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<p>Inclusion is no longer a “tick-box” exercise. For New Zealand businesses, investing in cultural capability is about more than compliance — it’s about building trust, unlocking innovation, and creating workplaces where people thrive.</p><p>At Wolfgramm Holdings, we often hear leaders ask: “What’s the return on investing in cultural training?” The answer is clear: when businesses shift from transactional engagement to relational investment, the benefits extend far beyond the boardroom.</p><h2>What’s the Difference Between Transactional and Relational?</h2><p><strong>Transactional</strong>: A one-off workshop, a policy update, or a quick fix to meet diversity and inclusion requirements.</p><p><strong>Relational</strong>: Long-term commitment, ongoing learning, and embedding tikanga (protocols) and kaupapa (purpose) into the way your organisation operates every day.</p><p>Businesses that take the relational path don’t just “learn about culture” — they live it, apply it, and grow stronger teams as a result.</p><h2>Why Cultural Investment Matters for NZ Businesses</h2><ol><li><strong>Stronger Staff Retention</strong><br>Employees who feel a sense of belonging are less likely to leave. Cultural learning experiences - like marae-based training or whānau-style team building - strengthen trust and cohesion.<br><br></li><li><strong>Operational Efficiency</strong><br>When teams understand tikanga and communication protocols, misunderstandings drop and collaboration improves. This is especially important in sectors like construction, health, and tourism.<br><br></li><li><strong>Enhanced Commercial Credibility</strong><br>Customers and stakeholders are watching. Businesses that show authentic commitment to Māori values, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and community impact stand out in crowded markets.<br><br></li><li><strong>Future-Proofed Leadership</strong><br>Cultural intelligence is a leadership skill. Equipping managers and executives with relational tools prepares them to navigate the fast-changing global economy.<br></li></ol><h2>Practical Steps for HR and Business Leaders</h2><p>If you’re considering cultural investment, here’s how to get started:</p><ol><li><strong>Define your kaupapa (purpose)</strong>: Why are you investing in cultural training? What outcomes do you want?<br><br></li><li><strong>Tailor to your sector</strong>: Construction teams need different tools than tourism operators. Choose training that speaks your language.<br><br></li><li><strong>Go beyond the workshop</strong>: Embed what you learn into onboarding, policies, and daily interactions.<br><br></li><li><strong>Measure impact:</strong> Track retention, engagement, and team cohesion alongside commercial goals.</li></ol><p><strong>For an easy planning tool, download our Checklist: </strong></p><p>How to Plan a Cultural Training Day <a href="https://training.wgholdings.co.nz/checklist">https://training.wgholdings.co.nz/checklist</a>&nbsp;</p><h2>From Bread to Boardrooms: Learning by Doing</h2><p>One of our most popular experiences is the Māori Bread Workshop. At first glance, it’s about making bread. But underneath, it’s about patience, collaboration, and understanding tikanga in practice. Businesses leave not only with bread to share but with a story of inclusion that sticks.</p><p>This is what cultural investment looks like: practical, relational, and lasting.</p><h2>Final Word</h2><p>Cultural investment is not a cost — it’s a strategic advantage. By moving from transactional to relational engagement, New Zealand businesses can grow better people, stronger teams, and more resilient organisations.</p><p>👉 <strong>Ready to take the next step?</strong> </p><p><a data-mce-href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/contact" href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/contact">Contact us</a> at <a data-mce-href="mailto:info@wgholdings.co.nz" href="mailto:info@wgholdings.co.nz">info@wgholdings.co.nz</a> or explore our marae-based workshops at <a data-mce-href="workplaceinclusion.org.nz" href="workplaceinclusion.org.nz">workplaceinclusion.org.nz</a></p>

From Transactional to Relational: What Cultural Investment Means for NZ Businesses

