Pēpi Pack

Purpose

Established in 2015, the Pēpi Pack initiative was developed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as an approach to whānau ora and tamariki ora. The wahakura, which are lovingly made by a group of Ngāi Tahu weavers, are designed to encourage safe sleeping for new-borns.

The packs are a way to connect pēpi with Ngāi Tahu from birth and help them to grow a strong cultural connection to our iwi – Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri a muri ake nei.

General Criteria

Pre-Registration:

Pēpi packs are available to expectant parents, before the pēpi is born.

To receive a Pēpi Pack, expectant parents must complete the pre-registration form at least four weeks prior to the expected due date of the pēpi.

Please note that due to customs restrictions and regulations, wahakura (made from harakeke) are not included in the Pēpi Packs sent to whānau overseas.

We also require a verified document from your midwife or general practitioner which shows the following:

• Name of expectant māma

• Expected due date of pēpi; and

• Your midwife or GP’s contact details

Once pēpi is here:

If your pēpi has already arrived and is registered with the Whakapapa unit before they are 12 months old, they are entitled to receive a partial Pēpi Pack which includes a pounamu pendant and a personalized Whakapapa Scroll, which traces their whakapapa back to their 1848 Kaumātua – as shown in the Blue Book.