Highlights of 2023
Expo
This year’s expo was held ‘premiere-styles’ at the Globe Theatrette in Ahuriri. Organisations, funders, kaumātua, whānau and friends showed up in force to two booked out screening sessions of the ‘MokoBoys’ short film and photography portfolio. These were created and shot by our rangatahi themselves.
Cyclone Relief
Cyclone Gabrielle significantly impacted the Hawkes Bay. Our rangatahi created a Kawakawa Balm workshop which helped to raise urgent cash for whānau in need. They also volunteered at local marae and have been running an in school program for displaced a primary school. To read more about these awesome kaupapa, please click the link below.
Matariki Sunrise Rave
Following the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle to our rohe, ‘Kia Au, Ko Au’ was an opportunity for the rangatahi of our hapori to come together and celebrate our beautiful and powerful Taiao. The 'sunrise rave’ put a fun and contemporary rangatahi-flavour on what it means to commemorate the Māori new year. Over 80 rangatahi gathered at the Napier Soundshell. The event started with a tour of the stars on the beach by Ricci and then each star of the Matariki cluster was celebrated with workshops and activities facilitated by the young Toi Matarua leaders. Finally, the event was concluded was a dance party of course!
Hawai’i Haerenga
As part of their research exposure and development, Te Pūtiki Wharanui travelled to Hawai’i representing Toi Matarua in promoting our various Hauora kaupapa as an example of positive rangatahi engagement. They performed and engaged in a cultural exchange at 8 schools. They also had the privilege of travelling to Maui to perform at a local church and give koha to those affected by the Maui wildfires.
Jah’s Story
Toi Matarua nurtured Jahson (21yrs) into 6 months of full-time mahi and work experience as the MokoBoys project lead. During this time he underwent extensive personal and professional development building lifelong skills and confidence necessary for the workplace. Toi Matarua then supported him to branch out and secure a full-time job & apprenticeship in his career of choice. We are proud of Jah and so happy to see him thriving!
“Toi Matarua helped me to see my potential”
— Jahson Greening