

Ā mātou mahi | Our work
Wānanga
Workshops and training
Te Rākau offers a range of workshops and training opportunities for learners at every stage of their journey.
We provide everything from culture and identity workshops for rangatahi to professional development for kaimahi working in spaces such as the public sector, social services and health.
On this page, you'll find information about:
The Swing In Motion
This kaupapa Māori staff training workshop offers hands-on professional development for anyone providing services related to family and sexual violence.
The Swing in Motion is based on a creative approach to working therapeutically with whānau recovering from historic sexual trauma. It’s a dynamic mix of digital theatre and face-to-face group work developed and delivered by registered mental health professionals.
With options for one or two-day workshops, The Swing In Motion is ideal for iwi, statutory agencies, health professionals, therapists, social services, training institutions, researchers and community advocates.
find out more
Each workshop accommodates between 24 and 48 participants. We work with you set agreed outcomes and objectives and to tailor the workshop to your roopu and community.
There are three options for delivery including full or half-day digital delivery, or a two-day live theatre option. Get in touch with us to find out more about these delivery options, or to request an information pack.
Whakapapa Workshops
Whakapapa Workshops are short creative experiences where learners can explore concepts of identity, whakapapa and citizenship in a kaupapa Māori environment.
Each session is facilitated by experienced mental health professionals and creative artists, such as director and registered mental health nurse Jim Moriarty MNZM, or playwright and psychologist Helean Pearse-Otene (PhD).
Using our unique Theatre Marae framework, participants go on a guided exploration either as individuals or as a group and are supported by a team of performance artists.
The workshop is explorational, fun and strength-based around whatever each participant is willing to share. It is culturally and creatively affirming, and strengthens relationships of each individual and the group as a whole.
find out more
Whakapapa Workshops can be catered to adults, rangatahi aged 12 to 24, or other groups as needed.
Workshops are hosted at your school, workplace or institute and accommodate up to 32 participants. The space required for a full group would be two classrooms or meeting rooms, or a single large space such as a hall or gym.
Each workshop runs for four hours, and is priced between $45 and $60* per participant depending on the age, experience and requirements of your roopu. *Special rates may be available for school and other community groups so please get in touch to find out more and to discuss options.
Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka – or traditional Māori performing arts – is an intrinsic element of the Aotearoa New Zealand cultural experience.
Kapa Haka is an institution which brings together all forms of Māori performing arts and culture, and a homegrown activity through which participants can express themselves.
Te Rākau has a long history of working with young people in mainstream and alternative education, young people with experiences of state care or youth justice, and other rangatahi.
Through this work we have become staunch advocates for the teaching of te reo Māori to all children - Māori, Pākehā and Tauiwi - as their birthright.
find out more
Our Kapa Haka programme is specifically designed to be delivered in schools, and can be tailored to meet a range of levels.
Most programmes will cover fundamental such as traditional performance and games, and introductory level te reo Māori me ngā tikanga.
Get in touch to find out more and to discuss options for your roopu.