Community Education & Programmes
The work we do in the community is at the forefront of our mission. When we set up our programmes, we look closely at the areas in which we can help, aligning with the Sisters of Mercy and Te Waipuna Puawai’s values of meeting the unmet needs of the community through invitation.
Our programmes and initiatives are guided by three core themes:
Papatūānuku: fostering earth awareness and responding to the call to heal the environment
Te Tiriti o Waitangi: commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and working in ways that work for Māori whānau and communities
Tikanga Atawhai: the practice of Mercy values
We provide community education classes and programmes to address the needs of women in the local community. Through self-development and culturally-based programmes, we focus on physical, mental, spiritual and whānau well-being.
As of Term 4, 2024 we only offer our Community Education & Programmes at Umere, and Counselling at Rānui. We plan to expand Community Education & Programmes to Rānui and Glendene in 2025.
For further information, please get in touch with our Programme Coordinator Josie Ruawhare: programmecoord@twp.org.nz
Wheiao Reo Wānanga
Wheiao Reo Wānanga provides a fun and stimulating learning environment that integrates Māori philosophy into a beginner’s Te Reo journey. It also serves as an Introduction to Te Ao Māori concepts, as well as introductions to; pepeha, mihi, whakapapa, and basic conversation sentences. You will also learn basic entry Practice of Māori activities, Mau Rakau, Rongoa, Theology & Identity.
Taught by Tāmati Patuwai (Ngāti Whātua), who is a Glen Innes boy through and through. Tāmati brings a vast knowledge of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori concepts and has created an incredible learning environment where young and old can walk away learning something new.
During Term 4 2024, Wheiao Reo Wānanga runs every Monday from 10am to 12pm.
Rongoā Māori Wānanga
Rongoā Māori is the traditional healing system that has been passed on through generations. Learn about the whakapapa and benefits of rongoā, and some home remedies to help treat ailments. By the end of the term whānau will have made their own rongoā items.
In the past, Whaea Francis has been part of Te Waipuna Puawai as a student learning in our community education classes, now she teaches her own class! She lives in Tāmaki and is working hard to bring back the art of Rongoā Māori.
Rongoā Māori Wānanga is not running Term 4, 2024, but is scheduled to return in 2025.
Pantry Cooking
Pantry Cooking is an opportunity to learn how to make the most out of your pantry items. Students can learn and explore creative ways to cook up some yummy kai for their whānau on a budget!
Originally from the Phillipines, Aunty Maria started the first Filipino restaurant in Aotearoa. Now she brings her years of culinary experience to TWP to share with her students.
During Term 4 2024, Pantry Cooking runs every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.
Emotional Energy Wānanga
'Emotional Energy Transforming workshop' focuses on Anger Management and equips wāhine with breathing techniques, stretches and understanding about anger being held in our tīnana. Across the term you will learn how to better navigate negative and positive emotions, and how you can use them to your advantage.
Originally from Japan, Chieko joins us and brings a unique blend of Western and Eastern philosophy to her mahi. She is a Psychosynthesis Counsellor, and works to help guide whānau through difficult periods of life.
During Term 4 Cheiko is running counselling sessions at our Rānui Office every Thursday from 10am to 12pm. Emotional Energy Wānanga is scheduled to return in 2025.
Aua Hoki
Aua Hoki provides an opportunity to relax, explore, and embark on a journey of self-discovery through a Kaupapa Māori lens. Whānau get to learn and explore: waiata, whakatauki, Rongoā, Poi making, creative art and dance.
It's been an honour to witness Whaea Sophie's journey with Te Waipuna Puawai, from a student to now teaching her own class! Sophie is passionate for creating safe spaces for wāhine to learn, laugh, and share their experiences.
During Term 4 2024, Aua Hoki runs every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm.