<h3>How HR Leaders Can Address Burnout with Indigenous Wellbeing Models</h3><p>Burnout is no longer a fringe issue. It’s one of the most pressing challenges facing workplaces today. For HR leaders, the signs are everywhere: staff turnover creeping up, absenteeism increasing, engagement surveys showing fatigue and disengagement. Traditional wellness initiatives - gym discounts, mindfulness apps, free fruit in the lunchroom - are no longer enough.</p><p>What if the solution lies not in adding another perk, but in re-thinking wellbeing from the ground up?</p><h3>Moving Beyond Individual Fixes</h3><p>Most corporate wellbeing models focus on the individual: take time off, download a meditation app, build personal resilience. While useful, these approaches don’t address the systems that contribute to burnout in the first place - workload expectations, lack of belonging, and disconnection from purpose.</p><p>This is where indigenous wellbeing models offer fresh insight. They recognise that wellbeing is not just about the individual, but about relationships, balance, and collective strength.</p><h3>Indigenous Perspectives on Wellbeing</h3><p>Māori models of wellbeing, such as Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-cornered house) and Te Wheke (the octopus model), provide frameworks that HR leaders can apply directly to organisational culture.</p><ul><li><strong>Whanaungatanga (relationships)</strong> – Building belonging through strong connections. Staff who feel part of a whānau are less likely to burn out.<br><br></li><li><strong>Wairua (spirituality and purpose)</strong> – Recognising that work is more than tasks; people thrive when their values and identity are acknowledged.<br><br></li><li><strong>Tinana (physical wellbeing)</strong> – Supporting health beyond the office, ensuring rest, movement, and balance.<br><br></li><li><strong>Hinengaro (mental and emotional health)</strong> – Normalising conversations about stress, creating safe spaces for support.</li></ul><p>When organisations embed these principles, wellbeing shifts from being a “programme” to being a way of working.</p><h3>Practical Steps for HR Leaders</h3><ol><li><strong>Redesign policies with balance in mind</strong> – Flexible hours, meeting-free days, and realistic workload management signal that staff wellbeing is prioritised.<br><br></li><li><strong>Invest in relational culture </strong>– Team days, marae-based learning, and shared experiences strengthen connection and belonging.<br><br></li><li><strong>Embed cultural models into leadership training</strong> – Leaders who understand holistic wellbeing are better equipped to notice and respond to burnout early.<br><br></li><li><strong>Measure what matters </strong>– Move beyond KPIs of productivity alone; track engagement, belonging, and cultural safety as indicators of organisational health.</li></ol><h3>Why This Matters Now</h3><p>HR leaders who embrace indigenous wellbeing models aren’t just ticking a box. They’re future-proofing their organisations. A workforce that feels seen, valued, and supported is more innovative, more resilient, and more loyal.</p><p>Burnout thrives in disconnection. Wellbeing grows in connection. Indigenous models show us that when people feel like they belong, they don’t just survive - they thrive.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;At Wolfgramm Holdings, we help organisations reframe wellbeing from a tick-box exercise into a cultural investment. Get in touch to explore how indigenous models can transform your workplace culture.</strong></p><p>Contact us at <a data-mce-href="mailto:info@wgholdings.co.nz" href="mailto:info@wgholdings.co.nz">info@wgholdings.co.nz</a></p>

How HR Leaders Can Address Burnout with Indigenous Wellbeing Models

<h2>How SMEs Built Belonging Through Wellness on the Marae (meeting grounds)</h2><h3>Intro:</h3><p>Many New Zealand SMEs want to build confident, culturally aware teams but do not know where to start. Leaders tell us they worry about getting it wrong or using the wrong kupu (words), which creates hesitation rather than progress. This case study shows a simple pathway that replaced uncertainty with confident action in 30 days.</p><h3>The challenge</h3><p>The team had good intent but low confidence. Meetings opened awkwardly, welcoming visitors felt inconsistent, and staff were unsure how tikanga (customs and correct ways of doing things) should guide decisions at work.</p><h3>Why a marae (meeting grounds) based approach works</h3><p>Learning on a marae (meeting grounds) brings people into a living space of tikanga (customs) and kawa (protocols). It creates psychological safety, turns protocols into everyday practice, and connects teams with the why behind each action. People experience manaakitanga (care and hospitality) and whanaungatanga (relationships and connection) in real time rather than only talking about them.</p><ul><li>Practical and relevant for NZ workplaces</li><li>Grounded in tikanga (customs) and kawa (protocols)</li><li>Designed for confidence, not perfection</li></ul><h3>What we did</h3><p>We ran a three part learning pathway. Each session layered knowledge with practice so people left with actions they could use the next working day.