New emerging leaders of Te Arawa

Graduates of Te Rangatakapu o Te Arawa Emerging Leadership programme.

THE first group of future Te Arawa leaders has graduated from a tribal-run programme, which aims to prepare them to guide their iwi.

The 16 descendants from the tribal confederation have completed Te Rangatakapu o Te Arawa Emerging Leadership programme, which was instigated by Ngati Rangiwewehi iwi member and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell, after he recognised there was a need to develop future leaders.

The programme also endeavours to cushion the loss of tribal knowledge when kaumatua pass away.

Mr Flavell, who is also the Maori Development Minister, said it was important that Te Arawa did all it could to retain its culture, history and traditions.

Several Te Arawa leaders, including the late Mauriora Kingi, Sir Toby Curtis, Te Ariki Morehu, Malcolm Short, Punoho McCausland and Tania Tapsell, as well as Mr Flavell, held sessions with the students over the five weekend workshops.

The marae-based wananga (workshops) covered cultural, social, economic, political and environmental leadership.

"It's about bridging the gap, so our leaders don't shy away. Some in te ao Maori (Maoridom) can hold their own on any marae, but struggle in te ao Pakeha (pakeha world). We need to change that," Mr Flavell said.

The development project manager at Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa, Aneta Morgan, said it was about equipping their emerging leaders so they could feel comfortable in any setting.

"Rangatakapi o Te Arawa programme has reinforced to me the importance of working together, as Te Arawa, for Te Arawa," graduate Nelson Meha (Ngati Tamateatutahi, Kawiti) said.

Fellow graduate Kopa Manahi (Ngati Whakaue) said: "This wananga is a necessity to the ongoing growth of Te Arawa leadership and I am committed to its sustainability."

Those who graduated from Te Rangatakapu o Te Arawa programme will make up an alumni group, which will focus on supporting and strengthening the current leadership.

They will also play a role in future leadership programmes.