Wānanga for kaimahi strengthens whanaungatanga

Every day Te Piki Oranga kaimahi help our whānau (clients and patients) make positive health and wellbeing choices and changes.

Cultural competency is key to achieving our whakatakanga me te kitenga – to restore whānau health for a positive future.

To support kaimahi in this, Te Piki Oranga offers a range of professsional development opportunities, and a full programme to strenghten the cultural competency of each kaimahi. As part of this we hold annual wānanga, bringing kaimahi together from Whakatū Nelson, Wairau (Marlborough) and Motueka.

Whakatū Marae Wānanga – He Kōrero Whakamuri

Pou Taki Carl Baker

Our most recent wānanga was in March 2026 at Whakatū Marae. Pou Taki (Cultural Advisor) Carl Baker says that the two‑day whanaungatanga wānanga centred on connection, learning and collective responsibility.

“We hold wānanga in a marae setting, so that we have space to step away from day‑to‑day mahi and come together under a shared kaupapa,” Carl says.

“Across the noho, kaimahi engaged in waiata, kōrero ā‑rohe, creative activities and shared kai – strengthening whanaungatanga and deepening understanding of tikanga Māori as lived practice.

“For some, this was their first experience on a marae. For others, it was a chance to reconnect in a meaningful way.”

Carl says the strength of the wānanga came from everyone’s contribution – participation, laughter, reflection and support for one another.

“As one whakataukī reminds us: nōu te rourou, nōku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – with what you bring and what I bring, the people thrive.

“Ngā mihi nui ki Whakatū Marae for their manaakitanga, and to all kaimahi who helped make the wānanga a positive and memorable experience.”

Rachelle Tauroa, Kaiawhi Hangarau (IT Support & Communications), describes the kaupapa of the wānanga as whānaungatanga – building relationships and strengthening our connections with one another.

“It was a great couple of days filled with kōrero, learnings, fun and laughter. It’s moments like these that refill our cups and strengthen the foundation of our mahi. Ngā mihi to Whakatū Marae for hosting us,” Rachelle says.

Photos: Kaimahi participating in a wide range of acitvities, all towards strengthening whanaungatanga and cultural competency.