Day 1: Whaanau friendly tamariki & maatua - lets share, lets koorero, lets hold space together!
Register now! https://forms.office.com/r/SUncKj4CAQ
Our Takiwātanga wānanga is a safe and nurturing space for kaitiaki (guardians)/whānau of tamariki whaitakiwātanga. Guided by kaupapa Māori values, our wānanga is designed to uplift, empower, and support those walking alongside our taonga.
Below are some FAQ’s to assist with learning more about the wānanga, but please feel free to get in touch if your questions are not answered below!
What is the wānanga about?
The Takiwātanga Wānanga is about creating a safe, supportive space for whānau, carers, and parents of tamariki whaitakiwātanga (autistic children) to come together.
It’s a place to learn, connect, and grow — grounded in Te Ao Māori values and a strengths-based view of autism. Through shared kōrero, practical workshops, and whakawhanaungatanga, the wānanga will deepen understanding of takiwātanga, provide tools for everyday life, and celebrate the unique journeys of our tamariki.
What can I gain from participating in the wānanga?
Our hope is that those who attend the wānanga leave feeling empowered. Empowered to continue on your journey, empowered to change the negative stigma that surrounds takiwātanga and disability in general. We wish for whānau to feel assured and acknowledged in expressing their needs and understanding how the community can provide support.
Who is running the wānanga?
The wānanga will be facilitated by Kanorau, a whānau-led kaupapa founded by Jess Hita and Tuhoro Paki. This wānanga is being supported by Te Ahiwaru Trust and funded by Waikato-Tainui - e mihi ana ki a koutou for investing in bringing this kaupapa to life for our whānau in Tāmaki.
Who can attend the wānanga?
This wānanga is open to all whānau, carers, and parents who support tamariki whaitakiwātanga (autistic children).
Whether you are at the start of your journey or have been walking alongside your taonga for many years, you are warmly welcomed. Extended whānau, guardians, and those closely involved in the lives of tamariki are also encouraged to attend.
To ensure the wānanga is tailored to meet the needs of our whānau it is important a lot of thought goes into the pre-planning to ensure we are sharing the right information with you. Please register your interest to attend the Kanorau Takiwātanga whānau wānanga at Makaurau Marae.