A grant from Sunrise Foundation, made possible through The Tindall Foundation, is helping Tōnui Collab deliver its innovative Pā Hangarau programme to tamariki across Te Tairāwhiti.
Designed to inspire young people through a blend of mātauranga Māori, technology, and hands-on learning, Pā Hangarau creates opportunities for tamariki to explore future pathways while strengthening connections to their culture, environment, and community. Tōnui Collab Director Shanon O'Connor says the programme is helping young people see what is possible for their future while remaining grounded in their identity and connection to place.
“Pā Hangarau helps tamariki in Te Tairāwhiti see what their futures might look like; and it does this by celebrating our mātauranga tuku iho, the knowledge passed down from our tīpuna.
“In marae-based wānanga, tamariki hear from kaitiaki taiao about whenua and moana protection, and Māori working in tech share their study and mahi journeys. Tamariki also get hands-on experience with immersive technologies ultimately with a goal of moving from passive consumers to active creators who can imagine themselves as scientists, engineers, technologists, and kaitiaki.
“This funding ensures our whānau can access these wānanga without cost; removing barriers is a step towards helping our tamariki to thrive.”
Delivered through marae-based wānanga, the programme brings together traditional knowledge and emerging technologies in a way that is engaging, relevant and uniquely local. 
As the local funding manager for The Tindall Foundation, Sunrise is proud to support initiatives that empower local tamariki, strengthen community connections and help create positive opportunities for future generations across Tairāwhiti.
Learn more about Tōnui Collab here, and about the Tindall Foundation here.
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