Maori water safety co-ordinator spreads message

Jamille Ruka wants to make waves as he spreads the water safety message across Northland.

The accomplished waka ama paddler is now Sport Northland's Maori water safety co-ordinator.

It's a job he started last December and since then he has visited several kohunga and kura primarily spreading the word through his first language - Maori.

Statistics have revealed Maori account for 25 per cent of drownings in New Zealand.

The 19-year-old father of twins - Hinemairangi and Tupuria - is shocked by the statistics and knows Northlanders have a fatal attraction with water, 13 people drowning in the region last year.

Nationally, 123 people drowned in 2011.

Mr Ruka said Sport Northland was developing a Maori water safety programme to improve education and awareness of Maori in a bid to reduce drownings in the region.

The programme will focus on cultural practices and activities around water, specifically Maori traditional water safety teaching practices.

He will also help develop a specific teaching resource for Northland including a programme that reaches the Maori community with emphasis on children aged 7-18.

Identifying local hazards was also on the agenda.

"Maori think they are confident in their own waters and don't really reduce the risks like wearing a life jacket when fishing off the rocks.

"Small things can safe lives," Mr Ruka said.

Two hui are being held this week to identify issues specific to Northland.

Mr Ruka, of Ngapuhi decent, said views from all hapu were welcome and could cover things such as tikanga on different parts of the coastline to rahui.

A mobile swimming pool has been used at some of the school visits done by Mr Ruka.

Wednesday, February 15, ASB Sports House, Sport Northland, Whangarei, 4-6pm.

Thursday, February 16, Te Kura Kaupapa o Rangianiwaniwa, Awanui, 4-6pm.