Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust

29/06/2026

We loved hosting the Artists of Southland at Te Kōawa Lodge recently. Just look at the stunning artwork they created during their stay!

If you're looking for a unique venue for a gathering, retreat, wānanga or celebration, Te Kōawa Lodge could be the perfect place. Surrounded by spectacular scenery and nestled beneath the Takitimu Mountains, it's an inspiring space to connect, create and unwind.

28/06/2026

Our fifth annual Matariki Weaving Wānanga was another special weekend at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu. Filled with learning, connection, laughter, and weaving, it was a wonderful opportunity to come together in this beautiful place. Thank you to the Ngāi Tahu Fund for supporting this kaupapa, to our incredible tutors, Renee and Rangimaria, for sharing their knowledge, and to Joy Crouchley for the delicious kai

27/06/2026

Kia ora e te whānau,
Te reo classes are coming to Te Anau! Make the most of this amazing opportunity. Thanks to the Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust for organising this!

Kia ora whānau
This Te Reo Māori Enrolment & Information Session – Fiordland is being held next week for the upcoming NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (Level 1 & 2) being run right here in Te Anau by Southern Institute of Technology!!

Enrolment & info evening:
📅 Wednesday 1 July
🕕 6:00pm – 9:00pm
📍 Fiordland College

Please bring a form of ID (Driver Licence or Passport) if you wish to enrol on the night.

The course is 40 weeks in duration, starting week of 20 July 2026.
✨ Perfect for beginners
✨ Zero fees
✨ A chance to connect with others in our community while learning te reo Māori and tikanga

Nau Mai, Haere Mai – everyone is welcome! 💛

27/06/2026

A beautiful day at the valley for our Matariki Raraka Wānaka!

09/06/2026

✨ Matariki Weaving Wānanga 2026 ✨

Nau mai, haere mai. Join us for a special Matariki weekend of learning, connection, creativity and reflection at beautiful Te Kōawa Lodge, nestled beneath the Takitimu Mountains in the Jericho Valley.

Whether you're completely new to raranga or looking to build on existing skills, this wānanga offers a welcoming space to slow down, work with your hands, and learn alongside others. Guided by experienced tutors Tāua Rangimaria Suddaby and Renee McGinnis, you'll explore the traditional Māori practice of raranga (harakeke weaving) while celebrating the spirit of Matariki.

🌿 Beginner and intermediate weavers welcome
🌿 Accommodation included (Friday and Saturday nights)
🌿 Kai and refreshments provided throughout the weekend
🌿 Matariki celebration activities and learning
🌿 Te reo kupu associated with Matariki and raranga
🌿 Opportunity to learn more about the Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu Mahinga Kai Restoration Project

📅 Friday 26 June – Sunday 28 June 2026
📍 Te Kōawa Lodge, Blackmount

This wānanga has been heavily subsidised thanks to support from the Ngāi Tahu Fund, Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust, and the Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust, making it an affordable opportunity to reconnect with mātauranga Māori, celebrate Matariki, and spend time in a truly special place.

We only have a few spaces left, so if you've been thinking about coming, now is the time to secure your place!

🎟 Tickets and further information:
https://events.humanitix.com/matariki-weaving-wananga-2026

Please share with anyone who might be interested. We would love to welcome you to Te Kōawa for this special Matariki weekend. 🌟

Join us at Te Kōawa Lodge to learn the traditional Māori art of raranga - harakeke/flax weaving.

26/05/2026

Some cool opportunities for whānau through Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka

14/05/2026

What a special weekend we had at our Taoka Pūoro Wānaka at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu! ✨✨

A huge thank you to Alistair Fraser for leading the wānaka, and to Whaea Rangimaria Suddaby for her support and guidance throughout the weekend.

Alistair brought a wealth of knowledge, creativity and deep respect for Te Ao Māori, helping us explore the stories, sounds and meaning of ngā taoka pūoro in an inspiring and hands-on way.

It was an incredible few days connecting through music and creative expression, learning together, and making our own taoka pūoro. There was lots of laughter, beautiful sounds, and meaningful kōrero shared along the way. And so many beautiful instruments - it was very impressive!

Kā mihi nui to everyone who joined us and made the weekend so memorable.

We would also like to sincerely thank the Ngāi Tahu Fund for supporting this kaupapa, alongside co-funding from Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust. Your support helped make this special wānaka possible.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu