Mana Wahine Day 2019

We talked about the influence of alcohol and drugs in our life, and our ancestors and their knowledge of who we were meant to be. We talked about the accomplishment of women and the role that we play in our communities, and we celebrated a safe place to share our stories, to connect, and to be there for each other to heal, and grow. Inspired by the stories that they listened to, the women in attendance also shared their own stories. The corridors of Te Oro were full of conversations about women’s stories, struggles, achievements, and rights. We have a sense that a collective that can heal and dream has been created and we feel proud of it!

We thank all those wonderful groups and women who worked together to make this event happen. A special shout out to the students of Tamaki College who catered for the event and worked hard to create a special meal for our gathering. The catering was one of the key highlights of the event. The scones were to die for, and the lunch looked like it had arrived from a five-star hotel!

The Mana Wāhine women’s gathering on the 8th of March was a smashing success. The event was led and coordinated by the women from Koru Group. Overall the participants felt energized and enjoyed a safe place to connect and talk. We were delighted and touched, to see local groups coming out to help and support the event. The attendance surpassed all expectations, and we had a full house with around 110 women coming in to celebrate International Women’s Day with us.

On the day our beautiful venue Te Oro looked amazing and hosted some deep, meaningful conversations about being a woman, suffering, losing, winning, and above all creating a new life for our children and communities. Our speakers and panelists talked about raw experiences of overcoming violence and being in that difficult space of unhealthy relationships.