E Tipu E Rea - 6 Week Native Rākau Identification Programme.

In June we launched a 6 week native rākau identification programme where we had members of our local community bind together sharing their love for taiao and trees!

Rākau are hugely significant to us as people. They're a part of our whakapapa and connect us to our culture and ancestors; those who have come before us.

This programme was unique as it maintained a holistic approach to learning. We discussed much more than simply 'this is a mānuka' some examples of that were:

• Rongoa properties

• The identification process itself

• Similarities between rākau

• Diseases which pose risk to our natives

• Kōrero tuku iho and whakapapa discussions

We were fortunate to have Te Whakapae Ururoa lead a learning about Myrtle Rust which is a disease that attacks rākau such as Pōhutukawa, Rātā and Mānuka/Kānuka.

We were taken to view first hand the effects which are present on our back doorsteps. This was alarming for our roopu to see.

Each member of E Tipu E Rea was equipped with a pack, inside were materials that they could use over the 6 weeks to support their learning and rākau journey. Including Pā Mcgowen's rongoa Māori booklet, an art pad, kawakawa balm which was made by our rangatahi and other bits and pieces.

We would like to acknowledge our members within this roopu for the commitment, enthusiasm and passion they contributed throughout this journey.

Watching our people connect back to their taiao was a really special thing to be part of.

Our Community Engagement Advisor Dianne Tahere is now working on extending this learning and has introduced a new concept - Ka Tō, Ka Tipu.

Which is aimed at teaching local people how to properly grow natives from seed. Keep an eye out for more on this fantastic initiative as we continue our mission.

Kia ora ai te Raukūmara, Ka ora ai te iwi

Kia ora ai te iwi, Ka ora ai te Raukūmara