25 Apr Building a healthy relationship with kai

As reported by The Gisborne Herald:

DARRIO Penetito-Hemara is the creative mind behind He Pi Ka Rere, the new learning tool that helps children build a healthy relationship with kai (nutrition) and kori (movement).

The Auckland based kaiarahi (leader), a training and development specialist for Toi Tangata, was in Gisborne for a two day meeting to share his expertise.

“He Pi Ka Rere uses our cultural knowledge, our links to our atua (ancestor) Maori while utilising the natural environment as a means to strengthen our children’s overall wellbeing,” said Mr Penetito-Hemara.

Kaimahi (workers) from 13 Gisborne and East Coast kohanga reo and puna reo attended the wananga at Te Kuri a Tuatai Marae.

He said He Pi Ka Rere incorporates matauranga Maori-knowledge and skills.

“This approach is based on traditional techniques used by our tupuna and born from the need to supply our tamariki with the abilities, skills and awareness to lead a healthy and positive lifelong relationship with movement and kai.”

Tools and techniques gained from the wananga will be used to develop resources and a learning tool specific to each kohanga reo and puna reo using matauranga (cultural knowledge) specific to each location.

The Gisborne based He Pi Ka Rere wananga was a professional development feature of the Supporting Raising Healthy Kids “in Tairawhiti” programme led by Hauora Tairawhiti and partners Turanga Health, Ngati Porou Hauora and Sport Gisborne with the support of Healthy Families East Cape.

Toi Tangata is an Auckland based Maori agency which develops and delivers kaupapa Maori-based approaches to health, movement and nutrition.

View original story here.