Kōanga AWE: Te Mauri o Wharemauku

On a beautiful kōanga (spring) morning, on a Tangaroa-ā-mua o Mahuru (16 September 2025), 20 kaiako (teachers and educators) and haukainga (local iwi) gathered along the Wharemauku Awa, ready to learn from the awa.   

The group had already experienced the mauri (life-force) of the pristine headwaters of te Wharemauku at an event held in takurua (winter).  

In this hui ora (workshop), participants were invited to explore the impacts of colonisation on the mauri of awa. Through a guided exploration of related pūrakau (traditional oral narratives) and mātauranga-ā-iwi (local knowledge systems), educators were able to provide culturally grounded, place-based learning opportunities for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people).  

Sharlene Maoate-Davis (Ngāti Wehiwehi, Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngai  

Tahu, Taranaki, Te Ātiawa), Sarah Hopkinson (curriculum designer), and Amanda Dobson (Enviroschools) are the team behind the kaupapa. Sharlene has led the kaupapa sharing mātauranga in taiao and rongoā expressed through education.  Coupled with the expertise of Sarah who is an expert in curriculum design and teaching, and Amanda pulling together the logistics, this woven team provide a strong foundation to undertake deep and meaningful learning.  

Of importance is the desire of the team to embed mana whenua-led knowledge systems and leadership in local place-based education. There is a vision to foster intergenerational connection and responsibility to te Taiao, support the wellbeing of te Wharemauku Awa. Hence the team is committed to provide mauri enriched learning, practical tools and curriculum-linked resources for schools.  

The name “AWE” was chosen because of its beautiful double meaning.  

Awe (pronounced ah-we) (te reo rangatira)

• Containing the essence of your personal wairua  
• Strength, power and influence  
• The white feathers of the toroa (albatross)  

Awe (pronounced oar) (te reo Pākehā)  

• Wonderment, inspiration, reverence, honour, love  

Two further events are planned, including a raumati (summer) event based at the meeting of awa and tai (sea), a significant site for local hapū. The following ngahuru (autumn) event, will return to the source of the awa in Kaitawa. While places are limited, feel free to contact the team if this journey ignites something within you.  

Find out more on Awe: te mauri o Wharemauku.