In Whakatū, Nelson, there is a special programme underway that’s delivering tangible outcomes for young tāne in the region. Maranga|Rise Up is providing valuable support to enable life-changing decision-making and it’s achieving results.

The programme is managed by Mākoi Takao and Cameron Forbes of Intentional Education (INTENT). Mākoi has been working with rangatahi in the region, delivering kaupapa Māori programmes for more than seven years. He started his work with development of a peer support programme, Te Rōpū Taitama, designed for young men and aligned with family violence prevention programmes. The programme adopted a tuakana–teina approach where an older or more expert tuakana (brother, sister or cousin) helps and guides a younger or less expert teina. This model was, and still is, an integral part of traditional Māori learning models. The programme identifies leaders who create the culture within the group and who are supported to build their own capacity and competency aligned with the kaupapa of te rōpū.

Mākoi says that taking tāne out of their environment and away from distractions acts as a disruptor and enables them to take a fresh look at things. “We visit sites of significance and do activities that enable traditional pursuits like mahinga kai (food collection). We will also determine who is to be our kaikōrero on the marae and we sometimes invite guests who provide a positive role model for the taitama.”

Meanwhile, Cameron had been working with young men on a programme that had previously won an ACE Aotearoa annual award called Fresh Tracks that delivered life skills and adventure activities for those on probation. Armed with this invaluable experience the two have joined together and taken the best elements of both their programmes to develop Maranga.

There are currently 23 tāne aged between 18 and 30 on the Maranga programme and they have just completed a pilot programme with funding from both the Lotteries Commission and Te Pūtahitanga o te Waipounamu.

So, what is Maranga wānanga all about?

Each month for six months a weekend wānanga is held for the group. The wānanga are kaupapa Māori and are held at places of historical significance for Māori around the rohe. Between 8 and 14 ākonga attend each wānanga where they learn about tikanga, karakia, waiata and mahinga kai. The tāne also learn about topics for life: brain development, the effects of trauma, goal setting, values identification and visualising their best selves. There is usually an adventure education component to the weekend, e.g. waka ama, high ropes, or hīkoi. They also participate in exercises such as touch rugby, cold-water swims, soccer, press ups and team building.

Often a guest presenter will speak at the wānanga, with Cameron and Mākoi seeking out people who are role models for those attending.

Most, but not all, attendees are Māori. Currently there are two Pasifika learners and one Pākehā.

Cameron says some of the ākonga have complex needs.

“When we are together it’s about the mauri of the place and the mauri of the tāne. There is a strong sense of brotherhood, a lot of love and a real vibe and depth to what we are doing. Some of these men may have failed in the traditional school system, but they thrive in the environment that we foster on our wānanga.”

The rōpū leave Nelson on Friday morning headed for their destination. Recent wānanga have been held at Marahau, Tuao Wharepapa/Mt Arthur, the approach to Maungatapu and Te Hoiere/Pelorus Sound.

They have developed their own karakia and Cameron says this forms an important part of the rōpū. “The tuakana on the programme run their own sessions where ākonga are encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions in a non-judgemental, accepting and mana-enhancing environment. The men face their personal challenges and insecurities.”

Mākoi says people sharing their fears can be very moving and it creates a significant bond.

“The premise of the wānanga is based on the principles of engagement, exposure and excitement and we always exercise kotahitanga, whanaungatanga and manaakitanga,” he says.

Stated goals for the programme include:

• Gaining knowledge of whakapapa, identity, tikanga Māori, te reo Māori, karakia and waiata
• Engaging within te taiao and learning about the pūrākau significant to the rohe where each wānanga is taking place
• Understanding how to keep safe when engaging with wāhine/tāngata, whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori
• Developing the ability to articulate fears/insecurities and identify how growth can happen through issues and worries
• Exploring individual strengths and learning how those can be built for future aspirations
• Becoming aware of boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others
• Experiencing fun activities like haka, team building, tramping, fishing, exploring caves, ball sports
• Connecting with health, education, employment and housing services as needed.

In between wānanga, the tāne are provided with ongoing support kanohi ki te kanohi and via social media and telephone to encourage them in their endeavours and assist them to manage challenges. At the start of the programme the tāne establish goals, with progress monitored throughout the journey. Cameron says he and Mākoi are proud of some of the results.

“Three of our participants have attained full- or part time work, one has managed to purchase their first home, two have achieved their weight-loss goals, five have reduced their use of substances and one person attained their driver licence. However, the gains we really love are changes in attitude resulting in gains in empowerment and reduction in anxiety.

“We have demonstrated that our programme works, that the wānanga and support we are providing are valuable and that tane do better when they are engaged with a programme like this.”

Cameron and Mākoi’s roles with Maranga are part time, with both having other jobs.

“Next year we are hoping to develop what we offer further and increase the amount of people we can offer it to,” Cameron says. “There is room for a full-time navigator on the programme and it needs more of both our time. Of course, this will take additional funding, but we believe it’s 100% worth it.”