Karanga Maha
Karanga Maha – community hui for whānau hauā / tāngata whaikaha Māori
Karanga Maha (meaning ‘Many Voices’) are a series of grassroots hui for whānau hauā and tāngata whaikaha Māori, driven by local steering groups with support from CCS Disability Action. These hui are a safe space to share aspirations, stories and experiences, and to connect with others through kaupapa Māori.
Content on this page
[ccs-a1] What is Karanga Maha?
[ccs-a1] Where do Karanga Maha groups run?
[ccs-a1] Who can come to a Karanga Maha hui?
[ccs-a1] Register for a Karanga Maha rōpū
[ccs-a1] Stories from Karanga Maha hui
[ccs-a1] Stay connected and upcoming events
What is Karanga Maha?
Karanga Maha hui are community gatherings held on accessible marae and in local venues so whānau hauā and tāngata whaikaha Māori can be heard. They are a vehicle for people to speak, advocate for themselves and share the things that others may not have listened to in the past.
At Karanga Maha you can:
Share your stories, dreams and needs
Talk about what is working well and what needs to change in disability services and supports, or more broadly in your life and community
Learn about tikanga Māori, te ao Māori and disability supports in your area
Connect with other whānau, support people and community organisations
Karanga Maha:
Includes people with all types of disability
Makes space for tamariki, rangatahi and pakeke
Encourages people to use and share their own language or way of communicating
Helps build confidence by giving everyone a chance to participate and be listened to
Our hui often include:
Guest speakers and workshops
Waiata and music
Opportunities to learn about tikanga and other Māori practices
Shared kai in a relaxed, welcoming environment
You can read about recent Karanga Maha hui on our news and events page.
Hear directly from whānau about what Karanga Maha means to them – a safe kaupapa Māori space where whānau hauā Māori can speak, be listened to, build confidence and learn more about te ao Māori.
“He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
“What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people.”
Where do Karanga Maha groups run?
We currently have Karanga Maha rōpū in:
Te Tai Tokerau
Auckland
Waikato
Taranaki
Wellington
Christchurch
CCS Disability Action has branches across Aotearoa and we are working to build more Karanga Maha connections in new communities. If you live outside these areas, we would still love to hear from you.
Who can come to a Karanga Maha hui?
All people and their supporters are welcome. You do not need to:
Be currently supported by CCS Disability Action
Receive disability support or funding from us
Be linked to a particular agency or service
Karanga Maha is especially for whānau hauā and tāngata whaikaha Māori, including tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. Support people, kaimahi from other services and community members are also welcome.
People tell us Karanga Maha has helped them to feel stronger in who they are as Māori, to build confidence and to use their gifts and talents.
Register for a Karanga Maha rōpū
Register for an upcoming hui or express your interest using the form below.
If you would like to connect with a Karanga Maha rōpū near you, or talk about starting hui in your community, please contact:
Recenia Kākā
National Māori Development Coordinator
CCS Disability Action, National Office
Stories from Karanga Maha hui
Karanga Maha hui are shaped by the voices of the people who attend. Whānau tell us that these gatherings help them feel safe, welcomed and more confident.
Rangatahi talk about being able to speak, be listened to and see their ideas followed up, which helps them become strong, confident young Māori leaders. Turi | Deaf participants have also shared how important it is to use New Zealand Sign Language and to learn more about te ao Māori in the same space.
You can read stories and updates from Karanga Maha around the motu on our news and events page.
Stay connected and upcoming events
To hear about new Karanga Maha hui and other events for whānau hauā / tāngata whaikaha Māori:
Check this page for upcoming hui – these will be added to the registration form
Visit our news page for local stories and updates
Like and follow CCS Disability Action on Facebook for event posts and videos
If you have questions about Karanga Maha, want to know if there is a hui near you, or would like information you can share with your whānau or community, please contact Recenia Kākā: