MAC Hui ā Tau 2026
Te Kāhui oTaranaki
18 - 21 Oketopa
He Tono
An invitation to attend
Nau mai, haere mai ki te wānanga whakahirahira o te tau 2026.
Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kāhui o Taranaki.
Te Kāhui o Taranaki calls you to attend this unique wānanga. Engage in experiences firmly grounded in mātauranga Māori, whakapapa, and the enduring spirit of the people of Taranaki.
Four powerful days of wānanga. Deep learning, movement, kōrero, whanaungatanga and hauora. A Hui ā Tau that brings together tumuaki, kaiako, and leaders from across the motu to reflect, learn, and look to the future. Through experiential learning and immersive cultural experiences, we will explore the past, confront the present, and shape the future for ākonga Māori and for all.
“He Piharau Manawanui”
The kaupapa of our 2026 Hui ā Tau this year symbolises determination, resilience, and endurance, reflecting the incredible journey of the piharau as it swims across moana and upriver against powerful odds. It speaks strongly to the leadership journeys many of our tumuaki, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities continue to navigate today.
Ngā Haerenga
Many Journeys
This year sees a continuation of the MAC wānanga of the early days. A living, breathing wānanga carried by those in attendance and maunga, moana and tangata whenua of Taranaki. Leaving behind the static conference experience of the past.
We will visit sites of immense historical and cultural significance: Parihaka Pā, Te Hono (Airport) Mātairangi (Outlook at the Airport), Puke Ariki, Ngāmotu, Te Whare Hononga, Taranaki Maunga (Sentinel of Taranaki) and more.
From hīkoi ā maunga and guided pūrakau, to waka journeys on the moana and pā visits, participants will traverse in the footsteps of tūpuna, led by local haukāinga and storytellers of the land.
Te Raukura
He puawai au nō runga i te tikanga
He rau rengarenga nō roto i te Raukura
Ko taku Raukura rā, he manawanui ki te ao
I am the fruition of our righteous procedure
A healing herb from this sacred emblem the Raukura
My sacred emblem is an assurance to the world
Nā Te Whiti o Rongomai me Tohu Kakahi
This kōrero comes from the prophets of Parihaka Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi that grasps a hold of the Raukura, sacred symbol of peace, feather from the Toroa (Albatross) that stands for;
He honore he kororia ki te Atua i runga (Glory to God on high)
Maungarongo ki runga ki te whenau (Peace on earth)
Whakaaro pai ki ngā tangata katoa (Goodwill to all people)
This formed the basis upon which Te Maungarongo, active resistance, of our people in Taranaki and speaks to transformational change that enabled our people to rise from the depths of despair. The ransacking of Parihaka (05 Nov 1881) has been described as the most shameful act of the Crown in Aotearoa’s history. Even with all the challenges faced by Taranaki people our MANAWA PIHARAU enabled us to rise above and look forward to a brighter future.
Ngā Rā: 18 - 21 Oketopa 2026
He Rohe: Ngāmotu, Taranaki
Registration Fees include:
Attendance at Hui ā Tau activities and kōrero
Name Badge
Morning teas and lunches
Transport to and from experiences
Attendance at the pōwhiri Sunday 18 October
Attendance at whanaungatanga function on Monday 19 October
This wānanga is for tumuaki, senior leadership, kaiako and Board of Trustees – we welcome all of your kura kaimahi/whānau to join us on this one of a kind experiential wānanga. Knowledge shared is better than knowledge kept.
Use discount code “INVOICE” to pay via invoice.
Important: You must complete the check out process via the ‘KETE’ (top right corner of website), to complete your registration. If you do not receive an Order Confirmation email directly after your registration has not been received, please check your Junk mail and email us on kiaora@tearahou.co.nz should you have pātai.
Hoko Mai - Join Us!
Te Rā: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Te Wā: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Location: Plymouth International
Join us for an enjoyable evening of whanaungatanga at our MAC Kai Hākari - Conference Dinner on Tuesday evening. This is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, network, and share in great food and entertainment with fellow tumuaki and leaders from around the motu.
Your Kai Hākari registration includes an entrée, main course, dessert, and drink tickets, with music provided by a local DJ. You are welcome to bring a friend, just ensure they purchase a ticket.
Ngā Mahi Whakahirahira
Highlights
Hīkoi ā Taranaki Maunga
Stand in the presence of Taranaki Maunga, guided and reflective hikoi and visits with purakau by descendants of Taranaki Maunga.Historic Sites, Parihaka Pā
Travel to the heartlands of resistance and resilience. Hear the stories of tupuna o Taranaki Maunga, those who stood to protect their whenua and people.Key Note, Dr Ruakere Hond (Te Atiawa,Taranaki):
We are honoured to welcome Dr Ruakere Hond, a respected leader in te reo Māori revitalisation and kaupapa Māori education, as a keynote speaker for our MAC Hui ā Tau.
Waka Ama and Surfing:
Optional hauora activities on the Taranaki moana
MAC Kai Hākari, Conference Dinner:
Share kai, kōrero, and connection with leaders from across the motu. Good food, good people, good music.
Te Rā Whakamutunga
Final Day Sustaining the MAC Kaupapa
As the end of 2026 draws near, we reflect on the survival and strength of the people of Taranaki and how we can apply this resilience to our leadership and kura.
Te Arahou o Aotearoa Tumu Whakarae (National Director), Leanne Otene, will lead a powerful morning of kōrero, panel discussion with local iwi and council leaders and tumuaki, and collective visioning while making connections to the learnings from throughout the hui. We will think critically about our kura and our kaupapa.
Ngā Pātai
FAQ
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Our day will commence at 4:30pm on Sunday 18 October and we will be finished by 1:15pm on the Wednesday 21 October.
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Our Taranaki Hui ā Tau will be held in New Plymouth (Ngāmotu).
The conference base for the week will be Plymouth International, which will serve as the departure point for buses on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. It will also host our Kai Hākari (Conference Dinner) and Wednesday Wānanga day.
Plymouth International hotel 220 Courtenay Street
New Plymouth 4312
Taranaki -
This four day wānanga is a complete experience, therefore we will not be offering single day registrations.
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Āe, please book your accommodation as soon as possible.
Plymouth International, Novotel and The Devon are our preferred accommodation and are offering special rates for guests attending our MAC Hui a Tau 2026.
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We encourage you to bring members of your staff, BoT, and wider school whānau, knowledge shared is better than knowledge kept.
Please note this Hui ā Tau has limited spaces available, so we encourage early registration to secure your place.
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Kāo, our conference dinner on the evening of Tuesday 20 October is a separate cost from your registration this year.
We have kept this cost low for you. At $120pp your Hārari Kai registration includes an entrée, main course, dessert, and drink tickets, with music provided by a local DJ. You are welcome to bring a friend, just ensure they purchase a ticket.
You may register HERE