</p><p><strong>Session 1: Understanding Māori Cultural Engagement Practices</strong></p><p>An introduction to tikanga (customs), kawa (protocols), hui (meetings/gatherings), and pepeha (cultural introductions)<br>Tailored for non-Māori organisations. Participants learned everyday protocols for welcomes, introductions, and meetings that build respect and clarity.</p><p><strong>Session 2: Pōwhiri (formal welcome ceremony) and Whakatau (informal welcome) Readiness</strong></p><p>A deep dive into formal and informal welcomes. Teams practiced roles, language, and flow so they can participate with confidence at a marae (meeting grounds) or host visitors at work with care.</p><p><strong>Session 3: Mana Motuhake (self-determination) for practical decision making</strong></p><p>Exploring the concept of mana motuhake (self-determination) and how it informs good decision making in SMEs. We mapped practical scenarios, from team stand ups to client meetings, so people could align process with purpose.</p><p>Alongside the sessions, participants experienced an official pōwhiri (formal welcome ceremony) and a short history kōrero (talk) about the marae (meeting grounds) and its environs.</p><h3>Results in 30 days</h3><ul><li>More confident introductions and mihi (greetings/acknowledgements) in meetings</li><li>Clearer roles during welcomes and events</li><li>Stronger sense of belonging and shared purpose</li><li>Managers observed more engaged participation and fewer avoidant behaviours<ul><li>“Belonging grows when people know how to show up.”<br></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Lessons for HR and People leaders</h3><ol><li>Start with shared foundations. Give everyone the same baseline of tikanga (customs) and kawa (protocols).</li><li>Practice, not just learn. Rehearse greetings, welcomes, and hui (meeting) flow until it is second nature.</li><li>Tie it to decisions. Link each protocol to daily business choices so the learning travels back to the office.</li><li>Make it safe to learn. Normalise questions and practice time. Confidence follows practice.</li><li>Keep the momentum. Follow up with short refreshers and visible rituals that reinforce the shift.<br></li></ol><h3>Who should attend</h3><ul><li>HR and People leaders who set culture and onboarding</li><li>Team leads and client facing staff</li><li>Executives who sponsor inclusion and want a practical pathway</li></ul><h3>Next steps</h3><p>If you want a similar outcome for your team, we recommend a one day marae (meeting grounds) based workshop that includes the three sessions above, a pōwhiri (formal welcome ceremony), and a guided history kōrero (talk). We tailor scenarios to your sector and current challenges.</p><p><strong>Ready to build confident cultural practice in your organisation?</strong></p><p>Book a marae based workshop:<a href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/contact" data-mce-href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/contact">Contact Us</a><br>Or email <a data-mce-href="mailto:%20info@wgholdings.co.nz" href="mailto:%20info@wgholdings.co.nz">info@wgholdings.co.nz</a></p>

How SMEs Built Belonging Through Wellness on the Marae

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Workplace inclusion has become a business imperative in Aotearoa New Zealand. Organisations are under increasing pressure to create environments where people from all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and able to contribute fully. While many businesses turn to generic diversity and inclusion programmes, a uniquely powerful approach is emerging: marae-based training. Rooted in Māori cultural practice, it offers more than a workshop — it provides an experience that transforms relationships, perspectives, and workplace culture.</p><h3>&nbsp;1. Why the Marae Matters</h3><p>The marae is more than a venue. It is the spiritual, cultural, and physical heart of Māori communities. Hosting training in this environment allows participants to experience tikanga (protocols), kawa (customs), and whanaungatanga (relationships) in a living, authentic setting. Unlike traditional conference rooms, the marae immerses people in the values that underpin genuine connection and inclusion.</p><h3>&nbsp;2. Moving Beyond “Tick-Box” Training</h3><p>Many traditional diversity initiatives can feel like compliance exercises. Marae-based training moves beyond policy to practice. Participants are welcomed through pōwhiri or whakatau, engage in dialogue within the wharenui (meeting house), and share kai (food) together. These experiences break down barriers, foster mutual respect, and leave a lasting imprint that no PowerPoint slide could replicate.