A tino rangatiratanga initiative in kura

The long-term focus of an innovative programme launched by a Kaitaia kura earlier this month is to provide students with healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

Tu Ahiahi, an after-school sports hauora programme, was launched during the Te Rangi Aniwaniwa 21st anniversary celebrations on Monday, February 3, by Whiria Meltzer, former head boy now Northland rugby's Far North development officer.

Deb Nathan, the coordinator of the programme involving all students from Year 0 to Year 13, noted Tu Ahiahi will enable the participants to engage in a range of codes, either developing and enhancing new skills, or preparing for specific events.

"Involvement in sports will give kids good team and inter-personal skills," Nathan said.

"Previously many children have been unable to participate in after-school events or club sports as they did not have a ride home so the Board of Trustees extended the kura hours of instruction from 3 to 4.30pm and began sending the buses home 90 minutes later," she said.

As well, having snacks at 2.45pm made this a favourite time of the day for refuelling and ensuring students were given adequate nutrition until they got home. Meanwhile, Nathan said the programme will be continually reviewed to see what the best fit was for the various age groups, and organisers will collaborate with whanau towards this objective.

"While the programme is in its infancy feedback from whanau is crucial," Nathan said, noting the first wananga with whanau was set to take place at the whanau hui today at 5pm.

Currently the programme offers a wide range of activities involving a huge pool of talent and expertise comprising the following staff:Garth Hutchinson (Sports Northland), Wiremu Sarich (Te Oranga), Manuera Riwai and Freda Riwai (Gym Central), Whiria Meltzer (Northland Rugby Development), Sean Herbert and Irirangi Tawhara (waka ama), Paul Meltzer (athletics), and Deb Nathan (agility and cardio).

Apparently, the response by one 7-year-old when asked what sport she enjoyed was, "Disco, because I can throw far!"

As well, teachers will concentrate on the academic programme during the day and after-school coaches will lead the programme. Organisers are also currently seeking whanau support to help supervise and manage students during the programme and are also looking at additional programmes and facilitators wanting to teach students new skills and codes next term including dance, gymnastics, artwork, study and other possibilities.

"The long-term view is for children to make healthy choices in eating, fitness and lifestyle choices. Healthy children become healthy adults who will be less prone to diseases and early deaths," said Nathan, noting one student accurately summed up Tu Ahiahi as a "tino rangatiratanga initiative in our kura".

On behalf of the kura, donations of cutlery and food to help with the afternoon snacks would be welcome and appreciated. For more information, contact Deb Nathan, email deb.nathan@aniwaniwa.school.nz or phone 406-7677.