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Ten of our lucky young men have been chosen to take part in a programme called the Waka Kāpiti Wheako - specifically a Holopuni experience. The programme is being run by Tewera Henare, who is an inspiring mentor for our boys.
Tewera has over 20 years of scuba and freediving experience, he has coached Waka Ama at a national level, taken guided waka ama tours for Waka Able Tasman and has 3 years combined sailing experience on a firebug and Holopuni canoe. He has also co-ordinated Marae-based youth and S.T.E.M programmes based on Mahi a nga Tupuna ( ancestral hands-on learning).
The boys will initially be on the College grounds, learning to rig and de-rig the Holopuni canoe. They then spend time in the Haruatai pools finetuning their swimming skills. Finally the penultimate moment comes at Raumati Marine Park, Paraparaumu, where the boys learn to work as one on the craft - wearing life jackets, paddling and working the sail.
The aim of the Holopuni Waka Kapiti experience is to give the boys the skills and experiences they may need in life and also foster a desire to learn. This unique historical cultural sailing experience is grounded in Te Ao Māori (Māoridom).
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