On October 24th, a group of 18 rangatahi, primarily from Westland High School, and six kaimahi embarked on an exciting journey to Te Anau, where they proudly represented Te Hono o Nga Waka’s Youth Development Program in the Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Ama Challenge.

This event marked the second competitive appearance for the youth Waka Ama teams this year. After first taking to the water in Dunedin during the Ice Breaker Challenge in June, they gathered last weekend in Te Anau to participate in this unique challenge. The teams are gearing up to compete again in two weeks at Waka Te Tasman in Kaiteriteri.

In a significant first for Te Tai o Poutini, these rangatahi teams are making history as the inaugural Waka Ama representatives from the West Coast, and their results are cause for celebration. Across several competitive categories, they demonstrated outstanding skill, determination, and teamwork, achieving impressive placements:

- **Kaimahi Open Mixed 5km** - **1st Place**

- **J16 Boys 1.5km** - **1st Place**

- **J16 Girls 1.5km** - **3rd Place**

- **J19 Boys 3km** - **1st Place**

- **J16 Girls 3km** - **3rd Place**

“We are all immensely proud of their achievements, and it's a proud moment for Te Tai o Poutini,” says Hayley from Rangatahi Development. This success highlights the dedication of both the paddlers and the support network that has backed them every step of the way.

Special thanks go to the Ruia Fund, Te Hono o Nga Waka, the Ministry of Youth Development, WestREAP, the whānau, and the wider community for their ongoing support, which has made these accomplishments possible.

Congratulations to all involved, especially our talented young paddlers! We look forward to seeing their continued success in the upcoming event in Kaiteriteri.

Our rangatahi are not just champion paddlers; they are young adventurers discovering the magic of Aotearoa one journey at a time. Recently, their travels took them south to Te Anau, with a breathtaking overnight stop in Wanaka. These trips aren’t just about the waka races—they’re immersive experiences that weave the threads of fun, passion, and discovery.

The journey south was an unforgettable one, as the rangatahi encountered the full range of New Zealand's seasons. Snow, rain, storms, and sunshine greeted them over the three days, with each atua showing its power and beauty. These moments became powerful lessons about resilience and adaptability, showing our rangatahi how nature’s forces mirror the challenges and joys they face in life.

For many, this trip marked their first time this far south. The excitement was palpable, especially at places like Puzzle World, where they bonded through laughter and the shared thrill of navigating new challenges together. Traveling through Wanaka and Te Anau was more than just seeing new places—it was about connecting with each other and with our whenua in a way that deepens their understanding and appreciation for who they are and where they come from.

These journeys are more than just races; they are pathways to new experiences, strengthening their sense of identity and love for exploration. When our rangatahi travel, they gain more than medals; they gain memories, resilience, and a passion that will carry them forward in life. This journey to Te Anau, through all the seasons of the heart and land, is yet another chapter in their growth and inspiration.

Last week, our rangatahi took their passion and energy to the streets for a cause close to our hearts: Gumboot Friday. This event, established by the I Am Hope charity, raises essential funds to support free mental health services for young people. In New Zealand, mental health remains a pressing issue, with many young people unable to access the care they need. Gumboot Friday, with its symbol of gumboots representing trudging through tough times, provides an opportunity for communities to come together and make a real difference.

Our rangatahi embraced the spirit of Gumboot Friday wholeheartedly. They baked up a storm, creating beautifully decorated cupcakes that became an instant hit with the community. With smiles and infectious enthusiasm, they sold the treats on the streets, sharing the message of Gumboot Friday with everyone who stopped by. In the afternoon, they rolled up their sleeves again, this time armed with sponges, soap, and hoses, offering a car wash service to raise even more funds.

The whole day was filled with laughter, team spirit, and the powerful reminder of how much good we can accomplish together. The rangatahi enjoyed every moment, connecting with people, and sharing conversations about the importance of mental health. By the end of the day, they had raised hundreds of dollars, all of which will go directly toward helping young people get the mental health support they need.

This event was not only a great way to contribute to Gumboot Friday but also an empowering experience for our rangatahi, showing them how they can make an impact and support their peers in meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone who bought a cupcake, got their car washed, or simply cheered them on! Your support means everything to us and to the many young people who will benefit from these funds.

Together, we made a difference—one cupcake, one car wash, one smile at a time.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori holds a special place in our hearts. Each year, we embrace this week as an opportunity to celebrate and honor our reo, our language, which is the heartbeat of our identity and the thread that binds our whakapapa. It’s a time to reaffirm our commitment to revitalising Te Reo Māori and to create spaces where it flourishes for our rangatahi and future generations.

