The scene in Rangitane Square at the 'Manawanui Whanau Wellness Space' opening.
The scene in Rangitane Square at the 'Manawanui Whanau Wellness Space' opening.
A new community space has been opened in Dannevirke.
Te Kete Hauora o Rangitāne kaimahi gathered in Rangitāne Square last week to officially open the new area, named ‘Manawanui Whānau Wellness Space’.
The name Manawanui was gifted by Matua Henare Kani, and simple translations from Māori include steadfast, tolerant, committed and determined. Matua Henare also relates the name to the Rangitāne resilience in surviving through the generations to keep alive the traditions and culture of our people and an inspiration to those who live here today.
Deputy Mayor Erana Peeti-Webber visits the beautifully furnished interior to give encouragement
The purpose of Manawanui is simple. Providing the community with a space where they feel comfortable enough to gather, korero and connect. It has a focus on wellness versus illness and encourages the community to participate in activities that restore or maintain hauora, whatever that means personally.
A Te Ao Māori perspective is used, recognising that the relationship with the world around us, our culture, our whānau and community is just as important as our physical, or mental health.
Everything needed to be a relaxing space.
Preventative activities such as cervical screening and immunisation will become regular occurrences, however, moving forward it will be guided by the community in their identified needs. It is our role to manaaki and provide the space for this to happen.
Our opening promotion was not only to invite people of Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua community to see our new space, but to promote cervical screening.
Families and tamariki were attracted.
Te Kete Hauora o Rangitāne has a focus on the prevention of cancer and providing holistic support after diagnosis.
The turnout on the day was everything hoped for and more. The purpose of Manawanui come to life. Māmā, kuia, aunties, sisters, protecting their whakapapa and participating in cervical screening. This potentially life-saving activity was completed with whānau right there alongside them. Tamariki happily playing, creating art, and enjoying a kai.
They enjoyed the music of Wharemako Paewai.
Feedback received was also heart-warming, many people mentioned how at ease they felt being here, that the space gives a homely vibe. W
Some even had their nails done - like Te Haana Paewai.
E whai ake nei - Programme:
On Wednesday, October 25: Megan Ellmers our Kaiwhakapuaki Waiora Health Coach will be facilitating Nekehanga Mahara: Learning mindful movement, meditation, and breathing techniques. 20-minute sessions held at 9.30am, 12pm & 2.30pm All age groups welcome!
Thursday, November 2: Cervical Screening. 9.30am – 3.30pm (Bookings please).
Thursday, November 2 at 10.30am simply come for Kapu Hono: Connection through coffee & kōrero.
Monday, November 13: Cervical Screening. 9.30am – 3.30pm (Bookings please). Email admin@rangitane.co.nz or text/call Te Haana on 022 357 8493 who will be happy to help. Or, come down to see us and find out more information before the day!
