Board funding youth skills
Learning more about his culture attracted Tonga Rangiaho to the North Hornby Taiaha Wananga four years ago.
Tonga, 15, is one about 20 local boys who are participating in the two-hour weekly taiaha training programme, run by the Te Tohu O Tu Trust. The Riccarton-Wigram Community Board has allocated $6000 from its 2004/05 discretionary fund to the programme. Board members were treated recently to a demonstration which highlighted the group’s high level of skill, commitment and fitness.
The weekly programme teaches its enthusiastic participants how to use the taiaha, or Maori long staff, and also includes instruction on the haka (traditional dance), waiata (song) and karakia (chants and incantations). It complements the Taiaha Wananga school holiday programmes.
Demand for the programme has increased and last year 40 boys from the North Hornby area took part in each Wananga. Most of the boys join the programme after hearing about it from riends, Trust chairman Tane Keepa says.
Organisers also encourage others to take part who the community or their school has identified as likely to benefit from the training.
Mr Keepa says a course objective is to give the young men participating confidence and selfesteem. “In a lot of families today, dads aren’t there. It’s important our young people have male role models in their lives,” he says. “In this programme they’re not only surrounded by role models, but also encouraged to take responsibility themselves so that in turn they’re the ones others look to.”
The programme provides an ongoing opportunity to learn in an environment which is about enhancing character, Mr Keepa says. Organisers love seeing the difference the programme is making to young lives. “For me personally the impact of being part of this course has been huge,” he says.
Tonga Rangiaho typifies the enthusiasm of the course participants. He credits the programme with not only increasing his knowledge of Maori culture and values but also with giving him greater confidence and skills. He is determined to continue with the training, which when combined with his other passion of rugby league, keeps him busy and focused.
Sonny Karena, 13, who led the haka at the Board presentation, says the taiaha training is not only a great learning experience, but also a lot of fun. He is fluent in Maori, having started learning at primary school. “I just love coming to the programme and also look forward to being part of every holiday programme, “ he says. |
