Thanks to support from COGS, we’re excited to offer our community four overnight Te Reo Wānanga
All wānanga will be noho style (overnight) at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu Lodge, in the Jericho Valley. It's a beautiful location to the west of the Takitimu Maunga, 25 minutes south of Manapōuri, or 1.5 hours from Invercargill.
Who is this for?
Anyone interested in extending their Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori knowledge. You may have personal goals, and although you won't receive a formal qualification, this learning could be great to note on your CV.
Dates
Wānanga #1 – Friday 26 September & Saturday 27 September
Wānanga #2 – Friday 31 October & Saturday 1 November
Wānanga #3 – Friday 7 November & Saturday 8 November CANCELLED
Wānanga #4 – Friday 28 November & Saturday 29 November
*It's fine if you can't attend every wānanga. Just book for each date you can attend.
Venue: Te Kōawa Lodge – 3023 Blackmount-Redcliff Road
Programme at each wānanga:
Friday
6:00pm–9:00pm: Workshop + shared kai for dinner (bring a plate)
Saturday
Breakfast. Toast, spreads, tea/coffee provided.
9:00am–12 noon: Workshop + lunch provided
Cost:
The course fees have been generously funded by COGS. The only cost to attendees is your accommodation for each overnight stay at Te Koawa Lodge and you must pre-pay this to secure spot - $28/adult and $10/child + a booking fee.
Why an overnight wānanga?
Learning te reo and tikanga in a noho style setting (staying together overnight) is about more than just language practice. It creates an immersive, community-centred environment where the learning is woven naturally into daily life.
Benefits include:
Immersion – away from everyday distractions, stay fully engaged.
Whanaungatanga (connections) – sharing meals, conversations, and time together.
Cultural context –tikanga (customs) are experienced in action.
Confidence – practising reo informally to carry the language into everyday life.
Shared journey – creates encouragement & motivation that continues beyond the wānanga.
Memorable experience – staying together in a beautiful setting is something special.
Venue:
Te Kōawa Lodge – 3023 Blackmount-Redcliff Road
Carpooling: If you'd like a ride, meet at the Fiordland Community Events Centre carpark at 4:45pm. A koha for the driver would be appreciated.
Please bring:
Sheets, pillowcase, and duvet/sleeping bag
Towel and toiletries
Warm clothes and slippers
A plate to share for the Friday meal
Any extras you’d like for breakfast (toast, spreads, tea/coffee & Saturday lunch provided)
Thank you
Opportunities like this only come about because of organisations like these...
Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS)
Provides government-funded grants to support voluntary and not-for-profit organisations working in local communities and neighbourhoods. Learn more here.
Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust
Creates opportunities to ensure Māoritanga is visible in Fiordland. Our key events are acknowledge Waitangi Day and the season of Matariki / Puaka. Learn more here.
Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust
Promote and restore mahinga kai resources in the Waiau catchment and conduct research and projects to meet this end for the benefit of Te Ngā Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Learn more here.
