Big smiles on the dials at E Tū Elgin wānanga day

Sade Mankelow instructs tamariki on how to make poi at the E Tu Elgin wananga event. Picture supplied

Baking rewana bread, making poi and growing vegetables in a bucket were part of a sustainable skills wānanga event delivered by community group E Tū Elgin this week.

“The children’s smiles grew as the day went on,” E Tū Elgin committee member Wendy Miller said.

“The day exceeded our expectations. We wanted to create an event where people could learn skills that can sustain them through life.

“Think about the quote . . . ‘teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime’.

“This included learning indigenous skills that unless you were taught by your elders, you wouldn’t know.”

Activities on the day included waiata, baking Rewana bread, making maara kai/vegetables in a bucket, making poi and rongoā (kawakawa balm) and learning to weave.

The day ended with games using sports and play equipment from a mobile “play trailer”.

Nine families registered for the event and children ranging in age from five to 16 took part.

The expert knowledge shared by kaimahi added to the day.

“We are very thankful to everyone who made this day such a success,” Ms Miller said.

“And a huge thank you to the Tindall Foundation for funding this free event during the school holidays for our Elgin whānau.”