This whakatauki (proverb) is at the heart of Whakapuāwai – a programme through our partnership with Dempsey Wood Civil and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a cadetship which grows Māori leaders.
“Poipoia te kākano kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom”
The programme, Whakapuāwai, is grounded in a kaupapa Māori approach to process, content and delivery and has the goal to equip Māori staff to move up the career ladder at Dempsey Wood.
Whakapuāwai roughly translates to English as “to cause to blossom, develop, flourish, prosper, thrive.”
The process includes mentoring, exploring whakapapa and identity as well as formal learning. Participants have the opportunity to gain the NZ Certificate in Team Leadership. It is guided by an advisory group at Dempsey Wood to ensure the direction and integrity of the programme. Upskills facilitators are co-delivering the project along with kaumatua, Isaac Rakena. We’re all excited about where this journey will take us.
Here are a few of the comments and feedback we received at the Whakapuāwai launch and first day:
“I liked learning about the Tetramap tool – types of people, who we are and how we like to communicate/interact.”
“I’m confident to speak up more. This course makes me want to learn more about my roots.”
“It’s making me really think about things.”
“I can’t wait for the next session, bring it on!”
“I’ll take this kaupapa (growth mindset) back to my kids.”
If you are an employer who is keen to develop the careers of promising Māori employees in your business, Get in touch with our team on 09 622 3979 to discuss how Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships could benefit your organisation.
Read more about
- Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships
- He Muka Tangata (our public Māori leadership course)
- Our work with Dempsey Wood
- Tetramap
