Taiaha, a vessel for te reo in Waikato

Waikato-based rangatahi are spending less time online and more time in-line, deepening their connection with Māori customs, language and the environment.  

Te Reo Mau-ri is a wānanga led by the Keogh whānau and focuses on the holistic well-being of tauira through the traditional art of mau rākau. 

Pouako, Kaharau Keogh, says this wānanga encourages rangatahi to prioritise not only the resurgence of te reo Māori, but of the health of the mind and body. 

“Ko Te Reo Mau-ri tēnei. He huarahi e ohomauri ai tō reo, e ohomauri ai te ngākau, ki te hāpai i te rākau ki te oranga o te tinana me te oranga o te hinengaro.”  

The taiaha is a vessel that carries our language. Mau rākau encompasses the physical skills of a warrior, as well as the cultural values and protocols of what it is to be Māori says kaiwhakahaere, Anaru Keogh.  

“Ki te āta titiro ki te taiaha, he tini ōna mata. Nā reira, ko ētahi o ngā mata o te taiaha ko te reo ōkawa, te mahi whaikōrero i runga i te marae, te mahi karanga, ko ngā mahi tū marae, me te whakahaere i ngā mahi karakia.” 

Rauputiputi Waetford says she has enjoyed attending Te Reo Mau-ri with her younger brother and feels a lot more grounded and connected to her culture. 

“I have realised how to stand strong in this Māori world. My goal is to pass on these learnings to my daughter and other younger siblings,” she says. 

By weaving different components of te ao Māori into these wānanga, the holistic well-being of the tauira is nurtured. 

You can watch the full episode here(external link).