Te Rau Theological College

🌿 Care of Creation Wānanga | Te Takawai ki Te Tairāwhiti 🌿

This past weekend our Te Takawai ākonga gathered once again in wānanga as part of the Care of Creation paper; exploring what it means to respond faithfully, theologically, and prophetically to the environmental challenges facing our world today.

Grounded in Scripture, mātauranga Māori, and the wisdom of our tīpuna, our ākonga reflected deeply on our responsibilities as kaitiaki of te taiao and te moana. Together, we explored how creation is not simply a resource to be managed, but a taonga gifted by Atua, woven together through whakapapa and sustained through relationship, balance, and care.

We were privileged to learn about lived kaitiakitanga with guest kaikōrero Soraya Pohatu and Phagan Ria of Rongowhakaata and Ngāi Tamanuhiri, who guided us through Rākaukākā ngahere in Manutuke. We learnt of the whakapapa, history, and restoration of this significant ngahere, once part of the great ngahere of Pipiwhakao which stretched across Tūranga.

We also visited Te Wherowhero Lagoon, a place of deep mana, tapu, and mahinga kai for our tīpuna. Through these places and stories, our ākonga were challenged to think critically about climate change, environmental justice, and how the Gospel calls us not only into prayer and reflection, but also into action and collective responsibility.

🌊 From ecological theology to local kōrero grounded in whenua and moana, this wānanga reminded us that formation is relational; with one another, with creation, and with Atua.

We finished our wānanga with Venerable Merekaraka Te Whitu and fellow ākonga Shirley Green and Phyllis Wairama, for karakia at Toko Toru Tapu Church; honouring our wāhine, tāne, māmā and Papatūānuku on Mother's Day through blessings and karakia; acknowledging those who so selflessly nurture, sustain, and give life to all that they encompass.

🙏 Kia mau te aroha o te Atua ki a tātau katoa i tēnei haerenga tapu.