Based at Rāpaki Marae, guests from Lyttleton Port Company, Environment Canterbury, Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour, and more, spoke with the group about the many local projects happening to better the health of the harbour.

The students took up every opportunity with both hands, sharing in meaningful conversations, getting their hands in the soil, and cooking delicious kai!

“It allowed me to rediscover my why, why I’m out here doing what I’m doing. I learnt that I believe in the goodness of others, to work towards understanding and learning more about the human story through leading and guiding others in finding their why.”
Shaqeel - Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Sustainability third year, Ara

March 2025

Whakaraupō Moana March 2025 wrapped

Congratulations to all students who participated in the March 2025 Whakaraupō Moana Programme.

Over the week-long, full immersion leadership programme, the group of senior secondary and tertiary students came together to learn about the environmental issues facing Whakaraupō (Lyttleton Harbour), in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The programme is a collaboration between the UWF and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, expanding the participant’s understanding of both western and Māori approaches to guardianship, sustainability, and connection to place.

‘Ki uta, ki tai, from the land to the sea.’

Through the week, this kaupapa was explored as a way of understanding that every action has a response. How we care for the land directly impacts the health of the harbour, they are not disjointed but one complete ecosystem.

The week wrapped up with presentations from the students sharing their experiences of the programme to whānau and community.

This group will reconnect towards the end of May to plant more trees at Rāpaki Marae.

The Whakaraupō Moana programme will take place again in September 2025.