</p><h3>&nbsp;3. The Business Benefits of Cultural Immersion</h3><p>Inclusive workplaces are more innovative, resilient, and productive. Research shows that cultural confidence improves staff retention, strengthens leadership, and builds trust with customers and communities. Marae-based training directly supports these outcomes by:</p><ul><li>Building cultural capability across teams</li><li>Strengthening understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities</li><li>Improving communication and collaboration in diverse settings</li><li>Enhancing wellbeing and a sense of belonging<br>&nbsp;<h3>4. Why This Matters for the Future of Work</h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-weight: inherit;">The future of New Zealand workplaces is deeply tied to our bicultural foundations and our growing multicultural reality. Businesses that engage with Māori values and practices position themselves as forward-thinking and socially responsible. Marae-based training is not just about today’s compliance — it’s about tomorrow’s competitive advantage.</span></li></ul><h3>&nbsp;Conclusion</h3><p>Marae-based training represents a shift from theory to lived experience. By embedding cultural capability within authentic Māori spaces, organisations can move from inclusion as a policy to inclusion as a practice.</p><p><strong>Ready to transform your workplace culture?</strong></p><p>👉 Explore our Māori Cultural Capability &amp; Te Tiriti Training <a href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/services" data-mce-href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/services">Services</a> or contact us at<a data-mce-href="mailto:%20info@wgholdings.co.nz" href="mailto:%20info@wgholdings.co.nz" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> info@wgholdings.co.nz</a> to book a strategy session.</p>

Why Marae-Based Training is the Future of Workplace Inclusion in New Zealand

<figure id="figure-nomc1zrx5amf0ahwcu"><iframe id="nomc1zrx5amf0ahwcu" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0pJWPd-UnPQ" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/0pJWPd-UnPQ" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0pJWPd-UnPQ" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h3>Introduction</h3><p>In an increasingly complex world, businesses and communities are seeking pathways to growth that are not only efficient but also deeply rooted in integrity and cultural understanding. Enter Wolfgramm Holdings, an organisation at the forefront of this movement in Aotearoa. We stand as a beacon where Indigenous wisdom powerfully meets future innovation, supporting businesses, institutions, and communities to flourish with integrity.</p><h3>The Core Philosophy</h3><p>Weaving Wisdom with the Future Wolfgramm Holdings distinguishes itself by seamlessly weaving Mātauranga Māori, Te Tiriti education, AI and automation, Indigenous tourism, leadership development, and tikanga-based engagement into everyday practice. </p><p>Our approach isn't about generic templates; it's about delivering customised, culturally grounded transformation across multiple sectors. </p><p>Every service is underpinned by Māori knowledge, relational integrity, and future-focused practice.</p><h3>Our Diverse Services for Holistic Transformation</h3><p>Wolfgramm Holdings offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to address a wide array of organisational needs:</p><ol><li><strong>Indigenous Tourism</strong>: Experience the richness of Indigenous culture through full-day immersive journeys at traditional tribal meeting grounds in Auckland. These experiences, designed for groups and conference delegates, offer authentic connection through ceremony, storytelling, and hands-on cultural engagement.</li><li><strong>Cultural Capability &amp; Te Tiriti Training</strong>: From Te Tiriti education and cultural readiness assessments to tailored workshops, Wolfgramm Holdings helps embed equity, understanding, and responsiveness into your team.</li><li><strong>Digital Uptake Strategies</strong>: We empower businesses to boost operational efficiency by adopting AI and automating repetitive, 'soul-crushing' tasks. Through practical workshops and tailored implementation support, we build digital confidence within teams.</li><li><strong>Leadership &amp; Wellbeing</strong>: Our twelve-week programmes and wellbeing strategies are meticulously designed to cultivate culturally grounded, resilient leaders who are deeply aligned with Indigenous values.