This year, our celebrations involved t-shirt printing, where everyone got to personalize their tees with vibrant designs and affirming messages in Te Reo Māori. It was a powerful way to carry our language on our chests and wear our pride for all to see.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without kai! A trusty sausage sizzle that became a focal point for whānau and friends to gather, share stories, and connect. Breaking bread together, sharing laughs, and enjoying good food remind us of the warmth and manaakitanga central to our culture.

Lastly, waiata, singing our waiata brought a sense of unity and deep pride as we raised our voices in celebration of Te Reo Māori. Waiata has a way of reaching into our souls, connecting us with our tīpuna, and inspiring our tamariki to carry the torch forward.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is about more than just celebrating language; it’s about strengthening the foundation of who we are. It’s about giving our rangatahi the chance to embrace our culture, to see Te Reo Māori as an essential part of their lives, and to take pride in carrying it forward. We want our language to be a normal, everyday part of our world—not just during this week but in every interaction, every conversation, every celebration.

This week has reminded us all at Te Hono O Ngā Waka that our reo is a living treasure, and through celebrations like these, we are ensuring its survival and growth for generations to come.

We're thrilled to highlight the fantastic mahi of Tina Tainui, who has been working tirelessly over the last few months to bring smiles and support the oral health of tamariki at Hokitika Primary. Her commitment to this kaupapa has brought new excitement and encouragement to both whānau and tamariki about the importance of healthy dental habits, especially brushing before bed.

Tina has put together thoughtful oral health care packs to make bedtime brushing easier and more fun. Each pack includes an alarm clock set for 7 p.m. as a friendly reminder, a sticker chart to track their brushing routines, and prizes for tamariki who keep up with their nightly brushing. The packs also come with fresh toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss—everything tamariki need for a complete oral hygiene routine. Alongside these tools, Tina has been educating whānau and tamariki on why oral health matters, hoping to reduce the need for emergency dental care down the line.

Oral health is incredibly important, as it affects not only teeth but also overall well-being. Here are some insights on why building strong oral health habits early on can make a difference:

1. Prevention of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in tamariki. Regular brushing, especially at night, removes food particles and plaque that can cause cavities. Good habits can prevent gum disease, which affects oral health and has links to other health issues.

2. Healthier Smiles and Confidence: Tamariki with healthy teeth often have more confidence and comfort in social situations. Preventing cavities and bad breath can help boost their self-esteem and encourage positive social interactions.

3. Education on Sugar and Diet: Tina’s approach doesn’t just focus on brushing but also educates tamariki about diet. Sugary foods and drinks can erode teeth over time, so understanding the impact of their choices is key. Tina's packs come with fun ways to learn about choosing tooth-friendly snacks.

4. Early Intervention Saves Pain and Money: By encouraging regular brushing and check-ups, Tina's work helps reduce the need for urgent dental procedures. Good oral health routines can prevent severe dental issues, minimizing the need for emergency care and costly procedures in the future.

5. Building Lifelong Habits: Tina’s mahi teaches tamariki the importance of routines and how taking care of themselves can lead to a healthier, happier life. When tamariki learn to brush and floss properly, they're building habits that will last well beyond childhood.

Tina’s mahi is an inspiring example of dedication and creativity. By making dental care accessible, educational, and fun, she is helping our tamariki form habits that will serve them for a lifetime. Her work is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that targeted health initiatives can have on our community’s future.

Well done, Tina, for your tireless commitment to the well-being of our tamariki! Your mahi truly makes a difference.

We recently celebrated an incredible whānau day, with over 100 whānau joining us at the Boys Brigade Hall in Hokitika! Despite the wet weather, our team was ready, turning the hall into an indoor haven for family fun. With five bouncy castles, it felt like inflatable world had come to the coast, bringing non-stop excitement for the tamariki.

Alongside the bouncy fun, we had clowns, biscuit decorating, nail painting, coloring stations, face painting, and even haircuts to keep everyone entertained. The hot pulled pork buns and classic sausage sizzle were crowd favorites, keeping everyone warm and well-fed.

A massive thank you to all who helped bring this event to life. From the volunteers to the organizers and every whānau who turned up to make the day special—it was truly a team effort and a memorable day for all involved. Looking forward to more gatherings like these!

In a groundbreaking initiative, Te Whatu Ora and Reo Māori Mai have joined forces to deliver a professional development program centered around equity in healthcare. This program is more than just training—it’s a dedicated effort to foster a culture of inclusiveness and continuous improvement within healthcare, ensuring services meet the unique needs of Māori and rural communities.

This Equity Professional Development initiative offers a significant opportunity for kaimahi (staff) to connect with a supportive network focused on understanding and tackling the barriers to equitable health outcomes across Te Tai Poutini. With a blend of in-depth learning and hands-on application, this program empowers healthcare professionals to lead system design changes that prioritize whānau-centered, culturally appropriate, and effective care.

