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January 29, 2025
Tai Hauāuru wāhine fundraise with 130km tūpuna hīkoi
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On January 29, 2025
Two Whanganui-Taranaki wāhine are embarking on a 130km fundraiser hīkoi from Taranaki to Turakina for the Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development Conference in New Mexico.
Jasmine Sampson (Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa) and Kayla Manuirirangi (Ngāruahine, Ngāti Tū), both 27, will retrace the footsteps of their tūpuna, walking between Waiokura Marae in Taranaki and Tini Waitara Marae in Turakina on March 21.
The pair will be followed by a support campervan and will carry water, electrolytes, and gel snacks.
Whānau will join them for sections of the walk, and they welcome anyone who might want to walk part of the way.
The duo, both pursuing postgraduate academic research, say the journey symbolizes their commitment to healing and empowering their iwi.
Manuirirangi will present her master’s research on youth in transitional housing, while Sampson’s research focuses on reconnecting with iwi migration stories.
The pair hope to raise funds for flights and conference fees.
Donations can be made via their Givealittle page or Instagram at highway3_to_albuquerque.
The Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development RIEL 2025 Conference will take place from April 28 to May 2.
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