</li><li><strong>Relational Engagement for Researchers &amp; Providers</strong>: For PhD researchers and providers, Wolfgramm Holdings assists in embedding tikanga into research and practice through onboarding, workshops, and co-designed Memorandum of Understanding.<br></li></ol><h3>Grounded in Trust, Driven by Impact</h3><p>Wolfgramm Holdings has earned the trust of industry leaders, councils, researchers, SMEs, and cultural organisations across Aotearoa. Their fundamental principle, or kaupapa, is built on trust, responsiveness, and results.</p><p>The strength behind Wolfgramm Holdings lies in its dedicated whānau of educators, strategists, technologists, cultural advisors, and relational leaders. This diverse team is united by an unwavering commitment to transformative change rooted in kaupapa Māori. We go beyond merely delivering workshops; our mission is to shift worldviews, build trust, and guide long-term growth across business, research, and public life.<br></p><h3>A Partnership Approach to Co-Design the Future</h3><p>What sets Wolfgramm Holdings apart is their collaborative spirit. We understand that every organisation's journey is unique. We begin by listening intently, mapping your specific goals, and then crafting a bespoke plan that is deeply grounded in kaupapa Māori, rather than relying on generic templates. Whether your goal is to integrate AI, deepen Treaty responsiveness, strengthen leadership and wellbeing, or forge cultural partnerships, our team is ready to walk alongside you.<br></p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Wolfgramm Holdings represents a powerful paradigm shift, demonstrating how the rich legacy of Indigenous wisdom can perfectly complement the innovations of the future. We are not just facilitating change; we are shaping a future where integrity, cultural understanding, and technological advancement coexist harmoniously for the benefit of all.</p><p>Ready to embark on a journey of culturally grounded transformation? Explore how Wolfgramm Holdings can support your organisation to grow with integrity. Contact us today to co-design your next steps !!<br><a href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/" data-mce-href="https://www.wgholdings.co.nz/" title="Contact Us">Contact Us</a>&nbsp;<br></p>

Wolfgramm Holdings: Where Indigenous Wisdom Powerfully Meets Future Innovation for Transformative Growth

<h2>Marae Day: Uniting Communities</h2><figure id="figure-6gqnarejykm7ky1h7q"><img id="6gqnarejykm7ky1h7q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/22Wa6i7tSC3x1FKlL4WOO31570ANlhAb3z3es7SpOCYeEI5qhoSTFnBcgZCgRD5s.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/22Wa6i7tSC3x1FKlL4WOO31570ANlhAb3z3es7SpOCYeEI5qhoSTFnBcgZCgRD5s.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Marae are more than just physical gathering spaces; they are the beating heart of Māori communities, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, resilience, and connection. These sacred meeting grounds serve as centers of cultural excellence, knowledge transmission, and community support, playing a crucial role in uniting people from all walks of life.</p><p>In contemporary New Zealand, marae continue to evolve, extending their influence beyond traditional ceremonies and tangihanga (funerals) to encompass education, emergency response, economic development, and disaster preparedness. They foster a deep sense of whakawhanaungatanga—relationship-building—by welcoming schools, hosting cultural programs, and supporting whānau through challenging times.</p><p>This article explores the multifaceted roles marae play, highlighting their contributions to education, crisis response, and economic empowerment. As these institutions adapt to modern needs while preserving their cultural essence, they remain essential pillars of strength, unity, and identity for both Māori and non-Māori communities.</p><h2>Marae: Whakawhanauangatanga Through School Visits&nbsp;</h2><figure id="figure-hed1zp3zeem7ky1qbz"><img id="hed1zp3zeem7ky1qbz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1azHeM46yeAlfaT7Xd36Hwu6TCrjOIFBjwjLsoeSr1IYHQOFbbpDwY9LniGMKIof.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1azHeM46yeAlfaT7Xd36Hwu6TCrjOIFBjwjLsoeSr1IYHQOFbbpDwY9LniGMKIof.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Whakawhanaungatanga, the Māori concept of building relationships and bringing people together, is exemplified through school visits to marae. These visits provide authentic learning experiences for students, connecting them with their culture, identity, and language.</p><p>At Te Pā Wānanga, a bilingual class located on Omaka Marae in Blenheim, students spend time in the wharenui learning about te ao Māori, including waiata and karakia, which deepens their understanding of their heritage and connection to the marae.</p><p>These marae-based learning programs foster strong relationships between schools, whānau, and the local community. Students grow more confident in their cultural identity, with their "chins up, their eyes wide open," as they remain immersed in te ao Māori throughout the school day.</p><p>The inclusive learning environment encourages whānau participation, allowing families to observe, engage, and learn alongside their children, strengthening the bonds between generations and the wider community.</p><h2>Marae as Emergency Shelters</h2><figure id="figure-5d8cvassim7ky22vs"><img id="5d8cvassim7ky22vs" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29ouWt57S32tAmvPuazXTT3oHdfKXZu6GLGyUeaHZIByjphEivDYSMSngkGfZd0P.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29ouWt57S32tAmvPuazXTT3oHdfKXZu6GLGyUeaHZIByjphEivDYSMSngkGfZd0P.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Marae play a crucial role as emergency shelters during natural disasters and crises in New Zealand. These cultural hubs often serve as trusted community centers, providing essential services such as shelter, food, and care to whānau and the wider public.</p><p>During emergencies, marae mobilize rapidly, demonstrating effective emergency management and relief efforts despite limited resources.</p><p>Marae have become local emergency response centers, capable of feeding up to a thousand people daily during disasters.<br>They offer a face-to-face approach to recovery, providing a focal point for both the local Māori community and civil defense teams.<br>Many marae are working to increase their resilience by installing solar panels, water tanks, and communication systems like Starlink.<br></p><p>The Cultural Initiatives Fund and Marae Infrastructure Programme provide support for marae development projects, enhancing their ability to serve as emergency shelters.</p><h2>Marae-Led Disaster Preparedness</h2><p>Marae play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response across Aotearoa New Zealand, serving as vital hubs for community resilience.&nbsp;</p><p>Many regions are implementing marae preparedness plans to enhance their capacity to support communities during emergencies.</p><p>These plans typically involve identifying potential hazards, cataloging available resources, and establishing links with emergency agencies.</p><ul><li>Marae often become default emergency shelters, providing food, accommodation, and cultural support to affected communities.</li><li>Initiatives like the Ipu Ohotata (emergency containers) program in Te Tauihu equip marae with essential supplies for disaster response.</li><li>Some marae are investing in self-sufficiency measures such as solar panels, water tanks, and satellite communication systems to improve their resilience.</li><li>Despite their critical role, many marae face challenges in receiving adequate support and recognition from government agencies for their emergency response efforts.</li></ul><h2>Marae: Community Resilience in Crises Situations</h2><p>Marae play a pivotal role in enhancing community resilience during crises, serving as vital hubs for support and recovery. Recent research has revealed that one in three marae are at risk of flooding, one in three are in landslide-prone areas, and one in five are in tsunami evacuation zones.</p><p>Despite these challenges, marae have consistently demonstrated their ability to mobilize rapidly and provide effective emergency management during natural disasters. To strengthen marae resilience, initiatives such as the Marae Emergency Preparedness Plan are being implemented across New Zealand.&nbsp;</p><p>These plans help marae identify potential hazards, catalog available resources, and establish links with emergency agencies.Some marae are also investing in self-sufficiency measures, including installing water tanks, solar panels, and satellite communication systems.</p><p>However, there is a growing recognition that marae often do not receive adequate support from government agencies in return for their crucial community service during crises, highlighting the need for formalized iwi involvement in Civil Defence Emergency Management structures.</p><h2>Marae Oranga &amp; Cultural Revitalization</h2><figure id="figure-6jamcdyvglm7ky2lfv"><img id="6jamcdyvglm7ky2lfv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6X0yujD18rn6Vd1kCpbA35zfU7apiV796cAcvbsj1ELmcWPapiwiqquOkYu0U6jl.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6X0yujD18rn6Vd1kCpbA35zfU7apiV796cAcvbsj1ELmcWPapiwiqquOkYu0U6jl.