Over several months, participants will gain essential insights and skills, including:

- Understanding Barriers to Equity: Participants will deepen their awareness of the obstacles Māori and rural whānau face in accessing equitable healthcare, enabling them to develop strategies to address these challenges effectively.

- Empowered Equity Conversations: With newfound confidence, participants will engage in constructive discussions on equity with their teams and leadership, fostering meaningful and lasting change.

- Supportive Network of Kaimahi: This program creates a network of like-minded kaimahi dedicated to building a more inclusive and impactful healthcare system for whānau, uniting their efforts and amplifying their impact.

Through this collaborative journey, Te Whatu Ora and Reo Māori Mai are championing a future where healthcare in Te Tai Poutini is grounded in cultural integrity, inclusivity, and equity, with the voices and needs of whānau at the forefront. Together, we are paving the way for a healthcare system that honors and uplifts the community it serves.

We are thrilled to share the exciting progress of a powerful new kaupapa for rangatahi, by rangatahi—a kapa haka group envisioned by the talented Whakatairangi White. When Whakatairangi came to us with her vision, we knew we wanted to support her every step of the way to make this dream a reality. With 40 rangatahi from across Te Tai o Poutini coming together, this group is growing into something truly inspiring, bringing energy, passion, and a deep connection to our culture through haka, waiata, and poi.

The group will be performing their set in Ōtautahi next year, showcasing not only their talent but also the unity and spirit that come from creating something as a collective. What makes this group so special is that everything—from the waiata lyrics to the choreography of haka and actions—has been crafted by rangatahi. They’re even working on their poi, adding another layer of depth and tradition to their performance.

Their first wānanga was held at Westland High School, and we were absolutely blown away by what they achieved together in such a short time. Watching them collaborate, learn from each other, and weave their ideas and skills into this powerful kapa haka performance has been a privilege. Each moment they spend together strengthens not only the group but their connection to their heritage and each other.

We’re so proud of Whakatairangi and all the rangatahi involved. This journey is more than just a performance—it's a collective process of growth, learning, and unity. We can’t wait to see them take the stage in Ōtautahi next year and to witness the beautiful and powerful representation of Te Tai o Poutini they bring forward. Tū māia, tū kaha!

This spring, Te Hono O Ngā Waka had the privilege of distributing ready-to-plant gardens to local whānau, encouraging them to dig into the dirt alongside their tamariki. Thanks to Te Rau Ora’s generous funding, each garden kit was designed to support our community’s journey toward self-sufficiency and healthy kai, with a particular focus on engaging the younger generation in the joys and responsibilities of growing their own food.

The initiative has already been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback! Whānau have shared photos and kind words, showing how much the tamariki are enjoying their gardening experience. The sight of kids getting their hands in the soil, tending to their plants, and watching their hard work grow has been a highlight for many families. It’s inspiring to see tamariki so invested in nurturing their gardens and learning hands-on about kai sustainability.

One unexpected challenge we faced was the relentless spring rain. However, our kits came equipped with protective lids, a detail that turned out to be a blessing for keeping our young plants safe from being waterlogged. This simple addition has allowed families to plant and grow with confidence, rain or shine!

The journey back to self-sufficiency and healthier, homegrown kai is more than just a practical endeavor. It’s a pathway for whānau to reconnect with our kōrero and ancestral practices, reawakening the skills and knowledge that sustained our tūpuna. By taking these first steps toward growing our own kai, we’re not only cultivating our gardens but also sowing seeds of resilience and well-being within our community.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Te Rau Ora for supporting us in this endeavor. Their funding has made it possible to take these ideas off the page and into the soil, where they can grow strong roots in our community. We’re excited to see how this initiative will continue to flourish and evolve, empowering more whānau to grow, share, and sustain their own healthy kai.

This week we gathered for a special day session dedicated to building the capacity of whānau through the art of raranga (weaving). Our focus for the day was creating beautiful putiputi (flowers) from harakeke, a traditional craft that not only brings us together but also keeps our cultural heritage alive.

This past weekend, we had the privilege of hosting Mind Over Manner here in Te Tai O Poutini, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. The workshops focused on providing practical tools and strategies to support our neurodiverse tamariki, especially in the kura environment.

Nikita’s Triumph in Muay Thai!

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Nikita’s incredible achievement—her first Muay Thai fight in Christchurch, where she claimed victory with a round 2 knockout! Nikita’s journey has been one of sheer determination, grit, and unwavering dedication, and her performance in the ring is a testament to what it means to commit fully to your goals.