Aiyana Anderson

Aiyana seeks to co-ordinate a six-month journey of holistic well-being targeted specifically for wahine and framed upon the foundations of Te Ao Māori.

Aiyana's moemoeā…

Commencing in October alongside the guidance and mentorship of my whānau I will be co-ordinating a 6 month journey of holistic well-being targeted specifically for wahine and framed upon the foundations of Te Ao Māori.

The entire kaupapa will be held on our kāinga in Takahiwai. Produce from our farm and maara will be used during the wananga for catering purposes and to demonstrate self-sustainability.

I would like to mihi to my grandmother's sister, my aunty Pam, who began this kaupapa one year ago. As she has recently passed away, I desire to continue her mahi and legacy.

I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Film and a Bachelor of Bio-Medical Science at Victoria University. The majority of the wānanga series will be held over my summer break.

What were the major outcomes of this kaupapa? 

Completion of a six wānanga series held over the course of six months on kaupapa including:

• Tika pono aroha – dynamics of whanaungatanga
• Hauora Māori
• Rongaoa Māori
• Weaving
• Business mentorship
• Maara Kai
• How to collect and prepare Ika

Key outcomes of the project were positive participant feed-back – participants reported feeling a sense of empowerment through the acquisition of new skills centered around self sustainability and mana motuhake (self-determination). The calibre of guest facilitators and their significant contribution to the kaupapa were integral in determining successful outcomes which aligned with the objectives of the kaupapa. It was also empowering to run the wānanga on our whenua in Takahiwai. Participants enjoyed the in-site into self sustainable papakāinga living and were inspired to replicate some of the concepts and new skill sets on their own tūpuna whenua.

What were some of the challenges your kaupapa faced during its implementation?

The main challenge encountered during the project's implementation was ensuring we had contingency plans for those activities and wānanga that were reliant on good weather. Through clear communications with participants and back-up venue and activities we were able to carry out each wananga successfully.

How did this kaupapa benefit from the Pou Herenga Tangata Award? 

The project benefited from the funding as I had the means to travel to and from each wānanga and we were able to provide kai for each of the wānanga.

What are your future plans for this kaupapa?

At this stage I will not be continuing this project going forward as my primary focus is completing my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees through Auckland University. Upon completion of my studies I hope to continue this kaupapa.