Dive Programme supported by ACC

This program focuses on traditional tikanga related to kai gathering for marae events to participants in the Ngati Wai rohe in Northland.

Participants receive basic water safety knowledge while enriching their Matauranga Maori through interactions with the moana.

Since the start of October 2019 66 people have gone through the course taught on the Marae and at Northland Polytechnic.

In water training takes place at Tikipunga School pools and Whangarei Aquatic centre and in open water at Tutukaka Bay and Whangarei Harbour.

Day one is two sessions - one focused on theory working through the Mana Moana booklet which is a resource that helps record each individuals journey and acts as a tohu to monitor growth for their future, the other half of the day is spent learning basic water safety and snorkelling techniques. Day one is all about students gaining competence,  getting to know each other and forming relationships to foster trust.

Day two is a beach day where students put their new-found skills to the test in an ocean setting. Whanau are encouraged to come and support their Tamariki and see what skills they have learnt - these include water safety, snorkelling and kai gathering techniques including setting a long line, netting and kina collecting.

 A local kaumatua also supports the course with a korero about customary harvest and permits. Whanau are also presented with a shared kai for lunch and all participants are kitted out with a wet suit, snorkel and flippers for the day.