Member Spotlight - Tararua Rural Education Activities Program (Tararua REAP)

Communications Officer • October 30, 2023

Welcome back to another edition of our Community Networks Aotearoa Member Spotlight!

In this blog, we’re highlighting Tararua Rural Education Activities Program (Tararua REAP), who make a real difference in the rural community by delivering and supporting all sectors of education including early childhood, schools, youth, tertiary and adult education. Let’s take a look at Tararua REAP’s history, people, mission and mahi. 


Where It All Started 

Tararua REAP was formed in 1982 (initially under the name of Southern Hawkes Bay REAP). Tararua REAP Incorporated is one of thirteen REAPs established in the late 1970s, and is a “First Stop Education Shop” which provides educational services. The purpose of REAPs is to advance community development through quality, lifelong education initiatives in rural Aotearoa. 



REAPs in Aotearoa are part of a unique system – no other country in the world provides a system specifically to support rural and provincial communities to fill lifelong gaps in learning.  Tararua REAP operates within the Tararua area from Woodville in the south to Norsewood in the north, and from the ranges in the west to the coast in the east. 


A Brief Deep Dive into Tararua History 

The Tararua area is renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges, from where views extend both to the South Island and as far north as Taranaki. 

Early Māori called the district of Tararua – Te Tapere nui o Whatonga (or the great foodbasket of Whatonga). The first written description of Tararua was by Joseph Banks in 1769, when he viewed it from off Cape Turnagain. He wrote “the country appeared pleasant, with low, smooth hills like downs”. However, scientists and naturalists later described inland Tararua as a North Island hotspot of biodiversity of both flora and fauna in a podocarp rainforest ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. 


The dense bush had been home to several varieties of moa, abundant kiwi, kākāpō, Kererū, weka and many other “Children of Tāne”, including the huia, the most royal of all Tāne’s children.


Tararua Today 

Today, the Tararua community views itself as a practical, down to earth rural-based community where small-town values are celebrated. The locals appreciate and enjoy the outdoors and are proud of the beautiful natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities available in the area. 

Sheep, cattle and dairy farming is the backbone of the local economy with several large industries providing employment. Geographically, the Tararua District is characterised by a relatively small population spread over many towns and settlements. In recent years, this spread and the resulting lack of economies of scale has created challenges to maintain and keep local services and infrastructure standards. 


Tararua REAP’s Mahi 

Tararua REAP offer a range of services for folks in the community, including; 


Education

Preschool: Tararua REAP’s Early Childhood service encourages rural families to access early childhood education for their children. They work alongside Play Centres, Kindergartens, Playgroups, Kōhanga Reo, and Childcare centres. 

Youth: Tararua REAP works in Primary and Secondary mainstream schools, as well as Kura Kaupapa Māori to collaborate with educators, students and whānau for the purpose of creating lifelong learning success. 

Adult and Community Education: Tararua REAP facilitate lifelong learning through a wide variety of training, workshops and courses.  They listen to the needs of the community and encourage and support learning processes to engage adult learners. 


Whānau Support 

If you're a parent yourself, you'll understand that parenthood, while undeniably one of the most rewarding journeys, isn't always a walk in the park. It comes with its unique set of challenges and uncertainties. At Tararua REAP, they recognize the diverse needs of whānau and the intricacies of parenting, which is why they have dedicated support services available to the community. 

Employment Support 

Tararua REAP provide training, job placement and ongoing support to create a streamlined approach for employers and job seekers in the community. 


Budget Services 

Tararua REAP have dedicated financial mentors that offer free, confidential, guidance and support for anyone wanting to improve their financial situation. 

We extend our gratitude to Tararua REAP for their epic mahi, and for being a valued member of Community Networks Aotearoa. The work they do is a shining example of how a community-focused organization can make a significant and positive impact on the lives of those they serve. 


Connect with Tararua REAP 

Up Next: Member Spotlight: Welcome to The Te Puke Hub! 


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