Te Rā Hononga
Pōwhiri & Hīkoi - Bringing connection to the people of the land
To honour the richness of Te Ao Māori and pay homage to the local iwi, its people and the land that hosts our event, we are proud to open the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference with Te Rā Hononga hosted by Mana Whenua, Te Ahiwaru.
At the gateway to Tāmaki Makaurau sits the living papakāinga (village) of Ihumaatao. With a rich cultural, environmental and political history, it is home to the people of Makaurau Marae and Te Ahiwaru hapuu.
The Indigenous heritage of Aotearoa is all encompassing. Traditional Māori knowledge and systems are the blueprint for living well, a vibrant tapestry woven with deep connections to the whenua (land), tūpuna (ancestors), and whānau (family and community). There is a living expression of resilience, pride, and a celebration of cultural richness that continues to shape the identity of Aotearoa today.
To honor the richness of te ao Māori and pay homage to the local iwi, its people and the land that hosts our event, we are proud to open the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference with Te Rā Hononga hosted by mana whenua, Te Ahiwaru.
Pōwhiri
Be welcomed in ceremony as we open our Conference with a traditional pōwhiri onto Makaurau Marae, Ihumaatao.
Hīkoi
Feel the spirit of the land and hear of its rich history as we embark on a Hīkoi (1 hour walk). Stories told during our guided tour filled with historical and contemporary kōrero of the whenua (land), awa (river), moana (oceans), whānau (family), tūpuna (ancestors) and papakāinga (ancestral land.
Experience stories about the first landings to this area, traditional gardening techniques and technology, the injustices endured and ahi kā stories.
Kai Tahi
And what better way to connect and celebrate than over traditional feast, “Hāngī”. Enjoy a delicious hot meal cooked in the ground, while enjoying the soulful melodies and kapa haka from the local people.
Join us in honoring tradition, celebrating culture, connecting, and fostering Indigenous wellbeing.
PLUS! Skip the lines on Monday morning and collect your name badge and registration pack at the Marae!
About the Marae
Makaurau Marae is located in Ihumaatao, Māngere. It is connected to the Waiohua and Waikato tribal confederations. The marae stands in close proximity to the Manukau Harbour, the historic Otuataua Stonefields and is 5 minutes from Auckland Airport. This area is recognized as the gateway to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, and the people of Te Ahiwaru are excited to welcome you here.
Outline for Day One of the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference:
Sunday 20 October
There will be two groups of delegates taken through this experience separately.
When you register for the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference you’ll be able to select which of the two sessions you can attend. This is included in your registration cost.
Bus will depart from Ramada Hotel.
This is the return point also.
If you are a local attendee, you are welcome to drive yourself to the Marae.
Lunch time session
| 10.00am | Bus Departs from Ramada Hotel |
| 10.20am | Arrival to Makaurau Marae |
| 10.30am | Pōwhiri |
| 11.00am | Guided Hīkoi of lands |
| 12.30pm | Hāngi Lunch & Kapahaka |
| 1.30pm | Bus returns to Ramada Hotel |
Early dinner session
| 3.00pm | Bus Departs from Ramada Hotel |
| 3.20pm | Arrival to Makaurau Marae |
| 3.30pm | Pōwhiri |
| 4.00pm | Guided Hīkoi of lands |
| 5.30pm | Hāngi Lunch & Kapahaka |
| 6.30pm | Bus returns to Ramada Hotel |