Cultural self-identity should not be regarded as an optional extra or as something from a mythical past, but as something central to the well-being of contemporary" - Sir Mason Durie
In this mahi we have sadly come to know that the majority of our tamariki are not able to experience what the average kiwi kid experiences. For example, treats, fun at the park, paid activities and even more heartbreaking, feeling safe, loved and trust. Some of our tamariki don’t even have a home-cooked meal for days on end because whānau are strapped for resources and are in survival mode. We factor that knowledge into our planning and activities.
Amongst all learnings, we provide our tamariki the opportunity to go places all Tamariki should experience in childhood and we give them a big kai. We also cook kai and drop it off to their whānau during the week. To date, Kia Puāwai te Kākano have visited Stardome and the movies, with further plans of roller skating, rock climbing, a beach day out and more. This is a strong way to consolidate knowledge and enables our tamariki to broaden their horizons beyond measure.
The many things we have done together with our tamariki may seem small yet make the biggest difference, such as baking together, making pizzas together, having lunch at the park and eating ice cream on the sidewalk together. Modelling such behaviours demonstrate togetherness, unity, and close-knit bonds which can be manifested into their own whānau, if not now then in future.
In conjunction of the maramataka and the Hua Parakore values, Kia Puāwai te Kākano provides an indigenous realm of healing which organically flows alongside western academia theories of human behaviour and psychosocial capabilities. To achieve a healthy sense of self, purpose, power, and resilience despite being in an unwanted environment is key.
Here at Te Pā (PARS), putting a stop to a cycle of violence is a priority for our whānau. We cannot erase events and/or experiences that have happened, however, we can restore what our whānau voiced was needed most – mauri enhanced, mana restored, aroha, connected, manawaroa, empowered and proud to be me.