Te Aka Whai Ora is supporting Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou to deliver its Taurite Tū programe – an exercise and wellness programme for kaumātua aged 50+.

Designed by kaumātua, physiotherapists, and movement experts in Māori martial arts, including mau rākau, tī rākau, poi, tākaro and whare tapere, Taurite Tū is a falls prevention exercise programme supporting the revitalisation and expansion of mātauranga Māori.

Taurite Tū Lead, Katrina Pōtiki Bryant, says the secret to success of the programme is that Taurite Tū is driven out of rūnanga. Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou supports the delivery of the exercise programme directly out of 22 rūnanga and other organisations connected to whānau, hapū and iwi around the motu. 

“Taurite Tū is guided by whānau, hapū and iwi priorities and values. This approach builds on the aroha, kaitiakitanga and value for kaumātua, leading to positive outcomes for kaumātua knowing they are our taonga. This is considered important for our ageing population and creates a safe space for them to thrive.

“We’ll be using funding from Te Aka Whai Ora to hui with participants in existing Taurite Tū programmes (mau rākau, waiata, karakia, poi, pūrākau, whakapapa, whakaoriori, maramatanga, rongoā) to collect and record stories, knowledge and advice, specific to local areas.

“And we’re also focused on developing resources, including films and videos to incorporate back into the Taurite Tū programme in each area, encouraging engagement and connection recognising the positive impact these have on personal and whānau wellness,” says Katrina.

Te Aka Whai Ora Maiaka Mātauranga DCE Mātauranga Māori, Kingi Kiriona says Taurite Tū is a great example of the goals of Te Pae Tata | Interim New Zealand Health Plan in action.

“Taurite Tū is a new approach towards achieving hauora equity for Māori by enabling inclusive communities that are active and have strong emotional support. It’s an example of what an effective community-based falls prevention programme looks like, and I’m thrilled to see Taurite Tū continue to develop with our support,” says Kingi.