Graduates of Te Rangatakapu o Te Arawa Emerging Leadership programme.
THE first group of future Te Arawa leaders has graduated from a tribal-run programme, which aims to prepare them to guide their iwi.
The 16 descendants from the tribal confederation have completed Te Rangatakapu o Te Arawa Emerging Leadership programme, which was instigated by Ngati Rangiwewehi iwi member and Waiariki
MP Te Ururoa Flavell, after he recognised there was a need to develop future leaders.
The programme also endeavours to cushion the loss of tribal knowledge when kaumatua pass away.
Mr Flavell, who is also the Maori Development Minister, said it was important that Te Arawa did all it could to retain its culture, history and traditions.
Several Te Arawa leaders, including the late Mauriora Kingi, Sir Toby Curtis, Te Ariki Morehu, Malcolm Short, Punoho McCausland and Tania Tapsell, as well as Mr Flavell, held sessions with the students over the five weekend workshops.
