Tūpuna Parenting wānanga proving a ‘game changer’ for whānau
Georgina (Georgie) Taukamo is a Pūkenga Manaaki within Te Puāwai he Kākano – our suite of maternity and early years services.
Georgina Taukamo
In this article, Georgie shares her insights into Tūpuna Parenting wānanga. The wānanga are immersive kaupapa Māori antenatal programmes, that like Pēpi Pākohe parents’ groups, are warmly welcomed by whānau and are having good results.
About Tūpuna Parenting
Nā Georgina Taukamo
What key learnings have emerged from the Tūpuna Parenting wānanga?
When we ask whānau for feedback about their experiences of wānanga, they tell us:
"Gentle! Kind, soft, loving.”
“Our tūpuna parented so differently. Seeing the mana of the child is a game changer.”
“Meeting our tamariki needs is one way to respect them like our tūpuna did.”
“One of my main takeaways from week 7’s session was through the different pūrākau and how the different parenting styles reflect these. When we did the scenarios there were lots of valuable techniques, and through this I developed a deeper meaning of ngākau tika – without the chaos and how to implement it in everyday parenting. ”
Tūpuna Parenting wānanga demonstrated strong impact, with all participants reporting a positive, culturally safe, and engaging experience. Whānau felt welcomed and supported from the outset, valuing the balance of information, rich whakawhanaungatanga and opportunities for reflection grounded in tūpuna knowledge.
Participants reported feeling safe to share kōrero, engage with challenging intergenerational themes, and connect with others across diverse parenting journeys.
How do you integrate traditional knowledge with modern realities to support today’s parents?
In their feedback, whānau highlighted meaningful learnings around parenting styles, particularly through the use of pūrākau and scenario-based discussions.
Many shared that the sessions deepened their understanding of ngākau tika – gentle and intentional parenting, recognising the mana of pēpi. There was a strong emphasis on connection, meeting tamariki needs, reflecting on intentions and aligning parenting practices with the ways of our tūpuna.
Tell us about what happens at a wānanga
As an example, the Tūpuna Parenting Wānanga held in Whakatū Nelson was eight weeks of weekly two-hour hui, starting in October 2025.
The whānau‑friendly programme was led by Mya Steele‑Fonokalafi and supported by four graduate co‑facilitators – Lovey, Georgie, Casey and Hana, creating a safe and mana‑enhancing space for māmā, hapū māmā and one grandparent.
Nineteen whānau registered, with nine graduating (completing the full programme). The kaupapa and key factors of wānanga include:
confidence in group settings
kaupapa grounded in the whakataukī “Ko tā te tamaiti mahi he wāwāhi tahā,” which strongly influenced whānau understanding of guiding tamariki with empathy rather than punishment.
connections deepening by mid‑programme, with visible shifts in confidence, reflection and practical application at home (though engagement was stronger for in-person whānau compared to online whānau.
despite challenges such as transport and the length of the programme affecting whānau participation, the wānanga had a positive impact, strengthening parenting confidence and reconnecting whānau to tūpuna knowledge.
What inspired you to support this kaupapa?
I personally loved my learning journey into Tūpuna Parenting as a kaiako. It gave me a sense of belonging and reclamation of my identity, relearning traditional ways of our tūpuna. I hope to help others in this way.
Whānau at the Tūpuna Parenting wānanga held over eight weeks in Whakatū Nelson in late 2025.