At the retreat, we spent the first day visiting Kororareka (Russell), visited the church with the bullets from fighting that had broken out there, and the flagpole known by being cut down in protest of failure to honour Te Tiriti in the 1840s.

On Thursday, we spent time looking around the Treaty Grounds, including the wharenui, the Busby house, the waka and Te Rau Aroha museum honouring the Māori men who had lost their lives during World Wars and other conflicts.

We spent time reflecting on what this history meant for the past, present and future. Some of the narratives we had seen were challenged, including the plaque in front of the main flagstaff.

During the afternoon, we had Heeni Hoterene join us, and talk to us about maramataka and the impact of different phases of the moon. It was a new way of connecting to papatuanuku amd the environment around us, being more aware of natural cycles.

On Friday, we had time to think about where SASS was in its journey, and plan for what might be next.

It was a lovely few days together to deepen our learning and connection to history, struggle, grief, as well as talking about our aspirations. Such an amazing group of wāhine and a pleasure to spend time together, scaling deep.

Words by Anjum Rahman

Keep your eyes out for a report from the SASS Scaling Deep journey coming some time soon!

Thanks to Weave, Clare Foundation, Len Reynolds Trust, J R McKenzie and Todd Foundation for their support in the upwards and outward development of the SASS group.