By Te Rua Munro

My projectfor the six-week internship at Toi Tangata was to research and apply the AtuaMatua framework in an everyday setting. I based my project around Mahuika, theatua and goddess of fire. My ideas were drawn from the pūrakau of Maui andMahuika, where Maui destroys Mahuika’s fire fingers and where Mahuika then storessome of her remains in different trees such as Pukatea, Patete, Tōtara, Māhoeand Kaikomako. I used these trees and applied different fitness components tothem based on the structure, the type and motions of the trees.

The internshipat Toi Tangata gave me an opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding ofapplying kaupapa Māori to physical activity. I valued the guidance from thestaff and in particular,  the time Ispent with Dr Ihirangi Heke in Kaikohe where I received more in-depth guidance throughthe Atua Matua framework and how it can be applied. I also learnt aboutco-design from the team at The Cause Collective and the process of building aproject.

I was alsoable to see how Toi Tangata implements projects within communities and thedepth of the work involved in developing projects that are effective and alignwith the tikanga of Te Ao Māori.

At the end of the internship, I wasfortunate to be able to present my research project to health professionals atthe annual Toi Tangata Hui-ā-Tau. I received positive feedback around theutilisation of Mahuika’s rakau as poū for physical activity and exercise. Theyalso liked the huahuatau and whakapapa connection of Mahuika and her sistersHine-nui-te-pō and Hine-i-tapeka and how this can be applied to smoking.

Overall, the learning I took away over the three-day hui were valuable and provided a variety of opportunities that I can apply into my future aspirations and goals.