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Kia ora nga Tauira o nga hau e wha,
We are Te Roopu Whakakaha Tinana, commonly known as the Physical Education Maori Association (PEMA)

We are a student-led association and in our first year of establishment. Our main objective is to encourage the academic excellence of Maori Physical education students by increasing communication between students throughout the year levels. With an emphasis on Tikanga Maori, this association is guided by collective values about what it means to be a successful Maori in the School of Physical Education.
In our first semester, PEMA has set up an office, which also functions as our resource centre, with textbooks and information for students. PEMA has a team of trained Ka Rikarika a Tane mentors who work with the Maori centre, providing support for younger students. A regular paddling session for Waka ama has also been set up on Wednesday mornings.
Last weekend, a group of PEMA students performed Waiata and the ‘Ko Taku Mana’ Haka at the Maori pre-graduation ceremony, graduation luncheon, and the Wall of Fame induction ceremony.
PEMA also had a part in the Sciences Big Day Out, and provided Waka ama tuition for sciences alumni. Last week, PEMA aided in the School of Physical Education and the Maori centre open day tours for high school students.
During the rest of the semester, PEMA will continue with the progress we have made by holding a meet and greet hui, a kai moana excursion, be a part of some more science outreach schemes, and strengthen our whakawhanaungatanga within our roopu.
The Executive for 2010:
Krystle Mikaere –Co Tumuaki: Ngati Pukenga mai, Manaia and Tauranga. Studying: BPhEd. 
Renee Wikaire – Co Tumuaki: Ngapuhi and Ngati Whatua. Studying: BPhEd (Hons.) and BA (Maori)
Erina Bean – Kaituhi: Ngapuhi and Te Arawa. Studying: BPhEd and BCom (Marketing & Management). 
Taryn Slee – Kaitiaki Putea: Ngati Awa. Studying: BPhEd and BA (Maori). 
George Barsdell – Kaiwhakahaere Tau Tuawha: Whakatahea and Ngati Awa. Studying: BPhEd and BA (Maori). 
Kendall Stevenson – Kaiwhakahaere Tau Tuatoru: Ngati Awa. Studying: BPhEd and BCom (Marketing and Management). 
Chey Parlato – Kaiwhakahaere Tau Tuarua: Ngati Porou. Studying: BPhEd. 
Brandon Manuel – Kaiwhakahaere Tau Tuatahi: Ngati Porou. Studying: BPhEd.
If you are interested in any of the activities or would like further information, don’t hesitate to contact us at PEMA@otago.ac.nz, pop by the office, or add us as a friend on Facebook!
 
“Ko te iwi te wairua o te waka, ko te waka te wairua o te iwi”
“The people are the spirit of the canoe, the canoe is the spirit of the people”