Tū manawa ora, tū manawa toa

This article reports research that set out to investigate men’s experiences at taiaha wānanga in Waitaha/ Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand, and whether those experiences helped to shape tāne Māori identity. There is a gap in our existing understanding of men’s experiences in this kaupapa, providing a unique opportunity to learn how mau taiaha has shaped participants’ lives. The strongest themes identified within the data include cultural disconnection and the search for tāne Māori identity, along with the role of taiaha wānanga in male identity construction. An ongoing challenge of intergenerational loss of identity also represents the potential for a never-ending cycle of loss and reconnection. Taiaha wānanga are one avenue where tāne Māori identity is being restored. The connection between strengthening cultural identities and Māori health outcomes suggests that kaupapa Māori activities, such as mau taiaha, have the potential to improve men’s lives through stronger connection to te ao Māori.