Healthy Families Rotorua leveraged its network to help ensure the triumphant execution of this year’s Te Arawa Kaumātua Olympics, drawing on the collective power of community support.
Lead systems innovator, Pirihira Whata, says when the call came out from kaumātua group Oranga Tinana o Ue leader, Dr Laurie Morrison, for volunteers for the Kaumātua Olympics, the team was keen to take the lead.
“Oranga Tinana o Ue does an amazing job putting this event together with a small team and limited resources. Māori thrive on social interactions and relationships, and events like this contribute to their overall sense of belonging and emotional well-being,” she says.
“However, delivering a big event like this takes a lot of work. We knew we needed to back them up because it’s too much for a small kaumātua rōpu to be doing alone,” says Pirihira.
At least 50 adult volunteers are required to smoothly manage the Te Arawa Kaumātua Olympics. Healthy Families Rotorua collaborated with Te Arawa Whānau Ora and reached out to organisations within its eco-system to support the event. Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao, Maketū Health & Social Services, Poutiri Wellness Centre, Manaaki Ora Trust, and Korowai Aroha put up their hands.
Over 320 kaumātua took part in the event, along with over 100 rangatahi from local kura, and volunteers. Volunteers were responsible for the delivery of equipment and game set-up and pack-down, two were allocated to each kaumātua team as support people, and score-taking.
Pirihira says she felt privileged to be part of the Te Arawa Kaumātua Olympics.
“While at times our volunteers were challenged, they enjoyed seeing our kaumātua having so much fun. A few I spoke to had sore jaws from laughing so much. Age hasn’t dulled their competitiveness either, and they were keen to give their cousins a run for those trophies.
“Supporting events like the Kaumātua Olympics is vital for promoting their well-being, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community for people of all ages. It was one of the best kaupapa I’ve been part of, and I thank Oranga Tinana o Ue for allowing us to be involved,” she says.
Organiser of the Te Arawa Kaumātua Olympics, Dr Laurie Morrison, says the event promotes inclusiveness, togetherness, resilience, and competitiveness. She thanked Healthy Families Rotorua and Te Arawa Whānau Ora for recruiting the volunteers and leading this integral part of the event.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these organisations and all the volunteers whose support helped make this year’s Kaumātua Olympics a resounding success. Their dedication and commitment have not only brought joy to our kaumātua but have also strengthened the bonds within our community.
“Thank you for your invaluable contribution in honouring and uplifting our kaumātua,” she says.
