Welcome to our temporary online home as we build our new website. In the interests of transparency, our Trust patron is Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, and our Trustees are Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i. Selau Ifopo, Lopeti Sumner, Janyne Morrison and Puamiria Parata-Goodall.
Our charitable trust's purpose is to support culture, traditional and contemporary arts and encourage new forms of arts, culture and engagement. We are committed to uplifting and supporting Māori, Pasifika and other indigenous communities so they feel proud and they belong.
We’re passionate about assisting Māori, Pasifika and other indigenous communities tell their stories as language holders, kaitiaki, entrepreneurs and healers. Finally, we support equity in Aotearoa and abroad through wayfinding programmes.
Wayfinding for Life:
A suicide prevention programme
Empowering Māori and Pasifika Rangatahi through Waka Hourua and Mental Health Support
Welcome to Wayfinding for Life
Wayfinding for Life is an innovative programme dedicated to addressing the alarming rates of suicide and mental health challenges among Māori and Pasifika youth in New Zealand. Rooted in traditional Polynesian navigation, we empower rangatahi (youth) aged 10-18 to build resilience, mental health awareness, and coping strategies through experiential learning and cultural engagement.
Our Mission
At Wayfinding for Life, our mission is to reduce suicide rates among Māori and Pasifika rangatahi by equipping them with the tools and support they need to navigate life's challenges. We do this by combining the wisdom of traditional navigation with contemporary mental health practices.
Key Highlights
Cultural Foundation: Our programme is grounded in the rich cultural heritage of traditional Polynesian navigation, led by ocean voyager Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i and guided by renowned navigator Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr.
Targeted Support: We specifically focus on Māori and Pasifika youth, who are among the most vulnerable groups in New Zealand when it comes to mental health challenges.
Proven Impact: Since 2020, we've reached over 1,300 rangatahi across Waikato and Canterbury, with significant improvements in cultural identity, social cohesion, and mental health awareness.
Our Team
Leadership: Our programme is led by Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i, under the mentorship of Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr. Together, they bring decades of experience in voyaging and cultural education.
Facilitators: Our team of facilitators are certified LifeKeepers and have Māori and/or Pasifika whakapapa. They are trained in voyaging and mental health support, and they bring a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which our rangatahi live.
Governance: The Flying Geese Trust oversees the programme, ensuring it remains true to its cultural and educational goals. Our governance board includes experts in cultural strategy, community engagement, and leadership.
Our Values
Honour: We honour who our rangatahi are and their ancestors by bringing our best selves to each workshop, centering their culture and mātauranga (knowledge).
Commitment to Te Tiriti: We take our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi seriously, recognizing the trauma of colonization and working to alleviate its effects through culturally grounded education.
Our Partners
Current partnerships include Ministry of Education Pacific Innovation Fund 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and Te Toki Voyaging Trust, which is the owner of the waka hourua used by Trust Flying Geese. Lyttelton Port Company is another partner, which provides a teaching venue at Te Ana Marina. Other partners include Te Waka Pounamu Waka Ama Club, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Wheke, Aoraki Voyaging Trust, Rangatahi Tūmeke (Southland) and Hauteruruku Trust (Karitane). Flying Geese is also a member of the Pasifika Medical Association. Previous funding partners have included Te Au (& Te Rau Ora) with the Māori Suicide Prevention Community Fund 2020-2021.
The Programme
Programme Overview
Wayfinding for Life is an 8-week programme designed to empower Māori and Pasifika rangatahi. Through sailing experiences on waka hourua, in-school activities, and community engagement, we help youth develop practical coping strategies, build resilience, and foster a strong sense of cultural identity.
Delivered with a Māori and Pasifika lens, our students felt more confident with who they are, where they are from, and how they can navigate their way through life as strong Pasifika / Māori young women in a Western world.
Teacher testimonial
It might be hard for some boys in New Zealand to, like, be who they are if they’re born different or feminine or anything like that. So maybe this can help them to just think more kindly about themselves and not to worry about others.
Rangatahi testimonial
Programme Structure
Weeks 1-4: Experiential Learning on Waka Hourua
Hands-on learning of traditional navigation, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Week 5: Mapping Personal Journeys
In-school activities, including creating Mihi Maps and emotional check-ins.
Week 6: Developing Coping Strategies
Workshops focused on resilience, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
Weeks 7-8: Application and Reflection
Simulation activities and reflective sessions to solidify learning.
Ongoing: Community and Parent Engagement
Workshops for parents and community members to support the programme's objectives.
Outcomes
* Increased mental health awareness.
* Supportive and inclusive school environments.
* Practical coping strategies inspired by traditional navigation.
* Positive experiences and cultural connections through waka hourua sailing.
Support Us - Join Our Mission
Wayfinding for Life is more than just a programme—it's a movement to empower a generation of Māori and Pasifika youth. We invite you to join us in this vital work by supporting our mission.
How You Can Help
Donate
Your contributions directly support our ability to reach more rangatahi and develop crucial resources like the Wayfinding for Life App.
Partner With Us
We're seeking partners who share our vision for empowering youth through cultural education and mental health support.
Volunteer
Get involved by volunteering your time or expertise to help us expand our reach and impact.
