Matarua, a new six-week Mau Rākau (traditional Māori weaponry) program called Ki te Pāpaka a Māui is being run in Magandjin (Brisbane) to help Māori children connect with culture.

The workshops are being led by Hikooterangi Curtis, of Te Arawa waka (Te Arawa canoe confederation), with whakapapa (family connections) to Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao, and Ngāti Whakaue.

Mr Curtis said the program is designed to immerse tamariki (children) in their cultural heritage through practice, discipline, and cultural embodiment.

"This program is focused on immersing our tamariki in their cultural heritage, cultural practices, cultural embodiment," he said.

"And I believe Mau Rākau brings those elements for our tamariki.

"This is for them, for their future, for their past, for their Māoritanga (culture)."

The program is guided by community values, describing it as "tamariki driven" and "kaumātua led" (guided by Elders).

Mr Curtis said the course runs for six weeks, with two hours of training each week, and is aimed at kids who may not have easy access to Mau Rākau outside Aotearoa.

"Mau Rākau isnt something you can get in Australia that easy and it might be the kids first time ever getting it and seeing it," he said.

"This is a brand new environment for the kids."

Mr Curtis said he is bringing his own knowledge into the programme, while also stepping into a new role as a teacher.

"It's my first time ever time doing it so Ill see how it goes but I think itll be amazing," he said.

"Im teaching everything I know about Mau Rākau to the kids."

He notes the workshops are also about strengthening identity for Māori families living away from home, where cultural connection can fade over time.

"I was fortunate enough to grow up with Māori as my first language," he said.

"I see that privilege within me and just want to share what I have with the kids."

Mr Curtis said he hopes the program helps tamariki feel grounded in who they are and what they come from.

"I just want to provide a better atmosphere for them because it's an amazing thing to have," he said.

The final week will include an exam night or showcase on February 25, giving the group a chance to perform for their families and demonstrate what they have learned.

Applications for the current intake have closed, but families interested in future workshops can contact Mr Curtis through Facebook.