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><p>The Oranga Marae programme, a joint initiative between Te Puni Kōkiri and the Department of Internal Affairs, supports the physical and cultural revitalization of marae as centers of Māori identity and mātauranga.</p><p>This initiative provides funding, advice, and support for marae development projects, including building renovations and activities to restore cultural knowledge. The programme aims to strengthen marae's ability to pass on ancestral knowledge of whaikōrero, karanga, and local mātauranga, tikanga, and kawa to descendants.</p><p>Key aspects of the Oranga Marae programme include:</p><ul><li>Support for marae affected by natural disasters or climate change.<br>Addressing health and safety concerns and compliance issues.</li><li>Building relationships and partnering opportunities to support marae development.</li><li>Funding for cultural revitalization activities to help preserve and share Māori heritage.</li><li>Utilization of technology, such as the Te Rererunga application, which allows iwi to record, document, and share their unique cultural heritage through 3D capture and visualization.<br></li></ul><h2>Marae: Learning Tikanga Through Experience</h2><figure id="figure-ow1xkn0vzhm7ky3g1e"><img id="ow1xkn0vzhm7ky3g1e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cJ1GFMz0aRxxRQfGdvLZiRSMKw6c7Ew0COuFl8PK2bZxAC6t8vJCYGrJSXLG6fl.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Experiential learning plays a crucial role in understanding tikanga Māori, offering a deeper and more meaningful connection to Māori customs and protocols. Marae-based learning provides an immersive environment where theory meets practice, allowing learners to experience te ao Māori firsthand.</p><p>This approach enables students to participate in pōwhiri, practice mihimihi and pēpeha, and improve their spoken te reo Māori through waiata and group activities. The experiential learning cycle enhances personal growth by encouraging learners to think critically, reflect on their experiences, and apply their understanding to new situations.</p><p>This process not only deepens conceptual understanding of tikanga but also develops interpersonal skills and cultural competence. Programmes like He Papa Tikanga offer insights into Māori worldviews, traditions, and values, allowing learners to apply these concepts in their homes, workplaces, and communities.</p><h2>Marae: Economic Benefits &amp; Opportunities</h2><p>Marae day visits offer significant economic opportunities for Māori communities, providing a platform for sustainable tourism and local business development.&nbsp;</p><p>These visits create employment opportunities for rangatahi, enabling them to pursue careers in their local areas while preserving and sharing their cultural heritage.</p><p>Kohutapu Lodge and Tribal Tours in Murupara exemplifies this approach, offering authentic "real people tourism" experiences that immerse visitors in modern Māori community life.</p><ul><li>Marae-based tourism initiatives generate income for whānau and contribute to regional economic development.</li><li>Funds earned from hosting international tourists are often reinvested in the community, supporting scholarships, work-training programs, and local infrastructure.</li><li>The Provincial Growth Fund has invested in Māori-led businesses and infrastructure development in communities with high Māori populations, stimulating economic growth and job creation.</li><li>These initiatives not only provide economic benefits but also foster cultural pride and enable cross-cultural exchanges, contributing to the overall wellbeing and self-determination of Māori communities.</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Marae remain indispensable to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether serving as learning hubs for tamariki, safe havens during crises, or catalysts for economic growth, they continue to embody the values of manaakitanga (hospitality), kotahitanga (unity), and resilience.</p><p>Despite facing challenges such as climate threats and limited government recognition, marae persist in their mission to uplift and protect their communities.&nbsp;</p><p>Initiatives like Oranga Marae, emergency preparedness programs, and cultural revitalization efforts are crucial in ensuring these sacred spaces remain strong for future generations.</p><p>As we look ahead, it is essential to acknowledge and support the vital role of marae in fostering a connected, resilient, and culturally rich society. By strengthening these institutions, we honor the past, empower the present, and secure a vibrant future for all who call Aotearoa home.</p>

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