The Mahi Toi (Painting on canvas) workshop, where students came up with a design then painted it together.
The second Trades Wānanga for the year saw over 180 of our students attending workshops covering traditional Māori skills and practices at Te Noho Kotahitanga marae, facilitated by staff from our Maia and Student Success teams.
This session, organised by Kaihautū Veraneeca Taiepa, built on the first wānanga in March where Trades and Services students heard kōrero about the sacred sites around Unitec and the marae, particularly Ngākau Māhaki (the wharenui) and its relationship to the School of Trades and Services.
Activities at the second session included Mahi Toi (Painting on Canvas), Mahi Raranga (Weaving with Flax) and Ngā Mahi-a-Rehia (Unitec waiata and Māori knowledge). The students worked together in small groups, often with others they hadn’t met before, and were fully engaged, participating and supporting one another as they increased their knowledge of tikanga Māori.
Students working together at the Mahi Raranga (weaving flax) workshop.
The wānanga is a great example of a School collaborating with our Maia team and support services, with workshop sessions being facilitated by Hohepa Renata – Taurahere Marae Lecturer, Darlene Cameron – Academic Development Lecturer Māori, Gia Ngatai-Smith – Student Support and Scholarships Advisor, Lynda Toki – Kai Awhina, Tanya White – Lecturer, and Kaihautū Te Hau Hona.
The Mahi Raranga workshop.
It’s the second year the two wānanga have been part of our Trades and Services programme and judging by the turnout and engagement of the students, it was a great success.
Feedback has also been positive. One student said “I learnt the meaning and symbolism of the many uses of the flax bush…Really good experience. If you have the chance to learn more, I would definitely do so.”
Lee Baglow – Head of Trades and Services said “This is the second wānanga the School of Trades and Services have experienced this year. It is important for all peoples of this land to understand and appreciate the amazing culture of Māori. The pūrakau are rich and inspiring, it is a privilege to be offered knowledge so freely.
Whaea Lynda Toki speaking to the students at the Ngā Mahi-a-Rehia workshop.
From a staff perspective, learning the intricacies of Māori culture brings meaning and helps us to understand Te Noho Kotahitanga and of course, it strengthens our School’s relationship with the marae.
From a student view, it provides an insight into the values and beliefs of Māori, this strengthens understanding and adds a significant value to their experiences at Unitec. We hope that wānanga inspires our learners to seek more knowledge, it is worth the effort simply because of the richness Māori culture can add to their lives.”