A kaupapa Māori Zero Waste initiative seeks to eliminate rubbish on marae, in kura and kōhanga reo in the Tūwharetoa rohe with the appointment of Raewyn Rāmeka and tauria (students) at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Whakarewa i te reo ki Tūwharetoa as waste advisors for the Para Kore programme.

“We are very excited to support marae, kōhanga reo, kura and community organisations in our rohe. Together we can do so much for our environment. Our journey towards Zero Waste is all about looking after Papatūānuku” says Para Kore kaiārahi Raewyn Rāmeka.

“Para Kore, which means Zero Waste, is a call to action that aims to end the current take, make, and dispose mentality that we have now become accustomed to. In its simplest form it is Kaitiakitanga in practice, caring for Ranginui and Papatūānuku. Across Aotearoa, almost 300 marae, kura, kōhanga reo and community organisations are already working towards Zero Waste. Now it is our turn in Tūwharetoa to make a difference.”

“Ko te kaupapa o Para Kore, he kaupapa ārahi i a tātau ki te hoki atu ki ngā tikanga a kui mā a koro mā, arā, te mahi māra, te kohi kai, me ngā mahinga kai o mua.”

“Our kura has a roll of 90 tauira from 55 whānau aged between 5 and 18 years old whom are taught under the philosophies of Te Aho Matua, Poutiria te Aroha and our own curriculum, Taupō Moana in which Kaitiakitanga is a key component. Our kura and whānau are very proactive in caring for the spiritual and physical health of the land and waterways within our rohe whilst being aware of the benefits and impacts on the wellbeing of not only ourselves but also the people, land and waterways of neighbouring rohe and the motu. We are excited to work together with whānau, marae, hapū, iwi and the wider community to learn, share, and care for our environment” concludes Raewyn Rāmeka.

The Para Kore programme receives generous financial support from the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and the Taupō District Council. Raewyn Rāmeka can be contacted on 027 553 0300 or tuwharetoa.parakore@gmail.com

© Scoop Media