Tane from around the Hawkes Bay region were invited to attend a Tane Ora Wananga held at Pukehou Marae and PukeAute Papakainga.
The Tane were able to share their experiences, listen to others, and to reflect on how they can make changes to their lives. It was a chance to form connections, bond with each other, and to put a focus on Mental Health.
Story of the Event
Preparation for the Tane Ora group was undertaken well in advance. The idea was formulated months before the wananga, and building up to the day, many hands helped to contribute to the success of the event.
Central to the event's triumph was the comprehensive planning undertaken beforehand. The inaugural evening was marked by a traditional Hangi, a communal feast requiring substantial Mahi. A week preceding the event, the pit was excavated, firewood and stones meticulously arranged, and provisions procured online and gathered locally. The community rallied, assembling at the Papakainga to prepare the feast and ready the Hangis. This meticulous coordination ensured a seamless commencement to the wananga.
With the Hangi set in the ground, three esteemed elders, Tane over 70, convened at PukeAute to ignite the fire and commence the cooking process. After the tireless work of the Kaumatua, a secondary fire was lit for everyone to congregate, share stories, and for kotahitanga. As the night drew closer, the fire blazed brighter, and the group around the fire grew larger.
As the Hangi was brought out of the ground, the Tane were simultaneously meeting at Pukehou Marae for the Mihi Whakatau. Once introductions were completed dinner was served to the Tane group and the supporting Tane and Wahine joined in to enjoy the collaborative efforts that went into the Kai. Dessert followed dinner, and then it was time for the Tane to come together to share some of their stories and feelings. It exemplified the concept of whanaungatanga, the forging of meaningful relationships grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
During the open communication session, stories of relationship struggles, financial hardship, drug and alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide were shared. The Tane having a platform where they felt safe to share with other men provided security and built the foundation for strong bonds to be formed. This part of the Wananga was crucial to the foundation of the Tane Ora group.
As the night waned, Hone Harawira delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging positivity amidst adversity. His words resonated, encapsulating the essence of "rangatiratanga," the empowerment of individuals to overcome challenges and thrive.
At the break of dawn, Tane arose for cold showers, symbolizing renewal and purification. Breakfast, prepared by volunteers, fortified them for the day ahead. Zack shared some of the insights and features of the Papakainga, to demonstrate some of the possibilities of coming together with whanau and others to build a community. The Tane made their way up the long driveway to the top of the hill to Zack’s Whare where a meeting space had been set out on the deck. The concept of "kaitiakitanga," the stewardship of resources and responsibilities for future generations, underpinned these conversations, inspiring a collective vision for a sustainable and thriving community.
From there discussions began with reflections from the previous night, and key learnings that were taken from the discussion were put on the screen for all to see. Concepts such as the pitfall of Pride, how men and women are wired differently, how easy it was to forget the positives and more, were imparted from each of the Tane in the group.
The discussion then turned to Alternative Lifestyle for Tane, led by Zack who further explored the concept of Whanau, the Papakainga, the Marae, Iwi and Hapu.The message that there are other option resounded on the hearts of the Tane and gave options for future foundations from there.
After a brief break for morning tea and some Karaoke to revitalise the spirits, the Tane Group were given a presentation from Ngahiwi (the local Iwi Chairman for Ngati Kahungunu).
Lunch followed the presentation and the stomachs and mana of the Tane were full from great kai and great company.
The culminating session of the Wananga featured a compelling presentation by Hone Harawira, who recounted a poignant personal anecdote involving his courtroom experience with Bishop Desmond Tutu acting as a witness on his behalf. Harawira seamlessly transitioned from his narrative to a discussion on the future trajectory of Tane Ora, notably highlighting plans for a national event slated for September.
In a testament to the inclusive nature of the gathering, Tane were invited to contribute their ideas for sustaining the momentum of Tane Ora. Through collaborative dialogue, it was determined that fostering connectivity beyond the Wananga was crucial. Consequently, it was decided that the group would maintain communication through a dedicated Facebook Messenger group, ensuring ongoing support and camaraderie. Additionally, plans were made to reconvene for the local Matariki Event, further solidifying bonds through the preparation and sharing of a traditional Hangi among participants. This collective decision exemplified the ethos of Tane Ora – a commitment to nurturing relationships and fostering community engagement beyond the confines of a single event.
Exploring the Reflections:
Looking forward and Outwards - having a perspective of challenges ahead, but also the support around us
Looking after Mokopuna - A sense of gratitude and purpose comes from looking after family and children
Pride can get in the way - Often men think that getting help is not for them, and they are too prideful to take any action
Generational Thinking - Understanding that some of the obstacles and challenges are passed down through the generations, and Tane have the responsibility to try and improve the lives of Generations after them.
Exploring the Actions:
Building a Network - The Tane will build communications through Facebook Messenger, being able to connect with each and plan ahead.
Aiming to bring younger people in, both for the mentorship opportunities for them from the more seasoned Tane, but to also provide a younger perspective on the struggles Tane face today.
6th July 2024 - Tane will get together for a future event for Matariki and Provide a hangi for participants (150 expected)
National Tane Ora Hui (Hosted by Hone Harawira at Taitoko) (September 2024 or Jan 2024)
Building a Kauta at PukeAute and 3 or 4 other sites around the Motu as a meeting space for the Tane to meet around the Hangi Pit.
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