On the 13 May 2026 over 200 rangatahi from across the Kaipara region came together at Te Aroha Pā Marae for a powerful, iwi-led Te Taiao Wānanga, connecting with learning, culture, and action for the environment.
Hosted by Ngāti Rongo, the wānanga welcomed ākonga and kaiako from six kura – four of them Enviroschools (Tauhoa School, Kaipara College, Parakai School, and Helensville School), alongside Kaukapakapa School and Kaipara Flats School – and ten dedicated delivery partners. Together, they created an inspiring, hands-on learning experience grounded in tikanga Māori and kaitiakitanga, deepening connection to local knowledge and place.
Learning through Culture and Connection
The day began with a pōwhiri, setting the tone for a rich cultural experience. Throughout the wānanga, rangatahi shared kai, learned waiata, and built meaningful relationships with one another and with the whenua.
Workshops offered a wide range of engaging, practical learning opportunities, including:
- Freshwater and marine education
- Gardening
- Cooking kūmara
- Ecological restoration and pest control
- Rāranga (weaving) and traditional games
Delivery partners such as The Forest Bridge Trust, Kaipara Moana Remediation, Uru Whakaaro, Rāranga by Marion Leth, Mountains to Sea, Garden to Table and Silverdale Bunnings (Garden Beds), supported rangatahi to explore and develop new skills while deepening their understanding of local ecosystems.
Empowering future care for te taiao
Part-funded and supported by Auckland Council, the wānanga focused on place-based learning, strengthening relationships with local iwi, community, and environment. Rangatahi were encouraged to take an active role in their learning, building confidence and capability through shared experiences.
Delivery partners supported rangatahi to build skills, confidence, while strengthening connections to place and local iwi. The wānanga empowered rangatahi to take their care for te taiao back to school, with a strong focus on ongoing environmental stewardship. Rangatahi left inspired, with practical skills, deeper cultural understanding and strengthened relationships to support future action.
One kaiako reflected:
“There were many highlights. The workshops were engaging, and the pōwhiri and marae aspects were a great learning opportunity for our tamariki.”
Looking Ahead
The Te Taiao Wānanga was more than a one-day event – it was a catalyst for ongoing action. By weaving together cultural identity, community, and environmental learning, it inspired rangatahi to step confidently into caring for taiao, carrying their knowledge and commitment back into their kura and communities.
Ngā mihi nui to Ngāti Rongo, all participating kura, and delivery partners for creating such a meaningful and impactful experience.
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