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Limited Numbers

To keep each session personal and interactive, places are limited to 10–15 participants.

This allows everyone the opportunity to ask questions, participate in kōrero and learn together in a relaxed environment.

 

Koha

Attendance is by koha.

Your koha contributes towards:

• Venue costs
• Learning resources
• Weekly class materials
• Supporting Sonny & Gloria's time

We believe learning should remain accessible while honouring the time, knowledge and commitment required to deliver each wānanga.

First Three Wānanga

Our opening weeks will focus on building strong cultural foundations together.

Week One – Pōwhiri & Whakawhanaungatanga

Our first wānanga begins with a traditional Pōwhiri, led by Matua Sonny Niha, Whaea Gloria Niha, their whānau, and tauira who have been learning alongside them since April.

The Pōwhiri will serve as the foundation for our journey together, providing a lived experience of tikanga Māori that we will continue to revisit and build upon throughout the term.

Following the Pōwhiri, we will spend time in whakawhanaungatanga—getting to know one another, sharing who we are and where we come from, and beginning to build the relationships that are an important part of this learning environment.

We will conclude the morning by sharing light refreshments together, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the tikanga of manaakitanga while continuing our kōrero in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Week Two

Week Two – Karakia

This wānanga explores the purpose and meaning of karakia, helping you build the confidence to respectfully participate in a range of settings.

Together we will discuss when karakia is used, why it is important, and how it can become a natural part of everyday life. We will also explore the idea of personal karakia—a prayer or expression of gratitude that reflects your own values, beliefs and journey, allowing you to develop a practice that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

Week Three – History

Understanding Te Reo Māori also means understanding the history that has shaped Aotearoa.

This session explores key stories, people and events that continue to influence our country today. Through kōrero and discussion, we will gain greater context for the language, culture and experiences of Māori, helping us deepen our understanding of the world around us.

Week Four – Tikanga

Tikanga is the foundation that guides how we live, relate to one another, and care for people, places and taonga.

In this wānanga, we will explore the customs, values and practices that shape everyday Māori life, from concepts such as manaakitanga and whanaungatanga to the protocols that help us move respectfully through different environments.

Our approach is grounded in lived experience. Rather than learning tikanga solely from books, we will share the practices, stories and understanding that Matua Sonny and Whaea Gloria have carried, lived and taught within their own whānau and communities over many years.

The Journey Continues

While these first four weeks provide a strong foundation, the journey does not end there.

Future wānanga will continue to evolve naturally, shaped by the interests, questions and growth of the group. As confidence grows, so too will the learning, ensuring every term remains relevant, engaging and connected to those walking the journey together.

Our Approach

Te Puna Reo o Te Uru is a community-based wānanga rather than a formal NZQA-accredited programme.

It offers something different—an opportunity to learn directly from respected kaumātua and kuia whose knowledge has been shaped through lived experience, whakapapa, community, and decades of speaking, teaching and living Te Reo Māori and tikanga.

Our wānanga encourage open discussion, genuine kōrero and the confidence to ask questions in a supportive environment. There is no expectation to be fluent—only a willingness to learn, participate and grow alongside others.

Continuing Your Journey

There is no obligation to continue into the following term.

If you decide not to return, we simply ask for two weeks' notice so we can offer your place to someone else on our waiting list.

Our hope is to build a learning community that continues to grow together, one Sunday at a time.

Nau mai. Haere mai.

We look forward to welcoming you to Te Puna Reo o Te Uru, where language, culture and community come together through weekly kōrero and shared learning.