The Wai Puna water safety framework developed and explained by Dr Chanel Phillips, is a framework that interweaves core concepts of whakapapa, mātauranga and tikanga, and are essential components in understanding and establishing beliefs and attitudes towards wai (Phillips: 2018, p13).
From the beginning of time, Māori have been intimately connected to wai (water). As such, and more specifically in relation to the development of resources for Kura Kaupapa it is important to ensure, that the interconnectedness of whakapapa, mātauranga (ā-iwi) and tikanga (ā-iwi) reflect how resources are developed and or reversioned.
By placing a Te Aho Matua lens over the Wai Puna framework ensures the development and delivery of a learning programme that clearly exposes and provides a platform for appropriate observation, investigation, questioning and understanding of the physical world that impacts tamariki in many different ways.
Learning objectives should include the three ripples of Wai Puna: Whakapapa, Mātauranga and Tikanga which will develop a strengthened connection with wai for our tamariki.
Tamariki will have or develop an understanding of the relationships between themselves, their whānau and their ancestral beginnings. They will understand the link between their ancestors' journey and their current whenua and identity and understand the place wai has in this journey.
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Tamariki will have or develop an understanding of Māori culture and knowledge and the language including local knowledge, folklore, places and stories as they relate to wai.
Tamariki will have or develop an understanding of cultural practices around water safety, local conditions and hazards across various water based activities and environments and integrate these with best practice water safety behaviour.
