Newsletter HAT 2018 Nov 8 Mann

Akonga kōrero...
Leon Wharekura - Graduated as Mauri Ora Kaiwhakaruruhau 2013
“Becoming a tauira of Te Korowai Aroha’s Mauriora 2013 course was one
of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. The teachings and learnings
gained at every noho throughout the year have allowed me to add positive
contributions in all areas of my whānau, marae, haapori, hapū and iwi engagement.
Most importantly, in my current role as a youth mentor supporting
rangatahi and their whānau within my own community”.
When hope is lost and the ability to dream sounds like a foreign
language to our uncertain youth and their whānau; the
imperatives, principles and practicums set out in this course not only
opened my own eyes and ears to the abundance of mātauranga left
by our tūpuna, it set me in good stead to becoming a more assertive
coach and kaiwhakarurhau to my people. It also prepared me to
detect and scent out the adversary when dealing with ways of dysfunction,
oppression, racism, imposter tikanga, and false illusions of being.
One poignant transformation would have to be the Decolonisation workshops.
A Noho that I will never forget and have forever etched those awakenings
into the way I see the people I serve. My hope for Te Korowai Aroha is that it
continues to spread its empowering teachings to all who desire to work with
whānau, hapū and iwi.”
Mauri Ora - Leon
Jo Grace - Graduated as Mauri Ora Kaiwhakaruruhau 2015
“If I were to quote what Mauri Ora was about, it would be to quote Jozie
Karanga, that it was “dispelling the illuision.” The illusion of living and breathing
in a pakeha world as a kaimahi. By the normalisation and acculturation
of pakeha processes as opposed to the ancient practices of our tipuna which
kept whānau together, thriving. It was about repatriation as a Māori to my
whānau, hapū and Iwi. It is about understanding the violations that were imposed
upon us as a people and recognizing and rebuking the practices that are
inherent in a pakeha whare.
Most importantly it gave me skills to navigate my way through the suicide of
my 21 year old daughter. I honestly do not believe I could have made my way
through the loss if not for the skills I learned with Te Korowai Aroha O Aotearoa.
Mauri Ora gives you the strength to face adversity, to face all negativity that
comes to you and and walk through it with the coping mechanisms to make positive
changes for myself, my whānau and the whānau I serve in the community.”
2015 Graduated Mauri Ora
2016 Graduated Turanga Whanau
2018 Enrolled on Te Paeārahi Whakatipu Rangatira
2018 Enrolled on Mātua Whāngai
Dave Goodall – Graduated as a Mauri Ora Kaiwhakaruruhau 2017
Prior to Mauri Ora I was aware of my Māori heritage, I grew up in
Taumarunui with a deep connection to the rivers and lands
of the region. I spent my childhood at either our whānau
farm, at Kauriki Marae, playing rugby or swimming in the
local rivers. I was loved and I have fond memories of my childhood.
My father is Pakeha and my mother is Māori, Ngāti Hinemihi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
With this whakapapa I grew up with a sense of entitlement, I believed my heritage
entitled me to approximately 2000 acres of land, and after my mother
passed away 30 years ago I lived a completely Pakeha life within Te Ao Hurihuri.
I was the ultimate cliché of a part-time Māori boy who came from small
town, rural New Zealand. I was able to “play the Māori card” when it suited
me. I had a Pakeha wife, a Pakeha job, a Pakeha house complete with a Pakeha
mortgage, Pakeha thoughts and a Pakeha life. After years spent “keeping up
with the Jones’s” and accumulating stuff, I could sense there was something
missing in my life. So I saw a facebook post advertising Mauri Ora by an outfit
called Te Korowai Aroha o Aotearoa I was strangely drawn to it and thought
this “course” could teach me a little more of my Ngāti Tūwharetoa whakapapa
as Mauri Ora 2017 was to be held within Tūwharetoa.
When I arrived at Korohe Marae for the first Mauri Ora noho of 2017 I felt
completely out of my comfort zone. I distinctly recall wanting to jump into my
car and drive home. Seeing my beautiful aunty (Aunty Hinekahu Gotty) was all
the confirmation I required, I knew right then and there that I was in the right
place, and I also knew that I had to complete this journey and see Mauri Ora
through to the end, I remembered asking Aunty what this Mauri Ora “course”
was all about, she replied, “Mauri Ora will affirm your place as Māori within
Te Ao Māori.
With this I was willing to open my mind up to new ways of thinking. These
people quickly became familiar and I now regard them all as whānau. We set
down a Kawa to guide us through our year and used 4 mātāpono to keep us
true to ourselves;
Manaakitanga, Wairuatanga, Hau Ora, Te Reo.
We then named ourselves Manaaki Ao after an ancestor who was famed for
being a great provider for his people, we too wanted to become great providers
for our whānau, hapū and iwi. Month by month we met, we laughed, we
argued, we shared, we cried, we reflected, we grieved, we mourned and we
healed. Month by month our bond grew. Month by month our knowledge grew,
and month by month I witnessed true transformation within myself and also in
all of my fellow akonga, one of which best summed up Mauri Ora as a magic
show. Mauri Ora opened up a whole new world to me and has made me feel
whole. Now I look at myself as 100% Māori and I am a guardian of our whenua.
You may ask what is Mauri Ora?
Mauri Ora is a transformation process
Mauri Ora is a magic show
Mauri Ora is reflection
Mauri Ora is healing
Mauri Ora is whanau
Mauri Ora is the affirmation of your true identity
Mauri Ora has changed my outlook on life
Mauri Ora has made me whole
Mauri Ora has confirmed me as Maori within Te Ao Māori
Hoki ki tōu maunga kia purea ai e koe ki ngā hau o Tāwhirimātea
Nga Mihi
David Goodall