Matariki is a special time of year for Aotearoa, marking the start of the Māori New Year.  It’s a time to reflect on the past, present and future, while encouraging us to take time to reconnect with our whānau and celebrate life.  

Chris John, Moana Pasifika Systems Innovator, recently had the unique opportunity to undertake her own reflection and to challenge herself, sailing from Kaiteriteri to Rapaki in Lyttleton.  

The vessel, Hine Moana, is a two hulled traditional waka hourua, built by Te Toki Voyaging Trust in Tāmaki Makaurau. The Trust’s mission is that waka hourua (double hulled voyaging canoe), waka ama and other types of traditional Māori and Pasifika waka be the vehicle for cultural, occupational, and social development of whānau, hapu and iwi.  

Chris applied to be part of the first voyage of Hine Moana to Ōtautahi.  

“I wanted to test and challenge myself, whilst developing my leadership skills. This voyage also provided the opportunity to develop my cultural identity, supporting me in my role at Healthy Families Ōtautahi.”  

Over the five days of sailing, Chris was able to learn the wayfinding, navigation tools of ancient voyagers, how to navigate by the stars, water, birds and landmarks, sailing skills, knots, and how to use and interpret navigation compasses and tides.  

“There was a lot of personal growth over the five days, as well as getting over some fears. My biggest fears were sea sickness and the cramped sleeping conditions due to claustrophobia, but I turned a corner on day three.”  

“I was surprised at how little confidence I had when trying all the new things that sailing brings. But I got better and focussed on taking all the new knowledge in and ensuring I kept myself and everyone else safe on the waka.”  

As Chris learnt these new skills and overcame her fears, it enabled her to reflect on how traditional wayfinding skills and tools can transfer into modern day life.  

“The privilege of being part of this kaupapa has allowed me to reflect on how these teachings (of our ancestors) can influence the work I do with Healthy Families Ōtautahi and support our whānau, and particularly our rangatahi’s needs.”  

“Wayfinding is a tool we can use when working with our rangatahi to support them to overcome challenges. Thinking differently about how to approach things and working collaboratively to get where they need to - this is what I will take away.”  

Once Hine Moana arrived in Ōtautahi, Pasifika and Māori whānau had the opportunity to experience sailing and learn the skills of traditional wayfinding and navigation. When learning these traditional skills, they are also able to think about how they can transfer this concept into their lives to navigate challenges and obstacles.  

“If our rangatahi have culture, a sense of belonging, they are less likely to feel isolated or alone and potentially less inclined to engaged in anti-social behaviour.” 

“Being exposed to the traditions of sailing and the skills that come with it, can be a way to positively engage with our rangatahi and support them to think of something bigger than themselves and help them to understand the world” says Chris.  

Following her sailing adventures, Chris will be presenting her learnings to the wider Sport Canterbury staff and the Healthy Families New Zealand Pasifika Community of Practice. 

Her aim, to better enable better understanding of how to engage with Pasifika and Māori rangatahi and tamariki, and how we can draw upon our ancestors’ traditions to navigate modern life.  

And despite her early concerns on she would cope with the voyage, “coming into port and leaving the waka...I actually thought I had left something of myself behind.”  

To find out more about Te Toki Voyaging Trust, visit their website: https://www.tetoki.org/  

Article added: Thursday 20 June 2024