Te Pūranga: Preserving Taonga
In June 2024, our research centre proudly supported the Te Pūranga wānanga workshops, hosted at the EIT Marae in collaboration with Vicki-Anne Heikell and her team from the Alexander Turnbull Library, alongside other key cultural and heritage agencies.
These workshops are part of a nationwide initiative aimed at safeguarding at-risk mātauranga (Māori knowledge) and taonga (cultural treasures) held by iwi and hapū.
The three-day wānanga provided in-depth training, resources, and tools to kaimahi (workers) and kaitiaki (guardians) of taonga, focusing on practical skills in collection care and management. The programme began with a pōwhiri, followed by sessions on the arrangement and description of archives, led by experts from the Alexander Turnbull Library. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, where they learned to write collecting policies, appraise material, and develop processes for handling and storing taonga.
The wānanga also included:
- Pecha Kucha presentations that enabled speakers to share experiences and ideas in a dynamic, concise format,
- A notable session by Dr Dennis Ngawhare exploring Wāhi Tupuna (ancestral places) and their significance in Māori heritage,
- A hīkoi (guided walk) to Ōtātara Pā, deepening participants’ connection to the cultural landscape.
The success of the Te Pūranga wānanga at EIT Marae highlights the importance of enabling communities with the knowledge and skills needed to protect their taonga. This collaborative effort significantly contributes to the resilience and sovereignty of iwi and hapū, ensuring their cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
We were honoured to be featured in the National Library blog post, which highlights this wānanga and other collaborative efforts across the country.