An initiative aimed at helping youngsters develop confidence, learn their place in the world, and build their physical and emotional wellbeing has been launched at Fernworth Te Kura O Whare Pā. 

For the past few weeks (lockdown excluded) children at the school have been learning mau rakau, a traditional martial art based around the values, protocols, and practices of the Māori toa (warrior).  

The initiative was made possible through funding from the Active Southland-administered Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund. The fund supports projects and initiatives delivering play, active recreation and sport experiences for young people. 

Fernworth School principal Alison Cook said the purpose behind introducing mau rakau to the school was primarily to get the school community more active, however there were many other positive spin offs. 

“Not only are our students developing their rakau skills, which contributes to their physical literacy as per the Health and Physical Education curriculum, but it helps contribute to a greater sense of belonging and enhanced wellbeing in line with the school’s vision of whakapono – manaakitanga.” 

“Mau rakau is indigenous, holistic, and grows physical and emotional wellbeing...For our learners it is a visual representation of who they are, their place, and their team, in a way that is physical, which suits the learning style of many of our learners.” 

Sessions were initially run by external providers, however resources were being developed so the school could continue the sessions, making the initiative sustainable, Alison said. 

While the sessions had only run for a few weeks, there had already been an improvement in physical skills such as self-control, gross motor skills, collaboration, participation, listening, and a sense of identity, she said. 

“This experience has been hugely beneficial to our school whānau and we are looking forward to where our learners travel on this journey next.” 

If you have an innovative idea to get our young people more active, we’d love to hear it. Give our Tū Manawa team a call on (03) 211 2150 or head to activesouthland.co.nz for more information. 

Article added: Monday 13 September 2021