Hawaiki Nui Project: A journey of ancestral reconnection

The Hawaiki Nui Project is an Indigenous cultural exchange initiative connecting Māori in Aotearoa with Indigenous communities in Taiwan through shared ancestry, cultural learning and reciprocal relationships.

The project began from a recognition of the deep connections between Māori and Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples. Although separated by thousands of kilometres, these communities share elements of language, traditions, artistic practices, relationships with land and water, respect for elders, and stories connected to the wider Austronesian journey across the Pacific.

For the young people involved, Hawaiki Nui offered more than an opportunity to travel. It created a space to explore who they are, understand where they come from and experience their culture as part of a wider Indigenous story. By learning alongside elders and meeting young people from another culture, participants developed pride in their heritage and a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

For Wellbeing Charitable Trust, the project reflects an understanding that wellbeing is strengthened through culture, connection and community. When young people know their stories, feel proud of their identity and recognise that they belong to something larger than themselves, they are better supported to grow with confidence.

The wider vision of Hawaiki Nui is to continue building relationships among Indigenous peoples across Aotearoa, Taiwan and the Pacific—honouring ancestral connections while creating new pathways for friendship, learning and collaboration between future generations.