Womad festival in New Plymouth featured mau rākau workshops

Womad festival attendees in New Plymouth participated in mau rākau workshops, an ancient Māori martial art. The workshops aimed to help youth connect with their cultural identity and manage emotions through traditional games and drills. Kyle Ratapu, a cultural support worker, led the sessions. He uses mau rākau as a counseling tool for young people, focusing on mental well-being and emotional resilience. The workshops were held at Te Paepae, the festival's cultural center, and involved groups of 20 participants engaging with the traditional Māori weapon.