22/09/2026
As the third term of Taurikura comes to an end, what better way to highlight the importance of this kaupapa than by sharing some of the change we’re seeing, and the story behind the mahi 💙
Taurikura is a kaupapa Māori approach to swimming that builds community capability by bringing together water safety, cultural identity, local waterways and mātauranga Māori to create confidence, and connection to wai 🌊
The Challenge:
Most water safety funding and programmes focus on tamariki that are school aged. This leaves a gap for tamariki and pēpi under five years old. The first 2,000 days of life are a critical time to build confidence, connection and safe habits around wai.
The System:
Water safety is shaped by funding, access, relationships and who is delivering the learning. Many funding streams don't support programmes for pēpi under five. This makes it hard to sustain kaupapa like Taurikura, even though there is a growing interest in the kaupapa. Maintaining tikanga and mātauranga Māori alongside the swimming lessons also requires strong partnerships, and long term investment.
Our role:
We help create the conditions for Taurikura to thrive by
👉 embedding mātauranga Māori into the programme design
👉 supporting space for shared learning and evaluation
👉 building partnerships that strengthen the kaupapa over time
👉 seeking funding and investment
The change we’re seeing:
👉A community grant of $150,000 has helped to strengthen the kaupapa
👉Whānau insights have been captured to better understand impact
👉 Local and national interest is growing, while the kaupapa continues to support pēpi and their whānau
