He Papa Tikanga: Growing A Collective Understanding

Earlier this year, over 20 kaimahi from Sport Waitākere (now Tuia Waitākere) enrolled in the Level 3 He Papa Tikanga certificate with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TwoA). For many, it wasn’t just a professional development opportunity, it was deeply personal choice. A reflection of their own values as well as a commitment to the organisation’s goal of integrating mātauranga Māori into practice.

The strong uptake spoke volumes about the team’s enthusiasm and willingness to grow together. Just as each strand of harakeke strengthens a whāriki (traditional woven mat), every thread of knowledge woven by kaimahi enriches their tapestry, adding depth and richness to the collective.

“Sport Waitākere understands the importance of our staff having a basic level of te reo Māori and understanding of tikanga Māori for engaging and working within the communities and spaces we serve. This is part of building our cultural capability and capacity across our whole organisation, and it has been encouraging to see our kaimahi embrace this journey with such sincerity and commitment,” explains Metiria Light, Rautaki Māori for Sport Waitākere.

The year long, part time programme is designed to deepen understanding of Māori traditions, values, concepts, and protocols. It invites tauira (students) to reflect on how these align with or differ from their own cultural perspectives. With self-paced learning supported by engaging resources and the guidance of kaitiaki (mentors), the programme provides a strong foundation for building culturally responsive practice at Sport Waitākere.

Whaea Carol Smith, Lara Heta, and Beverley Herewini have been essential to the learning journey. Their consistent support and guidance have been invaluable throughout the process, helping to create an encouraging environment for learning to take place. Whaea Carol acknowledges that while stepping into this space can feel daunting, the energy she has observed from Sport Waitākere tauira is one of openness.

“When tauira see Te Tiriti as being part of their Aotearoa-ness, concerns about personal loss fade, making way for openness to new practices.” Going through this learning journey together is also something she embraces wholeheartedly adding, “As a whānau at Sport Waitākere, engaging in the kaupapa supports shared learning, collaboration, and accountability for both individuals and groups in a safe environment.”

For kaimahi like Helen Ng, Whau Cluster Coordinator, the experience has been deeply rewarding. “I’ve really enjoyed it. For me it’s been more in-depth learning, especially with the second pukapuka. Learning about the wharenui and how and why things are situated where they are, like the pou in the centre that holds everything up. Revisiting this knowledge as an adult is really meaningful.”

Together, these voices reflect a journey that is both individual and shared. One that is strengthening cultural capability across a collective, while honouring each person’s unique steps into new and unfamiliar spaces.