TE WAONUI
A kaupapa Māori programme for taiohi (teenagers) and pakeke (adults) aged 17+
What is Te Waonui?
Te Waonui is an Adventure Therapy programme that we run in partnership with Purapura Whetu Trust, a provider of Māori mental health services in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
- For Māori young adults
- 17+ years old
- Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch
- Runs one day a week during the school term
- Duration: 6-8 weeks
- Small groups
- Beginner-friendly outdoor adventure activities
- Cost: free
A focus on Te Ao Māori
Te Waonui builds on the foundation laid by Tū Kahikatea (another programme run by Purapura Whetu Trust as an introduction to Adventure Therapy).
Te Waonui offers taiohi (teenagers) and pakeke (adults) an immersive experience in Te Ao Turao (the natural world), emphasising whānua ora and Te Ao Māori values.
Te Waonui is structured around the six pou/values (see below) and guides participants on a journey of self-discovery and community bonding.
Participants engage in outdoor activities, forging a deep connection with te whenua (the land) and their Māori heritage.
The Six Pou (VALUES)
- Ukaipo (relationships)
- Hinegnaro (mind)
- Tinana (physical)
- Taiao (environment)
- Rawa (personal resources)
- Wairua (spiritual)
What happens on Te Waonui?
We meet up once a week over 6-8 weeks and go on a different adventure in the Christchurch region.
All the activities are beginner-friendly and all equipment is provided.
Each week, we go on a different adventure. We might try kayaking, bush walks, surfing, coasteering, high ropes, rock climbing or biking.
You don’t need to be a gym bunny to do these activities! As long as you have an average level of fitness (for example, you can walk 1km in 15-20 minutes), then you will be fine. Contact us if you feel worried about this.
Below is a short video from Te Māhuri, an Adventure Therapy programme run by Purapura Whetu Trust which is similar to Te Waonui.
What does Te Waonui mean?
“Te wao”
or
“Te Wao Nui a Tāne”
= the forest.
What is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure Therapy is a type of therapy where we take a small group on fun, beginner-friendly outdoor adventure activities (like kayaking, rock climbing, biking, bush walking, etc.) combined with group activities (like facilitated conversations) which focus on wellbeing and healing.
OTHER KAUPAPA MĀORI PROGRAMMES
Te Waonui is only one of the Adventure-Based Learning programmes that are run by Purapura Whetu Trust for young people and adults. Find out more about their other programmes:
FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES
Every week, we share stories and photos and videos from our recent outdoor adventure/wellbeing programmes, as well as advertise upcoming programmes, job vacancies and internship opportunities. Sign up to our newsletter (at the bottom of this page) or follow us on social media:
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
—SIR ED HILLARY HILLARY