Education and eco-indigenous tourism company Ki Tai is gearing up for its busiest summer ever.
The young Whanganui collective is developing a male leadership programme targeting intermediate and secondary schools under the guidance of Turama Hawira, and a pilot environmental programme for primary schools centred on inquiry-based learning. The Whanganui River is a feature of both programmes, including cultural and eco-adventure experiences on the river.
Founding members of Ki Tai teamed up 15 years ago during the annual iwi pilgrimage down the river, and continue their involvement today with the celebrated Tira Hoe Waka as guides and leaders.
The company, formed in 2011, expanded its programmes this year to include options for education outside the classroom. As a result, 11 one-day school trips using six-man canoes are already scheduled for the summer, as well as a number of four-day river adventures.
Ki Tai has just been awarded Worksafe NZ's Adventure Mark safety standard, and members have recently undertaken river rescue training and navigation wnanga.