The Sauna Project at Tatapouri Bay provided a woodfired sauna experience for men at Tāne Tū Tāne Ora weekend in Tairāwhiti.
The Sauna Project at Tatapouri Bay provided a woodfired sauna experience for men at Tāne Tū Tāne Ora weekend in Tairāwhiti.
A new Tairāwhiti initiative – the Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora weekend – has received positive feedback from organisers and participants involved in the 14 activities delivered across three days.
All activities were designed to support the wellbeing of tāne “through connection, movement and accessible pathways to better health”, aWhiti Ora Tairāwhiti statement said.
From workouts, jiu-jitsu, and surfing to relaxed sauna sessions and weightlifting, the kaupapa offered something for every tāne.
Over the weekend, participants had the chance to show up in their own way, try new activities and connect with others in a positive environment.
“We are grateful to everyone who backed this kaupapa tuatahi,” Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti kaiārahi hapori Wade Manson said.
“Our supporters, providers, and participants helped create welcoming spaces for tāne to be themselves and enjoy time together.
“Watching rangatahi jump into jiu-jitsu and seeing tāne try other activities for the first time showed the value of giving people positive opportunities to connect.
“I am excited for what next year might bring. The momentum is growing and our providers are already coming up with new ideas for their own programmes.”
Sol Fitness ran classes outdoors as part of the Tāne Tū Tāne Ora weekend in Tairāwhiti.
Organisers said the response to the weekend showed there was “a real appetite for creating regular spaces where tāne can prioritise their wellbeing in ways that feel comfortable, inclusive and grounded”.
“It was really good to see dedicated spaces for men, with different options to connect through fun and healthy activities,” SOL Fitness owner and coach Jorge Buelna said.
“It created a relaxed environment where guys could show up, move and connect without pressure, which made the whole weekend feel really positive.”
The response from the community showed just how valuable dedicated spaces were for tāne in our region, the release said.
Hikitia! Tāne Ora manager Willis Tamatea said the weekend was “an inspiring reflection of what happens when our community leads the way in strengthening the wellbeing of our men”.
“The energy, the brotherhood and the commitment shown by our tāne and their whānau created a powerful space for learning and growth. It was more than an event. It was a movement toward growing better men for Tairāwhiti.”
“We saw tāne step forward with courage, embrace positive change and uplift each other through kōrero and shared experiences.”
“The weekend highlighted the strength we have when we come together with purpose and pride. These learnings, insights and connections are already shaping how we’ll grow this kaupapa even further next year ... stronger, bolder and even more community inspired.”
