Para Kore

Reclaiming Menstrual Mātauranga

Mai i Kurawaka

Periods are powerful, not shameful

The Future We’re Reclaiming

Mai i Kurawaka envisions a future where ikura is honoured as a sacred gift, not hidden, silenced, or shamed. Rooted in mātauranga Māori, this wānanga creates space for open, respectful kōrero and cultural reconnection.

Through traditional stories, ritual practices, and sustainable modern solutions, Mai i Kurawaka empowers whānau with tools to live in alignment with te ao Māori, where menstruation is recognised, discussed, and honoured.

Who is this wānanga for?

  • Kura – school-wide or classroom groups
  • Hapori – community groups, rangatahi groups
  • Marae – hapū of marae, or cluster of marae
  • Whānau – larger whānau groups

Why This Kaupapa Changes Lives

  • Reclaims cultural identity and strengthens connection to atua wāhine
  • Dismantles menstrual shame and silence
  • Encourages sustainable period practices rooted in care for Papatūānuku
  • Restores mana and tapu to wāhine and tāhine
  • Supports intergenerational knowledge transfer
  • Normalises respectful conversations around ikura and hauora

What to Expect – Delivery and Participation

Delivered as a hands-on, discussion-based workshop, Mai i Kurawaka provides a safe and inclusive space to share experiences, explore mātauranga Māori, and learn about sustainable period options. 

Wānanga can be tailored to the specific group, generally to a minimum of ten participants. Funding allowing, all attendees receive a reusable period product starter pack.

Take the First Step

Ready to restore the mana of ikura in your whānau, kura, or community?

Mai i Kurawaka is a powerful step in reconnecting with atua, tikanga, and the life-giving power of menstruation. This wānanga invites kōrero, reflection, and change — grounded in whakapapa, guided by mātauranga Māori, and shaped by aroha.

Let’s kōrero about bringing this kaupapa to your community. Get in touch with us.

We have funding to deliver in specific regions throughout Aotearoa. Please get in touch with us to find out if we can deliver to a group or community in your region.

Upcoming Events

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Mai i Kurawaka - Manurewa (EcoFest)

28 March 2026
11:00am to 12:00pm
Reclaim menstrual mātauranga. Reconnect with the traditional Māori worldview of ikura (menstruation). Explore its whakapapa, sacredness, and connection to atua wāhine. Support whānau to reclaim and normalise conversations and practices around ikura. Participants receive a reusable ikura starter pack.
Beautification Trust
38 Holmes Road, Manurewa Auckland
Waste-Free Wāhine (1)

Waste-Free Wāhine

31 March 2026
10:00am to 11:30am
Calling all Māmā of Rotorua to join Para Kore for a Waste-Free Wāhine Wānanga. Together, we will cover all things Kope Tautaiao (reusable nappies) and our Mai i Kurawaka programme (reindigenising menstruation).
Rotorua Arts Village
1240 Hinemaru Street
Waste-Free Wāhine (1)

Waste-Free Wāhine

7 April 2026
5:30pm to 7:00pm
Calling all Māmā of Rotorua to join Para Kore for a Waste-Free Wāhine Wānanga. Together, we will cover all things Kope Tautaiao (reusable nappies) and our Mai i Kurawaka programme (reindigenising menstruation).
Rotorua Arts Village
1240 Hinemaru Street
parakore-maiikurawaka-wānanga-2

Mai i Kurawaka - City Centre (EcoFest)

10 April 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Reclaim menstrual mātauranga. Reconnect with the traditional Māori worldview of ikura (menstruation). Explore its whakapapa, sacredness, and connection to atua wāhine. Support whānau to reclaim and normalise conversations and practices around ikura. Participants receive a reusable ikura starter pack. 
Ellen Melville Centre in the Helen Clark Lounge
2 Freyberg Place,Central Auckland Auckland
Ikura Slide 4

Mai i Kurawaka - Manurewa (EcoFest)

15 April 2026
11:00am to 12:00pm
Reclaim menstrual mātauranga. Reconnect with the traditional Māori worldview of ikura (menstruation). Explore its whakapapa, sacredness, and connection to atua wāhine. Support whānau to reclaim and normalise conversations and practices around ikura. Participants receive a reusable ikura starter pack. 
Beautification Trust
38 Holmes Road, Manurewa Auckland