Ngahuia Mita

Ngahuia hopes to translate her doctoral thesis into accessible, practical tools to strengthen our collective connection to Tangaroa and Hinemoana through waka.

Ngahuia’s moemoeā…

I will run wānanga, share kōrero, and develop resources that translate the findings of my doctoral thesis into practical tools accessible to all to strengthen our collective connection to Tangaroa and Hinemoana through waka.

My PhD had dual foci: Understanding Tairāwhiti Voyaging Philosophies and their embodiment by contemporary Tairāwhiti voyagers and examining how Tairāwhiti Waka enhances hauora. Findings:

1. Tairāwhiti Voyaging Philosophies; theories and principles that guide Tairāwhiti Waka and offer a blueprint for contemporary kaihautū and kaumoana.

2. Tairāwhiti Waka values act as a poutama, guiding rangatahi to become ‘kaitiaki o āpōpō’ of our waka, our people, and oceans.

3. Tairāwhiti Waka facilitates connection to the taiao enhancing hauora through fulfilment and healing.

This research exemplifies how voyaging waka can positively influence identity, rangatahi development, education, rangatiratanga, and hauora; Tairāwhiti waka now has a foundational curriculum for voyaging and leadership, and further development is needed to expand on these findings.

We are developing educational workshops focusing on waka whakapapa, values, and kapehu whetū. This scholarship will support resource creation. Resources that will help tamariki and rangatahi understand our waka and its significance beyond the physical experience of sailing. Waka can substantially impact the adoption and advocacy of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and mātauranga in the oceans sector.

For many tamariki and rangatahi Tairāwhiti Waka represents their initial connection to Tangaroa. Through this kaupapa we aim to strengthen our presence and influence in the ocean sector, inspiring the next generation of kaitiaki, marine scientists, decision-makers, and ocean champions. My commitment to advancing tikanga, mātauranga tuku iho, and Te Ao Māori remain ongoing. I will continue to work as a researcher on kaupapa that contributes to our oceans’ and people’s health through waka hourua.