Last week, Whenua Iti Outdoors’ (WIO) Manaaki Tāpoi Level 3 students had a truly mīharo (wonderful) stay at Waikawa Marae! Over the course of two days, the group of rangatahi (aged 16-19) planted over 200 native seedlings around the marae and at Pete and Takutai Beech’s Waikawa Bach. These seedlings, provided by the Whenua Iti Community Nursery, continued a relationship established two years ago when another Manaaki Tāpoi group helped clear soil from the Beech’s land after a landslip.
This was the fourth and final week of this year’s Level 3 Manaaki Tāpoi cultural tourism programme, which enables students to gain NCEA credits while deepening their understanding of Te Ao Māori and Māori tourism. Building on the foundations of the Level 2 course, the programme enables rangatahi to develop new skills and perspectives. “This programme is kaitiakitanga in practice,” says Instructor Linda. “It supports whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, and kaitiakitanga of the places we visited and the people we meet.” The focus on these core values fosters a strong sense of connection to both the local whenua and the wider community.
The adventure began with a pōwhiri at Waikawa Marae on Monday, where the rangitahi were warmly welcomed by the haukāinga (local hosts). After settling into the whare tupuna, Arapaoa, they were joined by Pete and Takutai Beech for dinner, further strengthening their connection with the local community.
Tuesday saw the group complete their Noho Marae assessment, welcome manuhiri and practice mau rākau. Later, the group visited the Beech’s bach to complete a restoration planting project. For three of the 13 students, this was a meaningful return to a place where they had worked previously, adding a sense of continuity to their experience of kaitiakitanga.
“It was so good to see the enthusiasm on their faces,” says Pete Beech. “The rangatahi have great energy and focus.” Pete and Takutai were complimentary of the WIO staff. “Much of this of course must be attributed to a very capable team of tutors. I have taken part in many planting projects over the years — they are only as successful as the people leading them and giving instructions on where and how to plant.”
On Wednesday, the group travelled back to Whenua Iti, pausing at Te Hoiere (Pelorus Bridge). Their journey concluded with a beautiful graduation ceremony on Thursday, which was well attended by whānau and friends who gathered to celebrate the success of the students.
Whenua Iti Outdoors would like to thank all the whānau and supporters who helped make this journey possible, especially Waikawa Marae and the Beech whanau. Your generosity has created lasting impacts for these rangatahi, both in their learning and their lives.
Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa mō o koutou tautoko, o koutou mahi, o koutou manaakitanga mō tēnei kaupapa.
To learn more about Whenua Iti Outdoors’ programmes, visit our website. In partnership with the Top of the South and West Coast Trades Academies, we deliver a range of programmes for Year 11 – 13 students with opportunities to gain NCEA credits in experiential and fun outdoor learning environments.