Finding strength in the spotlight

Mana Mōtuhake participants step up for Matariki performance

Seven young men in the Mana Mōtuhake programme stood a little taller this Matariki, delivering personal introductions and karakia in front of an audience of staff, childcare whānau, and more than 20 participants from the Centre’s Mana Wāhine programme.

The performance was part of a special Matariki celebration that mirrored the traditional Hautapu ceremony, complete with karakia for each of the nine stars, a waiata from Mana Wāhine, and a shared hāngī to close.

Programme facilitator TJ Fermanis said the event was a milestone moment in the group’s confidence journey.

“Every pou session, the boys had to introduce themselves for a full minute, just stand up and say who they are,” he says.

“It sounds simple, but it’s not easy when you’re not used to being seen or heard

“That repetition builds confidence. They got better every time, and by the time Matariki came around, they were ready to speak proudly.”

The exercise ties into Mana Mōtuhake’s wider employment readiness focus.

“Anyone can have a great CV, AI can write that for you,” TJ says.

“But if you can’t speak to it, if you can’t talk about yourself with confidence, it doesn’t mean much.”

The event ended with a waiata and the ceremonial opening of the hāngī to “feed the stars”, in tribute to the Hautapu tradition.

This year’s performance also included the usual moment of silence to honour those who’ve passed.

Just as importantly, Tj says the takeaway for the young men wasn’t hard to miss. “These young men are learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s where the growth is.”