He Taonga Māori
SpinPoi’s goal in working with poi is to improve hauora (physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing) and spread the word about poi’s positive health benefits. We work alongside tangata whenua (people of the land) and the community with cultural responsiveness acknowledging poi as ngā taonga Māori (Māori treasure). We are a fierce opponent of colonialism and the suppression of minorities
We recognize that there are many aspects of poi Māori that cannot be understood or learned in any way other than through lived experience/the passing down of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). Our goal in working with poi is not to teach these aspects, but rather to work with poi as a tool to improve hauora. We believe improving wellbeing for Māori and non-Māori, especially as we age, is of utmost importance. And although the focus of our mahi (work) is working with poi to improve health, we hope SpinPoi can also provide a space for people of all backgrounds and cultures to learn about and respectfully engage with part of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world).
If you would like to kōrero (speak) further about SpinPoi’s engagement with this precious taonga, please do not hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]. Mā te rere a te poi, ka tau ai, te mauri ki roto i a tātou (may the flow of the poi generate positive energy within us).