Takatāpui mokopapa development

This project strengthens suicide prevention for Takatāpui and Māori communities by creating culturally grounded wānanga that reconnect people with identity, whakapapa, and supportive community networks.

Takatāpui Mokopapa Development – East Coast wānanga is a community-led wellbeing initiative supporting Takatāpui and Māori communities through a series of culturally grounded wānanga beginning in Te Tairāwhiti and expanding to other regions across Aotearoa.

The project builds on the completed short documentary TAKAPAPA, which documents the journey of a Takatāpui tangata receiving pūhoro and explores the relationship between gender identity, whakapapa, and tā moko. The film has created a platform for wider community dialogue and celebration of Takatāpui identity.

Following the documentary, this project focuses on bringing those conversations into communities through wānanga where Takatāpui, whānau, and community members can explore identity, tikanga, and moko traditions together through kōrero and whakawhanaungatanga.

The project will engage over 200 participants through in-person wānanga while continuing to expand the storytelling platform through the development of a TAKAPAPA docuseries currently in early development for pitching.

By strengthening identity, belonging, and supportive relationships, the kaupapa builds protective factors that support mental wellbeing and contribute to suicide prevention within Takatāpui and Māori communities.