Rā whānau
Happy birthday to those who celebrated March birthdays: Peter Couch, Christine Korako, Manaia Rehu, Catherine Couch, Meikiwa Princess, Joseph Tyro, Herena Stone, Ripeka Paraone, Reia Martyers, Michael Johnson, Cushla Dwyer, Hana Rakena, Steve Rangirananga, Andrea Read, Aston Rakena and Reuben Couch.
Wānaka Ora
Wānaka/Wānanga for our purposes, refers to a forum or educational seminar that we, as whānau of Te Hapū Ngāti Wheke, have an opportunity to participate in, and to learn what and why particular tikanga and kawa are used at Rāpaki Marae during formal ceremonies such as pōwhiri or tangi. The word ‘Ora’ reiterates what we strive to achieve as a result of having wānaka for example: that cultural practices at Rāpaki are alive, well, safe, and known by as many whānau members as possible.
Ripeka Paraone, as the portfolio holder for Culture and Identity, will lead this project on behalf of THoNW Inc. Rev. Maurice Gray has been invited to facilitate our Wānaka Ora. Decisions made during the process of identifying and learning what the tikanga and kawa is for Rāpaki, will be done according to ‘lore’ then communicated to the wider whānau of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke via our ‘law’ identity Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Incorporated.
Please email your contact details to Yvette at the office [email protected] if you would like to be notified about future Wānaka Ora. The next Wānaka Ora is tentatively planned for a Sunday, 10am-3pm, towards the end of April or May. Please bring a plate to share kai. An application has been submitted to the Ngāi Tahu Fund requesting funds to support this initiative.
Whānau who attended a preliminary Wānaka Ora with Rev. Maurice Gray. Photograph by Kerepeti Paraone.
Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day 2014 at Rāpaki was a fabulous day for all involved and we would like to convey our grateful thanks to our sponsor, Te Poho o Tamatea Charitable Trust, with koha from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Ngāi Tahu Seafood and Ngāi Tahu Property.
Waitangi Day Rāpaki included the Citizenship Ceremony for citizens from 11 different countries. Photo Warren Trotter.
Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke hosted Christchurch Mayor Honourable Lianne Dalziel, MPs and others on Waitangi Day 2014. Photo Kerepeti Paraone.