The whānau that attended our first Eastern Christchurch Hui on October 8 shared some valuable insights and we learned so much from them.
We're looking forward to getting whānau involved in some great events around Christchurch and Canterbury. The first one will be Carols at the Pā at Rehua Marae on 2 December.
An awesome bunch of people!
Hei Whakapiki Mauri's first Western Christchurch hui in Halswell brought together disabled Māori, whānau and support people to korero about what was important to them.
The hui was opened by Kaumatua Pete Mason. Kaiwhakahaere Ruth Jones then introduced the project and explained why she and husband Gary Williams started it, while attendees shared kai.
"We wanted to raise the mauri of people with disabilities and bring them closer together with their culture and whānau. That's why we chose the name," says Ruth.
The Hei Whakapiki Mauri tohu emphasises this idea. It was designed to represent togetherness and shows different koru coming together in one kete. The project is also about paying it forward and giving disabled Māori the knowledge and resources to be who they want to be.
"We want you to have great lives, to be strong, and to grow into leaders of others and in your own lives. Hei Whakapiki Mauri is about resourcing you to do this," says Ruth.
Whakawhanaungatanga was a key part of the hui. Attendees introduced themselves and then explored what was important to them together.
Stewart, who is recovering from a stroke, is interested in te reo and tikanga. He is already involved with Rehua Marae and is keen to share his knowledge with others.
Charlene expressed that connecting with whānau and learning more waiata are of interest. Her son is very important to her and she has a talent for singing, which she hopes to build on.
Future hui will be based on what people like Stewart and Charlene want to explore on their journey with the project.
"Basically it is their project. We're here to make sure they can get going in the direction they choose and then they can carry on and lead their own change with whānau." Ruth says.
Hei Whakapiki Mauri’s first Eastern Christchurch Hui will be held on October 8. More information is available here.
Nau mai haere mai. You're invited to our first Eastern Christchurch hui.
Hei Whakapiki Mauri introductory hui
Saturday 8 October, 1-4pm
Large meeting room
Aranui Wainoni Community Centre
31 Hampshire Street
All whānau and support people are welcome. It's FREE to attend. Great kai is provided.
RSVP to Kaiwhakahaere Ruth Jones. Email jonesr@xtra.co.nz or phone/text 027 440 8573.
What will happen at the first hui?
Kaiwhakahaere Ruth Jones will introduce the Hei Whakapiki Mauri project.
You’ll meet like-minded whānau and share what's important to you.
You’ll be provided with the Hei Whakapiki Resource Kete, which you can use to start planning what you want to achieve.
We'll ask you want you want to learn on your journey, and then set up future hui based on your interests.
More information
Follow us on Facebook: @HeiWhakapikiMauri.
Hei Whakapiki Mauri is a series of hui in Waitaha that will empower Māori with disabilities and their whānau through knowledge and networks.
Through Hei Whakapiki Mauri, you and your whānau can explore what is important to you through whakapapa, tikanga and reo. You will learn and grow together through whanaungatanga, adding to your basket of knowledge. Collectively you’ll put plans in place to make changes and achieve your goals.
Learn more about Hei Whakapiki Mauri.
Share what's important to you.
Whakawhanaungatanga with like-minded whānau.
Start to plan your future with the Hei Whakapiki Resource Kete.
We’ll base future hui on what you want to learn on your journey.
It's FREE to attend. Great kai is provided. All whānau and support people welcome.
Sunday 25 September, 1- 4pm
Hao meeting room
Te Hāpua Halswell Centre
341 Halswell Road
Saturday 8 October, 1- 4pm
Large meeting room
Aranui Wainoni Community Centre
31 Hampshire Street
RSVP by 21 September to Kaiwhakahaere Ruth Jones
Email: jonesr@xtra.co.nz
Phone or text: 027 440 8573
Visit: www.heiwhakapikimauri.co.nz
Facebook: @HeiWhakapikiMauri