Hoea Ra

Kai is central to whānau wellbeing, culture, identity and connection to whenua. Hoea Rā supports learning through gathering, growing, preparing, sharing and understanding food.

This may include māra kai, hunting, fishing, foraging, meal planning, cooking, nutrition, food security and the tikanga, knowledge and responsibilities that sit around kai.

Our approach brings together lived experience, customary knowledge and practical skills so whānau can strengthen confidence, capability and independence.

Hoea Rā Wānanga provides practical, small-group learning for rangatahi through connection, conversation and experience.

Led by Kai Ako Kaitiaki, the wānanga create space for rangatahi to kōrero openly about what is happening in their lives while taking part in activities that build confidence, responsibility, capability and connection.

Learning may include hunting, fishing, diving, foraging, kai gathering, māra kai, conservation, bushcraft, first aid, land navigation, food preparation, safety, tikanga and the rules and responsibilities that apply when working with whenua, ngahere and wai.

Groups are intentionally kept small so each rangatahi can be seen, heard and supported.

The purpose is not simply recreation.

It is to build practical knowledge, healthy relationships, self-belief and stronger pathways forward.

For the people, by the people.

Hoea Rā creates small, trusted spaces where rangatahi can talk honestly, learn practical skills and build stronger relationships with themselves, their whānau and the world around them.

Through regular kōrero and shared activity, Kai Ako Kaitiaki support rangatahi to work through what is happening in their lives, understand the choices in front of them, and develop confidence, responsibility and self-belief.

Activities may include hunting, fishing, diving, kai gathering, bushcraft, conservation, navigation, food preparation and time on the whenua, alongside conversations about wellbeing, identity, safety, consequences, goals and the future.

The approach is practical, steady and relational.

Rangatahi are not treated as problems to be fixed.

They are supported as young people with strengths, potential and their own path forward.