Ngā Ara Hura ki te Taiao: Wānanga 2026
Revealing Pathways for Environmental Connection
30th November - 3rd December | Motueka, Nelson
In partnership with Te Āwhina Marae, join us for an enriching multi-day wānanga of transformative experiential learning designed to deepen reciprocal relationships with Te Taiao through understanding and connection.
Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata
When the land is well, people are well
What to expect
Immersive learning
Engage in experiential learning activities in Te Ao Māori that connect deeply with the natural world. We will weave together place-based field trips with hands-on activities such as rarenga (weaving), rongoā (medicinal properties of plants) and taonga puoro (traditional musical instruments) with pūrakau that will support your practice and understanding.
Inspiring Facilitators
Gain insights and inspiration from mana whenua, sharing their skills, understandings and perspectives.
Collaborative idea-sharing in a safe space
Explore how we can better integrate Te Ao Māori and Te Taiao into active recreation, fostering meaningful community connections to uplift rangatahi Māori. This will be a safe and uplifting learning environment to ask pātai and seek understanding to further your kaupapa.
Limited Numbers - Better Connection!
To bring us together for a noho experience, we are limiting the numbers for this to a maximum of 30 participants.
Come together with like-minded professionals to create richer, more meaningful experiences that benefit the active recreation and outdoor education sectors and the communities we serve.
Who should attend?
This opportunity is ideal for active recreation professionals, educators, tourism operators or individuals who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and practices through deeper engagement with Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview). Whether you're a:
- Teaching and learning facilitator working in active education or recreation
- Outdoor education instructor engaging people in nature-based activities
- Tourism operator looking to deepen you practice and understanding to support visitor experience
- Primary, secondary or tertiary educators
- Individuals with a reason to engage in further development to integrate knowledge into personal or community education
This program is designed to be inclusive and relevant, offering tools and knowledge that resonate across our communities. It's perfect for professionals and individuals who are open to learning, connecting, and enriching their work by integrating Te Ao Māori perspectives.
Speakers
Miriana Stephens
Facilitator / Presenter
Ngawaina Shorrock
Puna
Ronald Petley
Carver
Michaela Lobban
Rongoā
Callum O’Leary
SMS: Kōauau
Wānanga Schedule
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Monday 30th | Wānanga starts midday, mihi whakatau, lunch provided, afternoon workshops |
| Tuesday 1st | Morning pōwhiri at Te Āwhina marae, lunch provided, workshop & afternoon activities., dinner provided, noho stay at marae |
| Wednesday 2nd | Optional early morning waka paddle, breakfast provided, morning activities, lunch provided, workshop & afternoon activities, dinner provided, noho stay at marae |
| Thursday 3rd | Breakfast provided, clean up at marae, morning tea, final poroaki, finishing midday |
Registration Fee
$850+GST pp
Your registration fee includes:
• all sessions and activities (excluding waka)
• all transport within the wānanga and airport transfers (at set times)
• 2 nights x noho marae accommodation (nb. first night is up to you, you're welcome to camp at Whenua Iti)
Food Provided:
Day 1: Lunch & Afternoon tea (dinner is up to you)
Day 2: Morning & Afternoon tea, lunch & dinner (Breakfast up to you)
Day 3: All meals
Day 4: Breakfast & morning tea
The dawn waka paddle (limited numbers) is an extra $85pp, you can sign up when you register.
Wānanga Venue
The wānanga will take place at Whenua Iti Outdoors on Day 1, then will be based at Te Āwhina marae in Motueka from Day 2. We will visit places of cultural significance in the region. Transport will be provided to access the activities at locations of interest.
Accommodation
Night 1: You will need to organise your own accommodation. You are welcome to camp at Whenua Iti and use our facilities this night. Alternative accommodation is suggested below.
Nights 2 & 3: Noho Marae for these nights is included in your registration fee.
Transport
We will run airport shuttles to and from the airport. Pick up times will be at 9am & 10.30am. Departures will be at 1.30pm and 2.30pm.
Transport will be provided throughout the wānanga.
We encourage car pooling if you plan to hire a vehicle from Nelson! Parking will be available at Whenua Iti Outdoors and at the Marae.
Want to find out more about a programme or have a question for us? Talk to one of our friendly team - we're happy to help.