Te Ara Ahi Wānanga
Te Ara Ahi Wānanga (9-10 July 2024)
On 9-10 July 2024, 23 kaiako attended the Te Ara Ahi Wānanga at Paratehoata (Tūnohopū) Marae in Ōhinemutu exploring the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Ōhinemutu provides a rich context for learning about Te Ara Ahi, the geothermal landscape, that is distinctly unique to Te Arawa’s environment. During the wānanga, kaiako from Rotorua Primary School, Te Rangihakahaka Centre for Science and Technology and Whangamarino Primary School explored:
- the history of the natural environment of Ōhinemutu, including the puna (natural hot pools), and its traditional and contemporary uses;
- pūrākau and whakapapa related to geothermal activity and ahi (fire);
- te reo Māori and te ao Māori concepts pertaining to ahi and geology;
- the application of kaupapa Māori frameworks to translate scientific concepts and understanding of geology;
- how iwi and hapū can repurpose geothermal activity and minerals to enhance the Māori economy;
- hands-on activities to engage tamariki in geology.
Video: Mo + Co Videography
Guest speakers included experts in mātauranga Māori as well as kaipūtaiao (scientists) from Scion, GNS, Manaaki Whenua, Massey University, and the University of Auckland.
Kaiako had the opportunity to network and build connections with these scientists, including kaipūtaiao Māori grounded in their whakapapa by their hapū and iwi and connected to their tūrangawaewae.
Whakapā mai – Contact us
If you have any pātai (questions) please contact EducationTeam@royalsociety.org.nz.