The 6^th annual Science Wānanga for Heretaunga was successfully delivered for the first time at Kahuranaki Marae Te Hauke in September 2018. 

Read more here.

The purpose of holding science wānanga in Heretaunga is to encourage more Ngāti Kahungunu rangatahi to achieve in science and health sciences, to see science as a tertiary and career pathway and ultimately to grow more Māori scientists that have a direct relationship with Heretaunga mātauranga so we are in a better position to make informed decisions and manage our local resources.

The overarching mātauranga theme for the Kahuranaki wānanga was ‘Honour the offspring of Torohuka and Muhumuhu’ ‘Exploring the order of creation’. This is directly related to water quality attributes throughout freshwater ecosystems that support plants, bugs, insects, and life of all sorts and it was ably demonstrated by Otago University staff in related chemistry and physics projects during the wānanga.

Over fifty rangatahi attended with some of their teachers from five Kura; Hastings Girls High School, Hastings Intermediate, Te Aute College, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ki Heretaunga and Te Whare Tapere.  The feedback was that the noho marae and wānanga was enjoyed by all. 

To quote the Otago University coordinator of the programme “When it’s time (for Otago University staff) to come to Heretaunga everyone sticks their hand up to come.  It’s one of our favourite places go because we go to different marae and we are getting to see across the rohe, meet all the local whānau, hear (their) stories and enjoy the manaaki.  We love it!”.

We acknowledge and thank Kahuranaki whānau for their manaaki and use of their beautiful marae.  Te Manaaki Taiao and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga hope to pursue more opportunities for rangatahi in science and look to potential development of the wānanga and/ or other science initiatives in partnership with key stakeholders.