From the Coast, For the Coast

A new endowment fund is helping secure the future of Te Ara Kauhoe, a community-led initiative that trains local swimming and water safety instructors from East Coast communities. 

Created in response to the need for locally delivered swimming education, Te Ara Kauhoe recognises the strong connection Coast communities have with their awa (river), and moana (ocean). The programme builds capability within communities while fostering understanding of tikanga (knowledge/values) associated with te taiao (natural environment). Delivered in partnership with Comet Swimming Club, Te Mahi Ako and Healthy Families East Cape, Te Ara Kauhoe supports local people to gain nationally recognised qualifications so they can teach tamariki and whānau in their own communities.

Tomairangi Higgins of Comet Charitable Trust says, “We believe the best people to teach our tamariki are the people who know them, understand their environment and share their connection to te taiao.”

The fund will provide long-term support, helping remove financial barriers for trainees and ensuring East Coast communities continue to have access to locally based instructors. By training people who understand their local environment, tikanga, culture and community, Te Ara Kauhoe is creating pathways that strengthen water safety outcomes and employment opportunities. The programme also honours the longstanding connection Coast whānau have with their awa and moana through mātauranga (knowledge) passed down through generations.

“By training Coast people for Coast communities, we're building local capability that will benefit generations to come.”