Popular classes enrich cultural understanding

Monty Morrison. Photo / Ben Fraser

Marae stays and courses in tikanga Maori have become highly popular with staff at Rotorua Lakes Council.

The council's Kaitiaki Maori director Monty Morrison updated councillors at a recent meeting, saying the council's bicultural programme, Te Amorangi ki Mua: Te Hapai o ki Muri, aims to build the capability of council to be an excellent partner with Te Arawa.

"In a marae context the name refers to the leaders speaking at the front being only as good as those working behind the scenes, so in the council context it recognises that while the leaders of our organisation uphold our tikanga and kaupapa, the work of those behind the scenes is equally important," Mr Morrison said.

"The name is also aspirational, incorporating the concept that through learning, those working behind the scenes can become someone at the front."

He said the programme was designed around what council staff had asked for.

"Staff wanted a good core understanding of our place, people, and our connection to it. They wanted a basic knowledge of tikanga and te reo so they could stay safe culturally. They indicated they were willing to learn."

As well as several noho marae (marae stays), the council was also running two lecture series, Te Arawa, and Tiriti o Waitangi, for staff.

"We have held the first noho marae and another is coming up early in May," he said.

"Our first Te Arawa stories lecture was about the Fenton Agreement and our first Tiriti o Waitangi lecture is coming up next month when staff will hear from Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell."

District councillor Rob Kent said he attended the first of the lectures, saying it was "extremely informative and very professionally presented".

"We have several te reo Maori blocks running across the year with the first finishing up now and another set to begin at the end of this month," Mr Morrison said.

"We've been really pleased with the staff response to the bicultural programme so far. It's been very well received and staff have been enthusiastic participants."

He said about 30 staff, including the executive team, attended the first noho marae and another 30 staff had registered for the next one at Owhata Marae.