Te Puna Mahu
Community Practice through Patu, Taiaha, and Pūrākau
Overview
He Kupu Whakataki
Te Puna Mahu is a community-based cultural practice space grounded in patu, taiaha, pūrākau, and local tikanga. It is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and intergenerational, welcoming people of all ages and stages to participate in shared learning and connection.
This kaupapa offers a softer entry point into cultural practice. While it engages with rākau and movement, it places strong emphasis on healing, understanding, and collective wellbeing, rather than physical intensity or formal progression.
Origins of the Kaupapa
Te Takenga Mai o Te Kaupapa
Te Puna Mahu was developed in 2024 through collaboration with the local community and rakatahi led design. It emerged from collective kōrero about the need for a space where people could access and understand mātauraka Māori without the physical, time, or commitment demands of more rigorous training pathways.
While shaped by many voices, the momentum for Te Puna Mahu was strongly carried by Summer Thomas, whose leadership helped translate community aspiration into a lived kaupapa. Working alongside whānau and community members, rakatahi played a central role in shaping the tone, structure, and intent of the wānaka, ensuring the space was welcoming, grounded, and safe.
The first Te Puna Mahou wānaka were held in 2025, establishing a regular rhythm for community participation and collective learning. From the outset, the kaupapa was designed so that everyone could participate, regardless of age, physical ability, or prior experience.
The Purpose
Te Kaupapa o Te Puna Mahu
Te Puna Mahu exists to support people to engage with the knowledge behind the practice. It allows participants to understand the processes, discipline, and intent of rākau and tikanga without needing to enter the formal or physically demanding pathway of Te Ara Tū Taua.
The rākau space is intentionally softened, while the healing space is held with depth and care. Emotional, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing are prioritised through reflection, storytelling, and reconnection to place.
Te Puna Mahou reflects rakatahi led thinking and community knowledge, bringing together lived experience, cultural insight, and collective responsibility.
Specialised Days
Kā Wānaka me ngā Rā Motuhake
Te Puna Mahu wānaka are held every two months, providing regular opportunities for deeper immersion and shared learning.
In addition, specialised days are offered throughout the year, focusing on specific themes such as:
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Healing and rest
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Pūrakau of place
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Tikaka and process
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Taoka pūoro and sound
All dates, locations, and details are shared through the calendar and Te Puna Ora communications.