Men’s group embraces te ao Māori | Tihei mauri ora!

Mauri Tangata, a men’s group based in the Wairarapa, is embracing te ao Māori to connect, korero and support each other towards a brighter future.

Started by Pathways kaimahi, Mauri Tangata is made up of local tāngata whai ora.

The group embraces te ao Māori  kaupapa and uses Te Whare Tapa Whā as a catalyst. Through a range of team building activities tāngata whai ora can connect with mātauranga Māori and tikanga.

The hanga is divided into three:

• kete tuauri (the past)
• kete tuatea (the present)
• kete aronui (the future).

Kete tuauri (the past)

“Here we learn to trust one another. Together we tell our stories — our hurts, our past”, says Te Rito.

In group sessions tāngata whai ora are encouraged to speak and share. The hoe is passed around. Whoever holds it talks about their past experiences, where they want to be now, and in the future.

Kete tuatea (the present)

“We have told our stories. It’s time to move on and learn new and exciting things!”, Te Rito explains.

Tāngata whai ora are now feeling safe around each other thanks to engaging team building activities like marae stays, hangi, net fishing, pounamu workshops and learning about rongoa.

It’s all about focusing on who they are now and leaving the past behind. Holding their heads high and seeking mātauranga that will help them on their hīkoi.

Pounamu workshop

Kete aronui (the future)

Tāngata whai ora have worked on their history and bonded with like-minded individuals. Their thinking is totally different from what it was. They now have a whānau base outside of their home environment and they feel a lot better about themselves.

For some, confidence levels are so good they can look for a part-time or full-time job, study, or even travel. Tihei mauri ora!

Even when tāngata whai ora move on, Mauri Tangata does not end for them — the door is always open.

Mauri is what drives you — it’s the wehi inside you. Without it, we are nothing. With it, we encourage ourselves to be better. It is the lifeforce; tihei mauri ora! — Te Rito Tilyard, Support Worker

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— This story was first featured in Harikoa magazine (issue 2, 2024).