Toi Matarua ki te Ao
Tahiti
Toi Matarua sent a contingent of 12 researchers (including 7 rangatahi) to Tahiti in 2022 as part of our Rangatahi Data Sovereignty research project. We shared workshops with other indigenous children and were guided around sites of significance not only to their indigenous peoples but to whakapapa Māori.
USA
We had the opportunity to travel over to the USA in 2023 with Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pomare, Otago University to begin a five year research partnership with John Hopkins University around how indigenous tamariki and rangatahi play. This was a time for whakawhanaungatanga, planning and laying foundations for the upcoming mahi. We are really excited to see where this journey takes us and the spaces it will create for our young people.
Hawaii
In October 2023 we are took a group of our rangatahi over to Hawai’i as part of our Youth Justice research project. This is part of an ongoing cultural exchange Toi Matarua have been engaged in since 2011. Rangatahi Māori have the opportunity to learn and share with other indigenous youth.
Mparntwe
Our Mokoboys had the privilege of attending the LEGO Family Spirit Conference ‘24 in Mparntwe (Alice Springs, Australia). They presented alongside three other Indigenous peoples, the First Nations British Columbians, Arrernte people, and Native Americans. Our rangatahi were the highlight of the trip. They connected instantly with all other Indigenous rangatahi and tamariki, teaching them our games, learning one another’s languages and spending time with the Pertame people out bush.
British Columbia
A small rōpū of us travelled to British Columbia to represent Toi Matarua at the 2025 LEGO Family Spirit Global Gathering. We presented our project updates. We visited our Sister-City Victoria and were welcomed onto Songhees Nation land, stayed with iwi in Cowichan Valley where we learnt their pūrākau, kai and dances, and then presented our kaupapa at Vancouver Island University — finishing with a rākau game that everyone loved. Along the way we shared haka, waiata and kōrero at a Coastal Jam, took part in a Spirit Bath, visited First Nations cultural centres, and were honoured with ribbon skirts and a blanket ceremony. It was a privilege to carry the mauri of Toi Matarua and connect with our whanaunga across the world through culture, play, and manaaki.
Cook Islands
The Tū Tārake Leadership Development Programme returned from an unforgettable trip to the beautiful Cook Islands, where 17 rangatahi took part in a week of cultural exchange, learning, and adventure.
Staying at the Tongareva Hostel, the group had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cook Islands culture, learning about local customs, traditions, and ways of life. Along the way, many discovered strong similarities between Cook Islands culture and their own Māori culture here in Aotearoa, highlighting the close connections shared across the Pacific.
The haerenga was a perfect mix of fun and learning. Rangatahi attended the renowned Te Mire Ura Nui dance competition, spent time exploring Rarotonga’s stunning beaches, facilitated a Kī-o-Rahi workshop for local hostel kids and even visited the Cook Islands Parliament, where they gained insight into the country's political system. One of the highlights was interviewing two local youth leaders for their podcast, providing an opportunity to hear firsthand about the aspirations, challenges, and achievements of young people in the Cook Islands (follow @whyshouldwegiveaf to watch the full podcast which is coming very soon).
The experience left the group with new knowledge, strengthened cultural connections, and memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Until next time, Rarotonga!