Rangatahi Wanagna. Photo supplied.The usually dry business conducted at Ashburton District Council meetings was punctuated by sweet music this week.

Eight students, one with a guitar, and accompanied by Maori warden Ray Solomon provided an insight into the work locally of Rangatahi Wanagna.

Solomon said the wardens had been running a series of wanagna for the youth of Hakatere, aimed at helping them make positive life choices using Tikanga Maori values

He said the response of those taking part in the wangana had been encouraging and the sessions were not just for Maori.

The multicultural make-up of the participants had resulted in closer ties.

The young people taking part ranged in age from 12 to 18 years.

The programme is funded by Te Puni Kokiri, with a grant of $30,000 to run six wananga over a year.

The Mid Canterbury group is applying for more funds to keep the programme going.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 30 June 2018