Te Hononga
Hokianga : Northland
Te Hononga is an initiative based in Northland helping whānau reconnect with their identity.
A history of land loss and colonisation precedes the present times of the people of the Hokianga. However, the acts of the past continue to effect multiple generations, across the area, with many whānau in a stage of intergenerational trauma through their loss. That is, the loss of a place to call their own, the loss of identity and inevitable loss of self-worth has left many whānau forlorn and destitute. Many of whom have suffered the impacts of poor mental health, addiction and poverty.
The Te Hononga initiative was established to develop a new pathway for two generations of local whānau. Whānau who now, no longer have access or a relationship to their whenua tupuna (ancestral lands).
Over the 2020-2021 year, Te Hononga have three weekend noho wānanga in the Hokianga. These wānanga are established as avenues for whānau, to begin to reclaim their connection to the land, their connection to the people, to re-affirming their identity and to strengthening their relationships between whānau members. To achieve this, tohunga, kaumatua and kaimahi Māori (health experts) are actively sought after for their extensive knowledge in certain different areas of mātauranga and healing. They are then brought into the Te Hononga space to share their knowledge. These puna mātauranga (specialists) offer a platform for whānau to add on to their knowledge and actively engage in traditional pūrākau, kōrero and healing.
Through the knowledge that is gained at the wānanga, whānau are able to begin their journey of healing through self-discovery, utilising ancestral knowledge and building confidence.
*This whānau initiative is proudly supported by Te Au (and Te Rau Ora) through the Māori Suicide Prevention Fund (2020-2021).
