Reconnecting & bringing generations together

A day of intergenerational whānau learning quickly became the highlight of term one for tamariki at Ōrautoha School.

Facilitated by Te Ara Tupua, the social pou of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, the children hosted kaumātua of Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki, spending the day sharing some of their mahi at the school.

This included kōrero about their five-year wetland restoration project, the success of their pest trapline led by Brax Scarrow, and demonstrations of the augmented reality app ‘Te ahikā tukuiho ō Wainuiārua’.

Te Ara Tupua trustees Lesley Edmonds, Tina Wallace and Kura Wanikau-Tūroa were joined by fellow trustee and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua board chair Aiden Gilbert, sharing historical kōrero about tūpuna from the Manganui-a-te-Ao.

School tumuaki Vanessa Pehi said the day was a powerful opportunity to reconnect, bringing generations together through shared learning and whakawhanaungatanga.

“I have always wanted to have a day of connecting and learning, so to finally be able to all come together and make it happen has been something very special.

“For some of us, it's actually been a long time since we’ve all caught up.

“Our kaumātua are always welcome back here anytime they like, the door is open for all of you, and if you choose to send your moko here, it’s even better. We would love to have them.”

Supported by Department of Conservation Community Ranger Clodagh Costello and Horizons’ Kaitohutohu Waimāori - Freshwater Advisor Reece Taylor, a clear highlight of the day was the intergenerational planting of 20 rākau from Carina’s Native Nursery.

“We need to do this more often and not just here at Ōrautoha either. We have our babies up at Raetihi, Ōhākune and at the College,” Mrs Pehi said.

“I know it’s a big job to get around to all these places, but I’m sure they’ll love having a day together just like this as much as we have.”

Ko au te maunga, ko te maunga ko au.