Māori Participation

He Oranga Poutama logo

He Oranga Poutama

He Oranga Poutama “Stairway to Wellbeing” promotes the development and implementation of physical recreation and sport in a way that is culturally appropriate to Māori – as Māori for Māori. 

Key outcomes for He Oranga Poutama are:

1. Leaders for the future – Kaiwhakahaere participating as leaders in their communities 

2. Developing participation opportunities – Increased opportunities for whānau to explore, learn and participate in sport and traditional physical activity 

3. Strengthening infrastructure – Revitalisation and further development of sport and traditional physical recreation. 

Te Whetū Rēhua - The Guiding Star

Te Whetū Rēhua is the framework originally developed to communicate the Māori concepts and principles which collectively define ‘as Māori’ participation in sport and recreation, for the He Oranga Poutama initiative context. 

Te Whetū Rēhua consists of five key values vital for Māori development that reflect the diverse reality that Māori now live in. 

It is Māori-centered and culturally relevant to Māori where it can assist users to distinguish boundaries about focusing their efforts to meet Māori aspirations through play, sport and recreation. 

The framework provides insight into the cultural structure to continue exploring and growing our understanding as Māori participating in sport and recreation – and its contribution to positive Māori identity, wellbeing, partnerships and self-reliance. 

Iwi of Origin 

Tū tangata mai, tū Māori mai.  
Stand strong, stand proud.  

Aktive has a vision that Iwi of Origin will become a leading Māori waiora event in Aotearoa.  This unique event connects urban Māori in or linked to Tāmaki Makaurau to whānau, marae, hapū and Iwi through sport, recreation in a by Māori, with Māori, for Māori as Māori kaupapa. 

Iwi of Origin calls all Māori to champion their Māoritanga and become the rangatira (champion) for their very own waioratanga.  

Young māori boy in a wheelchair playing basketball

Iwi of Origin returned to Bruce Pulman Park in 2024, with more than 1500 kaitakaro, kaiwaowao and kaiwhakahaere and 104 teams enjoying the day.

The event was opened with a pōwhiri by our mana whenua kaumaatua from Ngaati Tamaoho, and included poitarawhiti (netball); whutupōro takiwhitu (rugby sevens); poitūkohu (basketball); rīki (rugby league); pā whutupōro (touch); and kaupapa Māori games – ki o rahi, urutomo and ancestral games.

Stay tuned for the 2025 Iwi of Origin dates, which will be announced early in 2025.