Mauri Sports Programme

Dec 11, 2022

Equity is at the forefront of all we strive for at THINK Hauora.

The Mauri Sports Programme is an initiative that provides a fun, active and cultural experience in sport that has a holistic focus on health and wellbeing. It is an opportunity for tamariki and rangatahi to access a programme that will develop leadership skills, mental resilience, cultural awareness, strength and conditioning. It extends their technical and tactical knowledge in the game of touch rugby all while breaking the cycle, reducing barriers and reaching those who need it.

The programme evolved from an initiative where THINK Hauora kaimahi were providing coaching support for two local touch rugby clubs in Palmerston North linked to the Poly Sports Programme. THINK Hauora also provided some education around health literacy, conducted health checks and helped to reduce costs for whānau involved by eliminating fees.

The vision for the Mauri Sports Programme is to use sport as a vehicle to connect whānau with wellbeing. Through a holistic focus and approach with sport, this incorporates three elements - Mauri Ora (healthy individuals), Whānau Ora (healthy families) and Wai Ora (healthy environments) that all interconnect. Through research, there was an obvious rise in mental health issues with the drop of physical activity around the ages 13-15. The programme begins with introducing sport to tamariki early, around age 5.

Connecting Communities Lead for Pasifika & Rangatahi, Pele Aumua believes that relationships are at the heart of cultural practice and ways of doing things; whakapapa and whanaungatanga are therefore central principles to incorporate within Mauri Sports.

“Our strategic intent is to create a platform using sport as the vehicle to build pathways that connect whānau to wellbeing in whatever way that looks for them,” says Pele.

“If this initiative can be an example of how we utilise sport in a more holistic and meaningful way, then our next generation will have more tools to help them navigate the spaces they enter.”

“Using sport means we are not competing for the community’s time. Instead, we are strategically working with them to guide their dreams and aspirations which in turn will help them fulfil their potential in life.”

There are a number of stakeholders involved in the success of this programme; from schools, clubs, businesses, and Government organisations with special mention to the following: