Ngahuia Mita

Ka tūhura a Tākuta Ngahuia Mita (Te Aitanga-ā-Mahaki, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hako) o Rehutai Consulting me Tairāwhiti Waka i te āhua o te noho a ngā waka hei kaitiaki, hei waka hauora me te oranga

My PhD had dual foci: Understanding Tairāwhiti Voyaging Philosophies and their embodiment by contemporary Tairāwhiti voyagers and examining how Tairāwhiti Waka enhances hauora. Findings:

1. Tairāwhiti Voyaging Philosophies; theories and principles that guide Tairāwhiti Waka and offer a blueprint for contemporary kaihautū and kaumoana.

2. Tairāwhiti Waka values act as a poutama, guiding rangatahi to become ‘kaitiaki o āpōpō’ of our waka, our people, and oceans.

3. Tairāwhiti Waka facilitates connection to the taiao enhancing hauora through fulfilment and healing.

This research exemplifies how voyaging waka can positively influence identity, rangatahi development, education, rangatiratanga, and hauora; Tairāwhiti waka now has a foundational curriculum for voyaging and leadership, and further development is needed to expand on these findings.

For many tamariki and rangatahi Tairāwhiti Waka represents their initial connection to Tangaroa. Through this kaupapa we aim to strengthen our presence and influence in the ocean sector, inspiring the next generation of kaitiaki, marine scientists, decision-makers, and ocean champions. My commitment to advancing tikanga, mātauranga tuku iho, and Te Ao Māori remain ongoing. I will continue to work as a researcher on kaupapa that contributes to our oceans’ and people’s health through waka hourua.