Team Day – Reconnecting to Whenua, Whakapapa, & Each Other

As part of our ongoing commitment to re-indigenise ourselves and our mahi across Te Tai o Poutini, the Te Hono o Ngā Waka team spent a powerful day immersed in our local history, whenua, and stories.

We began our journey in Māwhera, where we explored both Pounamu Pathways exhibits. These taonga-rich spaces offered us the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the pounamu stories of our rohe—reminding us of the enduring significance of our connection to whenua and wai. The kōrero shared throughout the day grounded us further in our whakapapa and the stories of those who came before us.

From there, we continued to Punakaiki to visit the beautifully designed Punaeani Visitors Centre. This space not only showcases the natural beauty of the area but holds the purākau and mātauranga that remind us of the richness of our cultural heritage. It was a moment of both reflection and inspiration, reinforcing our purpose and reminding us of the depth beneath our mahi.

Of course, no hīkoi is complete without kai—and we were treated to some incredibly delicious pies, including unique and tasty flavours like hāngī and watercress!

These experiences are vital to our growth as a team. They help us realign with our kaupapa, with each other, and with the people and places we serve. As we continue our journey of cultural reclamation and restoration, days like these are not just refreshing—they are necessary.