Kaikōura is well known for its amazing scenery, dolphins and Whale Watch, Nin’s Bin (the kōura/crayfish caravan on the side of the coastal road) and as a halfway stop on the road trip from Ōtautahi to Picton. Now there is another reason to take note of this small South Island east coast community. Te Hā o Mātauranga, Learning in Kaikōura is designed to foster and encourage learning in the Kaikōura community. Their stated dream is to create a “goto” place for Kaikōura residents who want to learn. A place that will promote opportunities, promote conversation around education, and allow space for families to explore together how best to support their aspirations. Te Hā o Mātauranga started in March 2017. Sarah Beardmore, Te Hā o Mātauranga Education Coordinator, was instrumental in getting operations off the ground.
She was working as a community facilitator within Kaikōura District Council, funded by the Community Response Fund that was managed by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). “Through my work it became quite clear that there was a need for a community learning hub and so we applied for funding from the J R McKenzie Trust to help us get the concept off the ground. The trust was amazing and has been a true supporter. Initially they employed me for three months to scope out the concept of a hub. Then in the middle of our mahi, the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake struck and everything went on hold until 2017. At that point the Trust gave us $100,000 for a three-year trial project. They also provided significant mentorship and support and encouraged us to think about what our community really needed.” The operations of Te Hā o Mātauranga are based around two core values: Strength and Transparency.
Sarah says that these two values underpin all conversations and work, and Te Hā o Mātauranga deliberately focusses on these two principles.
“Whoever walks through our door is a taonga and they bring their mana with them. They bring richness with them and we enable them to explore and understand that richness. We are not helpers, but we are supporters and enablers who see people as sources of strength. Often learners or volunteers who come to us end up being part of our mahi.”
Since 2020, Te Hā o Mātauranga has more than doubled the number of people it connects with, from 950 to nearly 2,500.
One of the key areas of learning support has been the provision of driver learner licence training which is funded through MSD and the Kaikōura Mayor’s Task Force.
“Gaining a drivers licence is an important achievement for people and often leads to the next step of employment,” says Sarah.
Te Hā o Mātauranga also has a partnership with the Marlborough REAP and they provide a range of short courses through the partnership, including fermenting, first aid and woodwork.
“Our woodwork tutor came to us and volunteered his time and now he’s running a six-week course for 10 learners. The course was oversubscribed and we already have a waiting list for the next one. People in Kaikōura want to learn new skills and we are delighted that Te Hā o Mātauranga can meet that need.”
The woodwork courses are run out of the Kaikōura community shed, which is like MENZSHED, and is also part of the Te Hā o Mātauranga operations.
In addition, Te Hā o Mātauranga has several learners enrolled with Te Kura (Correspondence School) and supports them in their studies. As well as completing distance learning, the students get practical experience that builds great skills for potential next steps for potential next steps. Kara is one of those students and while completing her studies she also assists with the Kaikōura Youth Council and writes the fortnightly newsletter.
Sarah says Te Hā o Mātauranga has been very successful and is continuing to grow its course offering and partnerships. “We have become a core part of our local community and the growth in the number of our connections is a testament to the work of our volunteers, learners, staff and tutors.”