Full Breakdown
Tira Hoe Waka: Empowering Rangatahi Through Leadership Opportunities
1/2/2026, 6:03:26 AM
Overview of the Tira Hoe Waka Journey
The Tira Hoe Waka, an annual journey on the Whanganui River, is set to commence on January 5, 2026, from Ngapuwaiwaha Marae, Taumarunui. This 13-day event aims to empower rangatahi (youth) through leadership opportunities and cultural reconnection. Over 100 participants will visit 13 marae along the river, engaging in wananga (learning sessions) that emphasize the importance of their cultural heritage and identity.
Leadership Development and Cultural Connection
Hayden Potaka, chair of the Tira Hoe Waka executive committee, highlights the journey's focus on fostering leadership among rangatahi. Participants are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their groups, supported by a tuakana-teina model that promotes mentorship between older and younger participants. Potaka notes that the experience not only strengthens the identity of the youth but also aids adults in reassessing their connections to the awa (river) and their cultural roots.
The journey is designed to be transformative, with Potaka stating, “It helps them in the future picking their careers as well. It strengthens their identity to themselves and to the awa.” Participants will learn about their whakapapa (genealogy) and local stories at each marae, deepening their understanding of their heritage.
Community Engagement and Impact
The Tira Hoe Waka is well-received by local hapu (sub-tribes), who appreciate the opportunity to host and engage with participants. Potaka emphasizes the emotional impact of the journey, describing the moment participants connect with the awa as “life-changing.” He refers to this experience as creating “The River Glow,” a term used to describe the positive transformation observed in participants after their engagement with the journey.
The event will conclude at Te Ao Hou Marae on January 18, followed by a Poroporoaki (formal farewell) on January 19, marking the end of this year’s journey.
Conclusion
The Tira Hoe Waka serves as a vital initiative for cultural empowerment and leadership development among rangatahi in the Whanganui region. By fostering connections to their heritage and encouraging leadership, the journey aims to inspire the next generation to embrace their identity and aspirations. As Potaka articulates, the Tira Hoe Waka is not just a journey along the river; it is a pathway to personal and communal growth.
