Kia ūkaipōtia te reo ki Te Poho o Ngāti Kahu

For Te Paatū ki Kauhanga, revitalising te reo Māori is about identity, belonging and ensuring te reo o te kāinga continues within our whānau, homes and marae. Te Waharoa was established to help whānau reconnect with te reo, build confidence as speakers and deepen their understanding of the tikanga, whakapapa and kōrero of Te Paatū ki Kauhanga. Through regular kura reo and wānanga at Te Poho o Ngāti Kahu, whānau developed their reo while reconnecting with the people, stories and places to which it belongs.

Creating Space to Learn

Manaakitanga shaped how Te Waharoa was delivered. Removing attendance fees and providing catering support allowed whānau to participate fully in the learning, while a supportive environment encouraged people to ask questions, practise and make mistakes without whakamā. Guided by kaumātua, kuia and kaikōrero, whānau explored kōrero tuku iho, whakapapa, karanga, waiata, whakairo, tukutuku, kōwhaiwhai and other aspects of tikanga alongside their reo learning.

Reo Across Generations

Te Waharoa strengthened connections between generations, whānau and the hau kāinga. At one wānanga, four generations of one whānau learned together, reflecting the intergenerational purpose of the kaupapa. For whānau living away from home, the wānanga also provided a pathway back to Kauhanga. Participants carried their learning beyond the programme by enrolling in further classes, speaking more reo with mokopuna and whānau, using it in their workplaces and continuing their learning online.

Stepping Through Te Waharoa

The name Te Waharoa came to represent the journey itself: an entrance and an invitation to step forward. Whānau who had been hesitant to speak became more willing to lead karakia, give a simple mihi, recite their pepeha and begin conversations in te reo Māori. The kaupapa was about building the confidence to have a go and recognising that learning te reo o te kāinga is also a way of learning about ourselves, strengthening our relationships and carrying the reo forward for those who come after us.