A Waikato-based Tikanga Maori programme is helping to equip offenders to change their lives by learning about the Kingitanga movement.
Matua Whangai o Kirikiriroa is part of Waikato Raukura Social Services, which runs the He Oranga o te Whanau programme out of Rukumoana Marae, near Morrinsville. Offenders participate in a four-day programme learning about tikanga through the history of the Kingitanga movement.
Sonny Karena and Whaea Heeni have facilitated 20 or more wananga over the past three years and have had a 100 percent graduation rate so far.
“We are stoked that most if not all the participants are enthusiastic about the programme and they all are hungry to learn about an important part of Maori and New Zealand history,” says Sonny.
Matua Whangai o Kirikiriroa spent some nine months developing the programme. With help from Tainui kaum?tua they came up with a core set of values that transcends tribal barriers.
“Kingitanga is a uniquely Tainui history but has links to every other iwi in New Zealand. We saw this as a perfect vehicle to educate offenders, no matter their tribal connections or nationality,” comments Sonny.
Rukumoana Marae is steeped in Kingitanga history and provides tools and resources that help deliver the programme’s key messages and values to the participants.
After a powhiri and settling in period, participants learn about the Kingitanga movement and how it relates to today. They also take part in a hikoi around significant Kingitanga sites to “put a face to the history,” says Sonny.
The noho marae ends with a graduation ceremony where participants get to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the w?nanga.
Sonny believes that providing offenders with knowledge gives them tools to make more informed decisions in their lives – instilling a sense of responsibility and familiarity.
“We can’t give them wairua but we can help provide them with the tools to develop their own and this in turn has a flow-on effect in how they conduct themselves in their own lives.”
Probation Officer Chas Te Whetu works closely with Sonny and Whaea in referring offenders onto the programme.
“We don’t put just any offender on this course; we evaluate whether they’re genuinely ready and willing to learn the sacred history of the Kingitanga movement.”