Our Journey

Our story so far...

In 2017 we brought a small group of our ākonga to the local Pounamu workshop of Jon Jeet.  We observed the engagement, connection and knowledge growth after just one day in the pounamu workshop.  We started discussions about how we could offer this opportunity on site at the new, state of the art school in eastern Christchurch, Haeata Community Campus.

Over the next 18 months we worked in collaboration with Jon to set up the space ‘Tūhono Taonga, Tūhono Tāngata’ which opened at the end of the 2018 school year.   We also considered what a pounamu kaupapa might look like in a transdisciplinary learning model such as Haeata. 

Into 2020 we had support from Te Putahitanga to grow Tūhono Taonga, Tūhono Tāngata into its next phase. We have some goals to grow and expand this kaupapa into the next level....and beyond

Where to from here....

We have since been collaborating and providing wānanga with and for our community.  We have worked with a number of community organisations and events to ensure that the kaupapa of wellbeing through Pounamu carving is grown.

We are always looking for collaboration oppoetunities for our communities and for Toi Māori to grow and thrive.

We are holding regular monthly hui.  Anyone is welcome.  This is where we come together and review what is happening and make plans for the future and upcoming events.

In 2018 Haeata Community Campus was challenging traditional schooling and empowers ākonga to take control of their futures. This is where our story began 

November 3rd 2021

Haeata Community Campus challenges traditional schooling and empowers ākonga to take control of their futures. 

October 19th 2022

At Te Hui Amorangi o Te Wai Pounamu, our whānau gathered for a wānanga on facilitation and confidence building skills with Jon and Tūtoko, had the mobile carving truck blessed by Bishop Richard Wallace in her new kainga, and also conducted the monthly Trust hui. 

September 25th 2020

Our first Haerenga of 2020 explored Onuku Marae and Te Mata Hāpuku, enabling some of our whānau to connect with their whakapapa, and included a significant moment of presenting our Pepeha guided by one of our Matua, Nichol-Lewis 

November 13th 2020

We embarked on an amazing journey of discovery.  We travelled to Te Tai Poutini from Ōtautahi, with the goal of exploring who we are and what our part is to play in the sustainability of our natural environment.

December 2nd 2018

12 students and three staff members visited Makaawhio (Bruce Bay) to connect with Te Tauraka Waka-ā-Maui Marae and initiate conversations with Kāti Waewae, a key stakeholder in Pounamu Ngāi Tahu.