Te Ao Hurihuri

The framework for the programme follows the descent onto a marae otherwise known as our traditional welcoming ceremony "Pōwhiri".

Although there are many aspects to a Pōwhiri, this framework will follow three key stages:

1. Te Ekenga embodies the arrival of an ope (group) to Te Ao Hurihuri and will signify the beginning of the Pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony) process. Te Ekenga will cover the first two days and will involve whakawhanaungatanga (process of building relationships) with student counter parts here in Aotearoa, the University of Waikato, and the communities across Waikato, Tauranga and surrounding areas.
2. Te Whakawhiti Kōrero represents the integration of whaikōrero (oratory), waiata and pāo (songs) as key methods of preserving Indigenous knowledge. It forms the core of the programme, with a strong focus on exploring various aspects of Te Ao Māori (Māori worldviews) and Indigenous knowledge systems. The programme will be delivered through a combination of classroom learning and practical, community-based experiences, offering participants both meaningful engagement and a spiritually enriching journey.
3. Te Harirū is the final stage of the pōwhiri process and embodies the Harirū (shaking of hands) and hongi (pressing of noses) process. Sessions in this phase are about connection and sharing the 'breath of life' as Indigenous people. These sessions will allow participants the opportunity to undertake reflection, sharing space, creating solutions for their communities and looking at future connections between Indigenous people.