Kia ora whānau, we trust that you are keeping warm and wintering well, and we hope that you managed to spend some time with whānau over the school holidays.

As spring approaches the whitebaiters will be readying themselves for the forthcoming season and those working in agriculture enter a busy time as calves and lambs begin to appear.

If you have enjoyed a birthday in the last month or have new additions to your whānau, congratulations and here is wishing you all good health and prosperity for the year ahead.

The last two months have been very eventful. Aside from the usual round of hui we have had a number of activities hosted at the marae the Western Schools Kī o Rahi Tournament and also the kanakana monitoring has begun for the year. On top of that we welcome the appointment of our new kaihautū (general manager), Riki Dallas.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Rawhera Matthews-Te Keeti for being made this year’s head boy of Papamoa College, Tauranga. Congratulations also to his older brother, Tipene Te Keeti who was been accepted into the New Zealand Police Force. Rawhera and Tipene are sons of Tessa-Jay Te Keeti, moko to Linley and Roy Te Keeti, and great-moko to the late Bette Devine (née Cleaver) of Colac Bay. The whānau are very proud of them both, well done. Nā Linley and Roy, Picton.

Kanakana monitoring

Over the past few years, large numbers of lamprey (also known as kanakana and piharau) have been found dead or dying with unusual red skin markings and haemorrhaging.

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) carried out some initial testing and found evidence of bacterial infection in certain samples. However the root cause of this problem has not yet been established.

To assist with the research into the disease affecting this treasured mahinga kai species, we ran a kanakana monitoring programme last year under the guidance of Doctor Jane Kitson. With a small but dedicated group assisting us, the monitoring program is up and running again this year.

Over the summer we are also looking at doing various additional water monitoring projects, so if you, or any of your whānau would like to assist in any of this valuable research, then please contact us here at the office.

For all the white baiters among us, it would be appreciated if during the season you could let us know the colour and condition of a kanakana should you catch one.

Te reo Māori survey

As intimated previously and as part of our tē reo Māori strategy, we have compiled a short survey for whānau. By now you should all have received the survey either electronically or by post. If you have not received your copy please contact us to have one sent to you. Unfortunately, as is the case with large mailings, we have had several returned to us because of incorrect address details. Please ensure your contact details are updated as soon as possible. To do the survey over the phone please contact the rūnaka on 0800 234 8192. You may also complete the survey on the internet by following this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OAR_Te_Reo_Survey

Pānui contributions

We welcome contributions from whānau for Te Pānui Rūnaka. If you wish to contribute please send your news and stories to us at [email protected] or phone 03 234 8192. We now have an 0800 number too, 0800 234 8192.

Facebook

Did you know we are now on Facebook? To contact us follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/OrakaAparimaRunakaPanui