Manaaki Tāpoi Cultural Tourism

For Lucas, participating in the Manaaki Tāpoi programme has been a significant learning experience. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Tama, Lucas has embraced the challenges presented to him on the Manaaki Tāpoi course. He says that getting to know the other students from different schools and the tutors and making these connections have been a very important aspect of the course. The group has become a whanau, living communally, cooking and sharing the journey together. Lucas acknowledges the impact the tutors have had on his personal development and growth.

One of Lucas’s highlights on the Level 2 programme has been the opportunity to try out Waka Ama, paddling and camping in beautiful Bark Bay in the Abel Tasman National Park.

The next steps for Lucas are to complete the Manaaki Tāpoi Level 3 course and then at a later date the Trades Academy Tourism Operations course. Long term Lucas is looking at working in the area of cultural tourism where he can share his knowledge and respect for his ancestors, the land and their stories.

Lucas says he would recommend Trades Academy to all students: “Give it a go as you never know what it’s like until you give it a shot.”

For Tama, the Manaaki Tāpoi course was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He enjoyed it so much in 2016 that he is completing the second year of the programme in 2017. “I learnt more about the Maori culture, including all about my ancestors and the old places used for ceremonies and living. The highlights for me were meeting people from the marae where we stayed (some were my cousins!) and being in the outdoors.”

Tama says the activities were really fun and interesting and the tutors were very friendly and approachable. “I learnt to do lots of things, such as weaving and cooking. It was great cooking kaimoana on an open fire – the food tasted like the sea!”

Tama isn’t sure exactly what he wants to do in the future, but his plans may include training as a builder or becoming a Maori tour guide.