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Sparklers at Home activities

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (21-27 September), our friends at Sparklers at Home are creating a workbook (Tuputupu) for that will also work across Māori Language Week (14-20 September).  

Tuputupu focuses on growing kumara and the history of kumara in New Zealand and the Pacific. It's informed by Te Whare Tapa Whā and highlights the many wellbeing benefits that can come from the simple act of planting, nurturing and sharing kumara. 

Tuputupu includes a step-by-step guide to growing kumara, and includes information on preparing the soil, growing kumara tipu, planting, harvesting and cooking. As well as being full of fun wellbeing activities for tamariki, the workbook also has Te Wiki o te Reo Māori focused activities. Tamariki can do the activities at their own pace, either at home with whānau or in the classroom. 

Click here to check out the Tuputupu Sparklers at Home workbook!

Manaaki Monday

RĀHINA | MONDAY

Start the week off with an act of kindness. On the first day of MHAW, take some time out of your day to help someone in a small but meaningful way. Even one simple thing, like carrying groceries or holding a door open for a stranger, can create a chain reaction of kindness that uplifts the whole community.

Ideas for how you can help someone today:

Tautoko Tuesday

RĀTŪ | TUESDAY

It’s no secret that the pandemic, rising costs and extreme weather events have made things tough for our local businesses and organisations over the past few years. Today, we encourage you to tautoko/support an independent merchant or community organisation. Why not purchase a small gift for a friend from a local creator, or post about an awesome business or community group on social media? A little tautoko can go a long way in difficult times.

To support a small neighbourhood business or community organisation today, you could:

Whānau Wednesday

RĀAPA | WEDNESDAY

We’ve made it to the middle of the week!

Feeling connected to others is strongly associated with better wellbeing, because it gives us a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Give yourself — and your loved ones — a mid-week boost, by reaching out to a friend or whānau member you would like to catch up with.

You could connect with the important people in your life today, by:

Tūhono Thursday

RĀPARE | THURSDAY

As we move closer to the weekend, find some time in your day to connect with someone in your community that you don’t usually talk to. Introduce yourself to a neighbour, a parent at your child’s school, or someone at your local café . Building relationships with people who live in your community can create a supportive network, right at your doorstep. 

To get to know someone new in your community today, you could:

Whakawhetai Friday

RĀMERE | FRIDAY

What better way to finish off the week, than by saying thank you to someone in your community? Spread some good vibes by showing your gratitude today  it could be to the courier driver, to a local volunteer, or to a workmate or neighbour…anyone who helps make your community what it is. 

You could express gratitude to those in your community today, by: