Program Details

Kä Rikarika-A-Täne
The Hands of Tane

He Whakamärama (Explanation)

Täne: Father of the forest; Creator of woman; Knowledge seeker

As Täne ascended the many heavens to find the baskets of knowledge he came up against many difficult challenges and tests. Once he finally climbed to the upmost heaven, the sacred realm of Io, he was presented with the precious and powerful baskets of knowledge. It is through the brave and hard work of Tane that we are shown the pathways to knowledge and how best to utilise it.

We know that getting a degree is not an easy journey but knowledge seeking has never been an easy journey. Therefore like the hands of Täne reaching for knowledge we outstretch our hands to you to assist you on your journey. You must outstretch your hands so that you can grasp that knowledge too.

When a student embarks on entering University they leave a familiar and friendly environment to enter a very big and confusing system. This mentoring programme can help you with the transition and with your pursuit of higher learning.Based on the Customary concepts of Tuakana/Teina, Whanaukataka, and Ako this mentoring programme aims to provide support networks in a friendly and encouraging way that will enhance academic and social outcomes.

Tuakana Teina
"Ma te tuakana ka totika te teina, ma te teina ka totika te tuakana"1
From the older sibling the younger one learns the right way to do things, and from the younger sibling the older one learns to be tolerant.

Tuakana/Teina is one Mäori method of teaching and learning which is derived from two principles: Whanaukataka and Ako. The model of tuakana/teina will be used with the mentors (tuakana) sharing their experiences, sharing their knowledge as well as providing information. The tuakana is a support person and adviser for the teina and the teina gives the tuakana a chance to learn new things and meet new people.

Whanaukataka

When a student first arrives at University many whanau are no longer able to provide immediate and continual support on a day to day - kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) basis.
Whakawhanaukataka is a fundamental role of the Maori Centre/

Te Huka Matauraka thus, through the application of whanaukataka and the concept of tuakana/teina we will be able to provide academic, cultural and social support making the first year experience a positive one.

Ako

The word ako means to learn as well as to teach. In the Mäori world it is acceptable practise for the learner to shift roles and become the teacher and for the teacher to become the learner.

Therefore the idea of the learner taking on the responsibility of being the teacher or tuakana to her or his teina is acceptable and encouraged from an early age as it reinforces the principles of
whanaukataka2.

This dual relationship is what Ka Rikarika a Täne aims to encourage and enhance.

Tena koe te Rangatira

1. Reed books, Mäori proverbs (Auckland 1992)
2. Arapera Royal