Te Paepae
Nau mai, Haere mai and welcome to Te Paepae, the cultural heartbeat of the festival.
With the support of our Event Partner Tui Ora, Te Paepae is a space where the rhythms of indigenous wisdom harmonise with modern wellness practices, creating an immersive sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit.
As much as Te Paepae is about Māori culture it’s also a celebration of multiculturalism and the home of WOMAD’s artist workshops – a true celebration of indigenous people and practices!
WORKSHOPS
Kaputī with a kaimahi hauora (health worker)
Sharing a kaputī (cup of tea) is a special moment where mutual connection can unfold. In this session participants can come and imbibe a rejuvinating cuppa and kōrero (talk) with our kaimahi (workers) about all things hauora - the Māori philosophy of health and well-being which is unique to this whenua (land) and our organisation.
Sat, 3.40pm - 4.20pm
Sun, 3.10pm - 3.50pm
Limited to 20 per session. First-in-first served basis.
Kōrero for a kawhe
Tui Ora’s Mākona coffee cart has changed its currency during the festival from putea (money) to the beautiful Māori language! Order your cup of kawhe (coffee) in te reo Māori – there will be support on hand to help you – and learn about how Mākona is helping taiohi (youth) get the training and experience they need to build their futures.
Sat, 1.40pm - 2.20pm, 3.40pm - 4.20pm
Sun, 1.10pm - 1.50pm, 3.10pm - 3.50pm
Limited to 20 per session. First-in-first served basis.
Move your tinana
Moving our bodies is an essential part of health and well-being – and if you connect with others and have fun at the same time, all the better!
Mau rākau
Mau rākau is a Māori martial art using traditional weapons. Come and learn how to handle a rākau (stick) alongside the correct body movements to unleash your inner warrior. All are welcome to participate.
Sat, 11.30am -12.05pm
Limited to 30 per session. First-in-first served basis.
Mindful movement
Just a little conscious exercise each day contributes to your hauora as a whole. This session introduces you to easy ways you can fit fitness into your life – it is as easy as boiling the jug!
Sun, 11.15am -11.50am
Limited to 20 per session. First-in-first served basis.
Learn to perform poi
Māori have practiced poi for its contribution to hauora (health and well-being) for generations. Modern clinical research has shown how the artform provides spiritual, physical, emotional and cognitive benefits. In this session you will learn about the tikanga of poi and how to get you and your poi dancing.
Sat, 3.40pm -4.20pm
Sun, 3.10pm - 3.50pm
Poi will be provided.
Limited to 40 per session. First-in-first-served basis.
Rongoā rākau
Learn about rongoā rākau - traditional plant-based Māori healing. Tui Ora kaimahi will share this taonga (gift), explaining the tikanga and exploring how it is used. Join a rongoā hikoi (walk) to visit Pukekura Park’s indigenous plants and learn their healing properties, or a session to learn more about wellness infused tonics and receive a tonic taster to boost your festival energy.
Rongoā hikoi
Sat, 1.40pm - 2.20pm
Sun, 1.10pm - 1.50pm
Limited to 20 per session. First-in-first served basis.
Rongoā infusions
Sat, 5.40pm-6.20pm
Sun, 5.10pm- 5.50pm
Limited to 20 per session. First-in-first served basis.
Waiata
There are ways to learn a Māori waiata and there is great joy and benefit in raising our voices together. In this session you will experience learning the kupu (words) and harmonies of a waiata. We will have you singing like the best kapahaka groups (Māori cultural group) in the whenua (land).
Sat, 1.40pm - 2.20pm
Sun, 1.10pm - 1.50pm
Moko Stencils
Receive a temporary moko (Māori tattoo), which is stenciled on your kanohi (face). Learn a little about the artform and wear it proudly around the festival for the day!
Sat, 1.40pm - 2.20pm & 3.40pm-4.20pm
Sun, 1.10pm - 1.50pm & 3.10pm-3.50pm