Manawataki: Cadence of Youth—A creative showcase
Inspired by his mother’s work supporting Māori grief in palliative care and community projects, the Psychology and Māori Resource Management student says the purpose of Manawataki–Cadence of Youth is to increase the discourse around the kaupapa of loss, grief, and compassion.
“We want to let rangatahi know that they are not alone in these challenging experiences and give them a place to share” Fin says.
The showcase has been built through collaboration and passion inside and outside Victoria University of Wellington. Manawataki–Cadence of Youth has received support from The SaySo project, VUWSA, Mary Potter Hospice, the National Library and Unicef. The performers are both alumni and current students.
“The project has been a hugely colloborative process and I have to give credit to the whole working group and organisations who have made this possible,” Fin says. The working group includes alumni Callum Turnbull and Kii Small, who are Salient team members and facilitate the SaySo project, a social media and podcast based platform that encourages talking about mental health.
The timing of the inaugural event with the end of Matariki is no coincidence. “Matariki has traditionally been a time for reflecting, remembering, and celebrating those that have passed, and for welcoming the new year. Knowing this, it seemed to be the perfect time to address the kaupapa of loss, grief, and compassion,” Fin explains.
Fin and Vanessa Eldridge from the Mary Potter Hospice have been invited to speak about Manawataki–Cadence of Youth at the Sixth Public Health Palliative Care International Conference in Australia this October. “I have the opportunity to provide a youth voice and present our event and research on an international stage,” Fin says.