Māori have a strong cultural connection to the water. However, approximately 20-25% of all drownings in New Zealand are Māori. There is a growing body of research to understand Māori water safety that is being undertaken at the University of Otago, School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, alongside key partners in the water safety sector including: Mr Rob Hewitt (WSNZ, Coastguard Boating Education, Maritime New Zealand, Te Wānanga o Awanuiārangi); Esther Hone-Moore AUSTSWIM Aotearoa; Hauteruruku ki Puketeraki; and Te Toki Voyaging Trust. The group is working in collaboration with Water Safety New Zealand.

Now that we are heading into summer, a group of Māori water safety experts and enthusiasts are collaborating to bring you the 12 days of Christmas – Māori styles. Check out their page https://www.facebook.com/tangaroaararau/. Tangaroa ara rau refers to the many pathways of Tangaroa (one of the Māori gods of the water). The page is about the many voices of the waterways and staying safe in the water.

Each day the group will bring a new message and they are encouraging friends and whānau to post to the page their favourite water picture and message. The best pictures go into the draw to win a Day Skippers Course being run in their community, as well as a number of donated spot prizes.

The collective emerged from the growing recognition of the need for us as Māori to take the lead, collaborate and work together with the sector. Mr Rob Hewitt brings the first message of “I ngā wā katoa – All the time” referring to the need to wear life jackets safely and appropriately.

We want all of our whānau to enjoy themselves in and around the water, and to remember “Kia Maanu: Kia Ora – Stay Afloat Stay Alive”.

Research funded by:

University of Otago

Water Safety New Zealand

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga

Health Research Council

Contact

Mr Rob Hewitt 027 416 0069

Mrs Ether Hone-Moore AUSTSWIM Aotearoa 029 7705252

Dr Anne-Marie Jackson University of Otago Te Koronga 021 2262425