Whīkoi Whenua stories of the land

This series of free whīkoi (walks) have been developed as an opportunity for the local community to engage in the rich and unique stories of the region. There are two different whīkoi in the series, one walking from Maungarei to Te Kai a Hiku and the other at Te Kai a Hiku sharing the stories of mana whenua histories & artworks.
 
Transport assistance will be available for kaumātua and kuia (elders). Please note that access to the summit requires a moderate level of fitness and is not suitable for those with accessibility or mobility limitations.

To register for the walks, please RSVP here.

Maungarei ki Te Kai a Hiku (mountain to basin)
Sunday 28 June, 10am - 2pm & Sunday 26 July, 10am - 2pm
Meeting point: Entrance to Maungarei
 
Beginning at the base of Maungarei, participants will gather for karakia (prayer) before ascending the summit. Guides will share mana whenua kōrero connected to the region and the living histories of the area. The ope (moving group) will then descend and walk across the whenua towards Te Kai a Hiku finishing with a shared lunch. Along the haerenga (journey), participants will be invited into creative activities as they reflect on the shared stories and natural landscape.

Te Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin)
Saturday 4 July, 2pm-5pm & Sunday 9 August, 2pm-5pm
Meeting point: Panmure skatepark
 
Beginning at the lagoon skatepark, participants will gather for karakia (prayer).  Mokoia Pā and Te Kai a Hiku histories will inform creative activations in response to stories of the region.  A shared snack is followed by a short walk to historical points around the eastern side of the lagoon edge.  Sharing the journey at dusk of the newly built bridge Te Kōpua o Hiku, last reflections will acknowledge Matariki & the importance of the Māori new year.