The Whanganui River has become an integral part of a Tikanga Māori Programme in Taumarunui to help participants address their offending from within a cultural context.
People on community-based sentences are referred to Te Tira Haere (The Journey), which incorporates a 10km journey on the river from Ngahuinga to Ohinepane. While participants paddle, they learn about the river’s historical and cultural significance from local guides.
Held over four days, Te Tira Haere also includes three nights on a marae, and a poroporoaki. The programme is supported by local kaumātua who had significant input in developing the programme.
It’s delivered on behalf of Hinengakau Maatua Whangai by Māori adult education provider Te Waka Pu Whenua. Educator Ngarau Tarawa says the marae-based programme was adapted from one created for long-term unemployed people.
“The programme already contained the core elements of a Tikanga Māori Programme. It’s all about motivation and building positive whānau models. It’s totally Māori focused and those who go through it leave reaffirmed in who they are. “The river is a very important part of the experience; it just validates and reaffirms again all of these things that they know have come from being Māori. It’s a very spiritual time for many of them.”
Jackie Bowley from Hinengakau Maatua Whangai says the participants learn and practice tīkanga in a way that is relevant to their daily experiences with culture and this contributes to participants making positive lifestyle changes that are beneficial not only to themselves but also to their whānau, hāpū and iwi.
“I had the pleasure of participating and words can not express the spiritual peacefulness and serenity of this wonderful experience. “
CPS Service Manager Frank Mariu says the waka trip has proved a drawcard and improved compliance with the programme. “Everyone who started the programme finished it. Offenders who’ve heard about the trip are now asking if they can do the programme.”
As well as raising their motivation to attend the programme, Frank says the river adds a unique element.
“There’s a spiritual feeling on the water. There’s team building and confidence building.”
Participants of Te Tira Haere explore the Whanganui River.