While the New Zealand Certificate in Manaaki Marae (Level 3) has been taught at other locations in Northland Te Tai Tokerau, the course beginning in August will “bring it home” to Te Puna o Te Mātauranga marae.
Experienced tutor Sean Lynch will teach the cookery skills required to cater effectively for large numbers of people in a marae setting. Sean has previously been responsible for the popular weekly “Whare Kai” meals which were prepared, cooked and served by hospitality students and open to the local community, as well as to NorthTec students and staff.
Learners will be taught Tikanga, Te Reo and Mātauranga Māori as an integral part of the course, giving them the skills and knowledge to engage confidently in a marae setting. They will learn waiata and karakia as well as pōwhiri protocols.
The 19-week programme is fees-free and involves three days a week of study. It is open to people of all ages and abilities.
Lisette Buckle, NorthTec’s Pathway Manager for Hospitality, said the programme aims to help people to re-engage with their marae communities through cookery skills and knowledge of Māori protocols.
She said: “Delivering the Manaaki Marae course here at Te Puna o Te Mātauranga marae means that we can once again offer the “$5 Whare Kai Meals” which have proved so popular in the past. Keep an eye on the NorthTec Facebook page for dates for these meals, from August onwards.”
This article was originally published at northtec.ac.nz, view the article here: Marae programme gives food for thought