For the past 12 months Dr Jordan Te Aramoana Waiti (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Maahanga, Te Rarawa) - University of Waikato, has been working on an exciting NPM scoping project - Wai-Tai, Wai-Rua: A Mātauranga Māori based Heke Ngaru Programme to Promote Mauri Ora.
The core of this project is focused around how a mātauranga Māori-based heke ngaru (surfing) programme is able to contribute to flourishing whānau.
Wai-Tai, Wai-Rua is exploring how heke ngaru can transfer mātauranga Māori and contribute to flourishing rangatahi and whānau. Rangatahi Māori, tāne and wāhine, of both genders have participated in a mātauranga Māori based heke ngaru programme which focuses on the holistic nature of the moana and Tangaroa in terms of whakapapa, atua, kaitiaki, karakia, and purākau. The research is developing evidence and understanding to enhance rangatahi connectedness to the moana and their cultural identity as Māori, while also helping with goal setting, resilience, coping strategies, planning, mental fitness, self-confidence and problem solving.