Mātauranga Māori Behaviour Change Programmes
Para Kore offers a range of te ao Māori sustainability programmes throughout the motu that may be available in person or online, depending on where we have kaimahi and where we are funded to deliver them.
We work with marae, whānau, hapū, iwi, kura, kōhanga/puna reo, early childhood centres, whare karakia/churches, wāhi mahi, community organisations, tertiary institutions, companies, events, community gardens, kaumātua rōpū and more.
These wānanga are our building blocks for understanding how to live in harmony with Papatūānuku. We explore kaupapa Māori values, systems thinking, and sustainable living practices that empower whānau and hapū to transition toward a zero carbon, zero waste world. Perfect for those starting out or wanting to strengthen their foundation in climate and waste kaupapa.
Oranga Kura supports schools to become zero waste, sustainable learning environments grounded in tikanga Māori. Through kai, compost, and conscious consumption, we help kura reduce waste and restore the mana of te taiao. Tamariki, kaiako, and whānau are empowered to lead change, embedding mātauranga Māori and environmental action into the heart of school life.
This programme reminds us that all kai, even food scraps, are precious because all our kai has whakapapa to Papatūānuku and Hineahuone. Our kai comes from the whenua. When we return our kai scraps to Papatūānuku rather than a landfill, we care for her and for Hineahuone, the first woman, who was formed from clay at Kurawaka by Tāne.
Learn about kope tautaiao (reusable nappies) and the benefits of using them for our mokopuna and our taiao. Discover how simple it can be to integrate cloth nappies into daily routines. Even just one a day makes a difference. Reduce waste, save money, and support a healthier future for our pēpi and Papatūānuku, one change at a time.
He Mana tō te Kai is a journey to reconnect with kai, whenua, and whakapapa. This programme supports the restoration of traditional food practices, from growing and gathering, to preparing, storing, and sharing. Guided by values like manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and māramatanga, we explore how kai can nourish not only our bodies, but our whenua, relationships, and futures. Together, we reclaim kai as taonga, not waste.
The whakapapa of the word ikura reminds us that the first woman was formed by ngā atua at Kurawaka. This programme brings to light the mātauranga Māori of menstruation, restoring its mana and challenging colonial shame. We explore traditional and modern period practices, including reusable options, while honouring the tapu and life-giving role of ikura in our whakapapa.
