CURIOUS MINDS SOUTH AUCKLAND 2024 - PROJECT #5

Understanding How Indigenous Environmental Practices Influence Hauora

Aorere College

Through a series of activities aligned with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), a group of Year 11 students at Aorere College embarked on a 7-month journey to reconnect with their cultural identity through movement and indigenous practices. 

The project explored how students' energy levels and hauora (well-being) changed when their activities aligned with different phases of the maramataka and through different indigenous environmental activities. This included traditional physical activity like waka ama and ki o rahi, as well as planting a māra kai (food garden). 

Cultural experts guided the students to understand elements of Te Ao Māori, such as kotahitanga (solidarity), ako (reciprocity) and tuakana teina (two-way learning). These learnings strengthened the students' cultural identity and equipped them with culturally responsive tools for learning, observing, critical thinking and living a healthier, more active lifestyle.

The students were supported by Pacific Vision Aotearoa; Te Pou Herenga Waka Ama Club; and Dr Sonny Natanielu, an expert in traditional Pasifika navigation techniques.