Hikitia - About this programme
Supporting whānau Māori to identify as tangata whenua and to promote tikanga and te reo Māori.
The purpose of the 8 Hikitia workshops is to support whānau Māori to identify as tangata whenua and to promote tikanga and te reo Māori.
The framework used to develop Hikitia came from the Āhuru Mōwai philosophy. (Āhuru Mowai was the Māori dimension of the Parents as first teachers programme. It built on the principles and strands of the early childhood curriulum Te Whāriki.)
All Hikitia workshops are designed to be 1.5 to 2 hours long. They use a holistic approach to learning and teaching and can be delivered in two ways:
- As a whole programme, where each workshop builds on the previous one.
- As optional workshops, alongside other workshops in each particular module.
Introduction
The name of each workshop reflects a child’s perspective. This acknowledges the child is the reason for whānau being supported through the programme and workshops.
Taumauri
The taumauri is a foundation for the kaupapa. In a holistic sense, the taumauri gives the workshop a life essence and supports the facilitator to set the scene with a focus.
Importance of te reo Māori
Te reo Māori, and specifically kupu Māori, have meanings that are much broader than their literal translation. They present another learning opportunity. The kupu hou (new words) are words that embrace the kaupapa of the workshops. They also promote te reo Māori and encourage further learning and understanding of Māori culture.
Relationships
Whakawhanaungatanga is a process of building relationships. It aims to strengthen the networks of all whānau who will be working together through the 8 modules. The workshops and activities are designed to encourage conversations with peers, small group and large group interaction, and sharing.
Karakia and waiata
The tikanga of karakia and waiata is encouraged, not just as openings and closings for the workshop. They also allow some people to connect with their wairua and emotions, and acknowledge the thoughts they are experiencing. For others, they acknowledge the importance of wairua , atua , special people, taonga and the universe.
Research information
Research-based information is shared in all workshops. You can easily access it through the resources listed, in the Whakatipu booklets or other Tākai resources.
Whakataukī
Whakataukī are included to encourage whānau to explore the meanings and talk about what they mean for them and their child. This promotes te reo Māori and considering tīpuna legacies.
Activities
All workshops have a hands-on, practical activity. These are designed to help whānau process the information, discussions, what they’ve heard, and their feelings and emotions. The activities allow whānau to produce something tangible to take away from the workshop, which may help them to remember something they learned, and apply it at home or in their lives.
