"The wānanga is being run in collaboration with ngā taonga puoro practitioners, Te Ao Hou Marae and Healthy Families at Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority. It is seeking to bring community and taonga pūoro practitioners working together to make and play instruments, as well as group discussions with iwi counsellors and health professionals."
The tutors include Ruby Mae Hinepunui Solly (Kai Tahu) from Wellington who is an accomplished musician and has undertaken academic research in taonga puoro as music therapy. Another tutor, Jamie Turama Tuahuriri Downes (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Ruru), after struggling with his own mental health, has created customised programmes for Māori that are currently delivered within prisons and youth programmes. Other kaiako (teachers) include Elise Goodge (Ngā Tāngata Tiriti), Sam Palmer and Tom Johnson (Ngāti Kahungunu).
The wānanga will finish with a public concert on Sunday, December 15, at Te Ao Hou Marae.
The wānanga is limited to 30 places with a cost of $100 per person which includes accommodation, meals, materials and tuition. People can register by emailing awapuorowhanganui@gmail.com