Te Ihu Waka Wānanga
Article
June 2026
Te Ihu Waka is a kaupapa Māori wānanga delivered by Ngāti Porou Oranga in partnership with Ara Poutama Aotearoa.
Built around four pou — manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, rangatiratanga and wairuatanga — the wānanga supports tāne to reconnect with their whakapapa, tikanga and identity as Māori.
The name Te Ihu Waka is drawn from the image of te ihu waka wāwāhi ngaru — the bow of the waka breaking through the waves. This guiding image reflects the journey of moving forward with purpose, strength and connection.
The purpose of the wānanga is to support tāne to strengthen their connection to who they are, where they come from, and the positive change they want to create for themselves, their tamariki and their whānau.
At the heart of this wānanga was whanaungatanga. As tāne worked through their whakapapa and pepeha, connections began to surface. Some came to better understand the hapū they descend from, while others discovered they were connected through their tūpuna.
For many, this recognition was powerful. Knowing where they come from helped strengthen their confidence,sense of identity and motivation for the journey ahead.
The manaakitanga of the local community was also felt throughout the wānanga, creating a safe and supportive space for tāne to reflect, learn and reconnect.
Te Ihu Waka Facilitator Norm shared the significance of the programme and the transformation witnessed throughout the wānanga.
“Te Ihu Waka is about helping our tāne find their way home to who they are. Over our days together I watched men reconnect with their whakapapa, stand taller, and carry themselves with more confidence as Māori. When a man understands where he comes from, he begins to see where he can go. This wānanga was mana-enhancing for everyone who attended. Whakamanatia te Tangata, Mauriora e te Whānau.”
The impact of the wānanga was reflected in the words of the tāne themselves:“Your whakapapa connects you to family members you have never met.”“I’ve got all the potential, I’ve just got to put it all into the right basket.” “Setting the standard so my kids have someone to look up to.”
Through whakapapa, tikanga and whanaungatanga, Te Ihu Waka continues to support tāne to stand taller in who they are and move forward with purpose for themselves and their whānau.
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