of physical and cultural activity. The intent of the ‘Move our Motu’ event held in early May was to bring together stakeholders to encourage collaboration and innovative ways to increase whānau physical and cultural activity. The event was focused on generating initiatives which are driven by the Whānau Ora outcomes, and in particular Pou Rua: living healthy lifestyles and Pou Whā: Whānau in Te Waipounamu are confidently participating in Te Ao Māori.
Goals of the two-day wānanga held at Hagley Oval, included to support applicants to strengthen the impact of the initiatives through a focus on capability development, as well as encouraging applicants to explore potential collaborations. Approximately 90 people attended the weekend event designed to:
- provide practical support to advance ideas to be investment ready (for example, to be prepared to submit quality applications)
- create a safe space for participants to explore collaboration opportunities
- provide structured support for initiative development through resources and the availability of mentors to guide the process.
As part of the weekend we had inspiring keynotes from Gilbert Enoka (All Blacks Mental Skills Coach), Heather Skipworth (Iron Māori Founder) and Dallas Seymour (Ex All Black and NZ Sevens Player). Here’s some feedback from the event:
“There were so many people that attended and every idea was different. I found that very inspirational.”
“A truly uplifting experience”
“Exceeded my expectations”
“Such great calibre of mentors on hand and very keen to help.”
When the Minister for Whānau Ora announced the successful recipients of Wave Three at Te Pūtahitanga symposium, 7-8 July, (Te Aho Mutunga Kore/The Eternal Thread) there were a number of initiatives that were clearly focused on health and wellbeing, including: Try Whānau (Murihiku); kaupapa yoga (Ōtautahi); Tri-Pounamu in partnership with Iron Māori; Te Ngākau Pono; Rangatahi Tumeke (Catlins); Hīkoi to Hauora (Murihiku); Hīkoi Waewae (Hokitika); He Waka Kōtuia (Ōtepoti) and Manawa Ora (Whakatū Marae, Nelson).
Rōpū with guest speaker, Gilbert Enoka, second from left.
Rōpū with guest speaker, Gilbert Enoka, second from left.