He Oranga Mokopuna, He Oranga Whānau, Taurikura Ki Te Ao – Toi Tangata Hui-a-Tau 2025
The wellbeing of our mokopuna is well-being for our whānau, allowing us all to thrive in harmony with the environment.
The Toi Tangata Hui-ā-Tau is an annual opportunity to share and celebrate kaupapa Māori approaches to well-being. In recent years, Healthy Families East Cape have been privileged to attend both online and ā tinana, drawing upon the wealth of knowledge embedded within our cultural systems and narratives. Each year, the hui-a-tau honours, recognises and celebrates the esteemed kaikōrero skillfully weaving the themes of each year into their kōrero, inspiring presenters and audiences alike to ignite our aspirations for ourselves for our communities and our collective future.
Photo: Taurikura families
For 2025, Healthy Families East Cape are incredibly privileged to be on the other side of the stage, presenting through a workshop approach our Kaupapa, Taurikura.
“I’m excited to attend this year's Toi Tangata Hui a Tau, I have attended almost every hui since joining Healthy Families. For me, it has served as a wananga to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations doing similar mahi from all over the motu. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and connecting with many inspirational Māori leaders and innovators who have been influential to my mahi.” Healthy Families East Cape Rautaki Māori, Jade Kameta.
Taurikura is a kaupapa that reflects the warmth and guidance of ancestral knowledge, creating connections between whānau, pēpi, and te taiao through culturally grounded water-based activities. In Tairāwhiti, where there is a gap in culturally appropriate learning environments for pēpi and tamariki under five years, Taurikura creates a whānau-led space that enhances confidence and wellbeing. This kaupapa takes inspiration from our ancestral practices, weaving together tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori to offer a holistic approach to learning, grounded in maramataka.
Through the lens of kori - movement, physical activity, and well-being. Taurikura uses wai as a medium to engage tamariki and whānau in dynamic, interactive activities that promote both physical and emotional health. This movement creates a deeper understanding of te taiao, strengthening whānau ties while nurturing the confidence and capability of our growing tamariki in the wai. By integrating Māori values into each session, Taurikura cultivates a holistic approach to physical activity that not only builds skills but also enhances whānau connection and overall wellbeing.
Partnerships with Comet Swimming Club, Tangaroa Ara Rau, and Te Mahi Ako have paved the way for long-term opportunities, including pathways for training and leadership. By weaving together, the cultural values of ahikā with a vision for tomorrow, Taurikura helps ignite the flame of innovation in Māori health, education, and community development.
This workshop invites participants to explore how Taurikura integrates kori with kōrero tuku iho, blending movement and physical activity with cultural values to promote holistic wellbeing. Attendees will gain practical insights into how culturally responsive approaches can empower whānau, improve physical activity engagement, and build stronger, healthier communities.
The theme of this year’s Toi Tangata Hui ā-Tau is “Te Ahi Kaiata” – The flame that consumes the morning. This kaupapa symbolises our deep connection to ahi as a source of warmth, sustenance, and ancestral presence. It leads us towards new possibilities, embodying a futuristic vision of hauora Māori and resilience.
Healthy Families East Cape looks forward to presenting alongside other kaikōrero to conceptualise strategies to pass on the flame of Te Ahi Kaiata, igniting passion, strength, and resilience within our communities.
The Toi Tangata Hui ā-Tau is the leading kaupapa Māori based hauora conference in the physical activity and nutrition space – you won’t want to miss it!
The two-day event is taking place on 25 – 27 March 2025 at Waiwhetū Marae.