He Papa Tikanga Maaori

He Papa Tikanga

Certificate in Tikanga Māori

This year I participated in Certificate for Tikanga Maaori delivered by Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Progamme Overview:
He Papa Tikanga gives you insight into a Maaori worldview. You learn about traditions, concepts, values and protocols and undertsand why Maaori do things in a certain way. How to apply some of these concepts in your home, school, workplace and community. It challenges thinking and your own beliefs and values and how they relate to other cultures. We had a Kaititaki (support person) David. David helped us through each component. He was amazing and great singer. 

There were 4 components to work through.
We learnt:

• basic Maaori words
• values and belief systems
• Maaori traditions
• Maaori in a contemporary world
• Maaori philosophies and protocols

What was significant for me was learning about Tainui tikanga and Kawa. There is always something to learn even when you think you know some things. Reading about prominent Maaori from my Iwi was a highlight. I love to read their stories,  adventures and their challenges to hold and maintain what we have today. Kingiitanga is totally Waikato. We are the only Iwi to have adopted the concept of Monarchy - royal family by producing a King. In doing so many of our traditions have been built into Kingiitanga  preserving traditions such as Paimarire (commonly known as hauhau) a religious faith (based on good and peacefulness) and Powhiri. 

Powhiri is now an accepted practice. Not only do we see Powhiri on Marae but it is now common to Powhiri-welcome visitors to schools and many workplaces. Visitors from other countries are often treated to a Powhiri experience.

I think if you have the time and opportunity then have a go - Certificate for Tikanga Maaori. Learning is at your own pace with lots of support from your Kaitiaki. there are no fees and you have 12 months to complete all four components. I totally recommend it!