Grant brings new waka for Whakatū Marae

Whakatū Marae has a brand-new six-person W6 waka thanks to a $15k grant from New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

The waka will increase hākinakina (recreation) opportunities and support its expanding waka ama programme for tamariki and rangatahi to engage with their cultural heritage.

“Acquiring a new W6 waka was essential for us to provide regular and accessible waka ama sessions for our local community,” a Whakatū Marae committee spokesperson says. “This grant from NZCT will enable us to continue offering a culturally significant and physically-engaging activity that aligns with our mission to enhance the mana and tapu of whānau.”

Waka ama promotes cultural connection, personal growth, and community building. The grant enables Whakatū Marae to enhance its holistic support services alongside existing Whānau Ora programmes, enabling better engagement with rangatahi...boosting self-confidence and mental health. The programme will also facilitate intergenerational learning, preserving traditional knowledge while supporting community health through regular waka ama participation.

Whakatū Marae’s waka ama programme embodies key Māori values, including manaakitanga, hauora, whanaungatanga, and tū tangata, fostering inclusivity, well-being, belonging, and accountability.

“It’s wonderful to be able to help activate the Whakatū Marae’s community in culturally-relevant ways,” NZCT’s general manager of grants, marketing and communications, Ben Hodges, says.