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Regional | Tainui

Troubled youth revisit cultural roots

South Auckland youth are embarking on a spiritual journey across the Waikato river. This initiative is part of the Raukura Hauora Drug and Alcohol youth programme, called Te Oho Ake, which aims to help youth revisit their cultural roots.

The three-day journey starts at the former residence of the third Māori King, Mahuta, at Hukanui-a-muri marae near Huntly.  Te Oho Ake is about awakening the youngsters to stop drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

“This is my first time back in Waikato at one of my marae's for a noho, and this is my first noho and so far it's been really really good learning about the history, the tūpunas,” said youth Zion Tapsell.

Mānia Clarke has more on this story on Te Kāea 5:30pm, Māori Television.