"It can be intimidating for some, admitting that they don't have that connection, so at times we get them to look at a marae they may not be connected to but during their research it can help them find their own way back."
For many Maori, finding where they belong can be emotional.
"There's lots of crying, for many of them it's a load that's lifted off them. Lots of men in particular have said they had an urge eating away at them and it was something they had to do. Others said when they reconnected it was like breathing or being fed," Mrs Groot said.
"For women it's about their children, they want to know they're Maori and they want their children to know and be proud of what being Maori is."
Learning about hapu development was not only for those who needed to find their tuurangawaewae (place to stand) but can also be useful for those left keeping the home fires burning.
"We encourage marae trustees to come on board and can help them to develop strategy 3-5 years down the line and identify what they will need. Those that are left at home doing the ahi kaa [home fires] need to be in a better position to be able to plan for the future."
Another course on offer is Kaitiakitanga Puutaiao (environmental management), which looks at sustainable environmental activities from a te ao Maori worldview.
"This is beneficial for those on trusts and how we need to look at the complete picture - the birds, flowers, insects. Everything they need to make things happen for us and how we need them and they need us," Mrs Groot said.
"It's about bringing this home as Rotorua has 18 lakes, all polluted, and we look at our responsibilities and role as kaitiaaki [caretaker] and what it means."
Mrs Groot said they also ran a course in Maori law and philosophy which examined the origins of tikanga and kawa to help understand why things were done and how it could be adapted to today and for the future.
"It allows us to have this discussion without judgment and intimidation and encourages korero which supports our kawa but also how it can expand," Mrs Groot said.
Students look at the Maori legal systems that existed prior to contact with Pakeha, to consider the influence of Pakeha values on our legal systems and to critique the legal processes that we encounter in contemporary times.
"Our courses have had a wide range of ages taking part, from 18 to 60s, and we would love to have kaumatua to come and sit in and listen and share as they have information we can learn too. People can ask questions and we can find answers together."
"We'd also encourage people in trusts to take part and learn, if you're in a leadership role you need to make it count."
Graduates Kevin Pahina and Damin Groot (Ngati Uenukukopako) have both completed the bachelor of hapu development degree.
"I found out about my family, hapu and iwi more in depth than what I had previously known," Mr Pahina (Ngati Porou, Ngai Tuhoe) said.
"For myself, I feel empowered, it's helped me understand where I came from, and I have even been given the opportunity to speak on my marae."
Enrolments at Te Pae Tawhiti o Waiariki are open now, with courses starting on March 12. For more information contact Te Ara Groot on (07) 348 0172, teara.groot@teao.maori.nz or drop in to 1225 Pukuatua St, Rotorua.
