Recreation Aotearoa and Te Kāhui Kura Māori strengthen partnership through Te Manawataki

The Recreation Aotearoa Board and Te Kāhui Kura Māori have taken an important step forward in their shared journey, signing Te Manawataki at Ōrongomai Marae on 7 August 2026.

The agreement formalises a partnership built on trust, reciprocity, and a shared commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It is grounded in tikanga Māori and reflects the shared vision of Te Whai Oranga: an Aotearoa where recreation creates flourishing connections between atua, taiao, whenua and tāngata for the benefit of all communities across Aotearoa.

Te Manawataki can be understood as a shared heartbeat or rhythm. It represents the commitment by both groups to move together with purpose, recognising that while their roles may differ, their vision is the same: advancing Te Whai Oranga.

Inspired by discussions held during a joint wānanga at Apumoana Marae in 2025, the agreement recognises the importance of moving in unison, like two hulls of a waka, each with their own whakapapa and identity, navigating towards a shared destination.

Sarah Murray, Kaiurungi Matua Chief Executive of Recreation Aotearoa, said the signing marks a significant milestone for the organisation and the wider recreation sector.

"Te Manawataki is more than a formal agreement. It is an ongoing commitment to a relationship grounded in trust, reciprocity and shared responsibility. By combining our strengths, knowledge, and perspectives, we can better support the recreation sector and strengthen outcomes for iwi, hapū, whānau and communities throughout Aotearoa while honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi."

The agreement outlines shared priorities including strengthening connection and collaboration, elevating Māori leadership and visibility in recreation, growing cultural capability, supporting Māori workforce development, sustaining the kaupapa, advocating for te whai oranga o te Tiriti o Waitangi, and amplifying Māori voices through storytelling.

Established in 2019, Te Kāhui Kura Māori provides strategic leadership and navigational guidance to the Recreation Aotearoa Board on embedding mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori and Māori perspectives across governance, strategy, and sector support.