Ngāti Mutunga, in partnership with Mahia Mai a Whai Tara, recently completed a series of five tailored workshops designed specifically for our kaumātua. These wānanga created safe and supportive spaces for learning, whakawhiti kōrero, and whakawhanaungatanga, while unpacking some of the more complex systems that can impact our people in their everyday lives.
The series covered important topics such as:
- Māori Land Court – navigating processes, rights, and responsibilities.
- Health Literacy – understanding medical information and advocating for wellbeing.
- Banking – building financial confidence and keeping safe in an increasingly digital world.
- Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA) – planning for the future and protecting whānau.
- Utilities Disputes – knowing where to turn for support and resolution.
Each workshop was designed to demystify technical jargon and provide practical tools, ensuring kaumātua feel informed, confident, and empowered. More importantly, the sessions were also about connection – offering opportunities for kaumātua to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and learn alongside each other.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our facilitators – Adrian Poa, Mawhaturia White, Sian Young, Sade Sadd, and Selwyn Lackner-Priest. Your generosity, expertise, and open-hearted engagement enriched every wānanga. Ngā mihi nui for walking alongside our kaumātua and giving so freely of your time and knowledge.
To our kaumātua, thank you for your enthusiastic participation, your kōrero, and your manaaki. Every wānanga was made special by your presence and wisdom. This kaupapa was about you, and it was your voices and contributions that gave it life.
Finally, a special mihi to Mahia Mai a Whai Tara for your continued partnership and aroha. Your support is invaluable in enabling initiatives like this, ensuring that our kaumātua remain at the heart of our mahi.
Together, we are building stronger pathways of knowledge, confidence, and connection for our kaumātua – and in doing so, strengthening the foundations of our iwi.
