Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Our taurahere rōpū held our wonderful Hui-ā-Whānau Tuarua on Sunday 26 February. Despite competing with the live televising of the final day of Te Matatini, nearly 30 whānau came together.

We enjoyed a full day of whanaungatanga filled with a te reo session, waiata practise and lots of good kai. New whānau from our previous hui came along which made us very happy to be increasing our connections. With the pepeha sheets prepared for the 2016 road shows, we learned more of our connections to each other and about our own whakapapa.

Helen Thoms from the Ngāi Tahu Funds team came to explain the different kind of support that exists for us as whānau or as a rōpū. It inspired us to think we should try to plan some wānanga weekend hui for our rōpū once we are a bit more established.

Our next hui is late May 2017 but in the meantime, our Facebook page (Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara) keeps us all connected and allows us to share and invite each other to different events outside of these organised hui. Please join the Facebook page if you have not already. If you want to know more about the group, please contact Karen Coutts: [email protected]

Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana

Christmas party
While some might have later confessed to quickened mouth juices at the sight of the kererū that crash landed into the tree while we ate our Christmas lunch, none of the attendees would have quibbled at the venue chosen for our end of year ‘do’. Idyllic hardly covers it. We adults were thoroughly drawn into the magic of the setting, it wasn’t hard to picture what the 30 toddlers who attend the Earthchild Centre in Welcome Bay, Tauranga would make of it. Some adults were even drawn to try out for themselves the sturdy drag-action digger in the huge sandpit while others marvelled at the variety of animals the tamariki attending could grow up around.  Everywhere the centre’s learn-by-getting-dirt-under-the-finger-nails philosophy stood out. Moreover, in this land of PC gone mad, there were plenty of opportunities for risk-taking, a necessary component for any child growing up. As adults we could only sit and wonder where the growing-up experiences of our own childhoods have disappeared to as it seems that the world of technology has captured the hearts and minds of today’s tamariki. If that means they are going to be further distanced from the reality of getting some dirt under their fingernails, then what is being lost, or gained by them? We who attended our Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana end of year function owe thanks to Michael Bosman and partner, Cherie Dean for a memorable occasion, and in passing, we need to commend them for what they are providing some very lucky tamariki. Nā Laurie.

Uncle Joe Briggs, Peter Rollo, Laurie Loper.

Uncle Joe Briggs, Peter Rollo, Laurie Loper.

Left to right: Annis Somerville, Julie and Ross Hemara.

Left to right: Annis Somerville, Julie and Ross Hemara.

Bimonthly hui
Our first hui of 2017 was chaired by Annis Somerville who welcomed Sergeant Phil Gillbanks as our guest speaker. Phil’s background has seen him work in Auckland, Ōhakune, Palmerston North, Fielding, Papamoa and Tauranga over 23 years in the Police.

Phil gave an interesting talk and some information on internet fraud, identity security and being safe online. He is an expert in this field and was an extremely interesting presenter. Scams and scammers are constantly attempting to take money from people using online methods that can look authentic, but in fact they are scams. Phil said government organisations, businesses or banks will never ask for your banking information in emails. The saying, “if it looks too good to be true, it is” certainly applies to online offers. Scammers have also been known to target children by pretending to be their friends on gaming websites, and then trying to manipulate them. Parents need to keep an eye on their children’s internet activities. Another useful hint he gave our rōpū was that if you have allowed people to access your computer, including repair firms, you should change your password when your computer equipment is returned. After Phil’s address, we had the opportunity to congratulate Annis on her retirement.

Some of the Committee attended Annis and Peter’s last Court sitting and retirement function at Huria Marae in Tauranga. Peter and Annis are committed members of Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana. Annis served as Chair of the rōpū for many years and Peter actively participates in many events. Peter and Annis are originally from Dunedin. Annis is of Ngāi Tahu descent and she was a trailblazer as the first Māori Family Court Judge to be appointed in New Zealand. Peter and Annis also became the first husband and wife judiciary officers in the country.

We appreciate the support of Peter and Annis as they are very busy people. We are fortunate to have them a bit longer as they are moving South, but, not for a while at this stage.

Laurie Loper also updated the rōpū on the Bobbie
Maths programme and he bought along a beautifully framed photo of his and Uncle Joe Briggs last visit to
Te Waipounamu to discuss this initiative.
Look out for our future hui this year, and come along and join in with other Ngāi Tahu whānau.

Bimonthly hui
Are to be held on 2 April (annual general meeting), 18 June, 20 August, 15 October, 10 December (venue & time aTBA) at Tauranga Boys College Wharenui, starting at 1pm.

Annis Somerville and Uncle Joe Briggs.

Annis Somerville and Uncle Joe Briggs.

Uncle Joe showing the rōpū a photo of Laurie Lopers visit to Te Waipounamu.

Uncle Joe showing the rōpū a photo of Laurie Lopers visit to Te Waipounamu.

Ngāi Tahu rōpū who attended the February hui.

Ngāi Tahu rōpū who attended the February hui.

Sergeant Phil Gillbanks.

Sergeant Phil Gillbanks.

Ngāi Tahu ki Melbourne

Ko Poipiripi te whakaruruhau.
Ko Poipiripi te taurahere.
E whakarauika ana te hunga Ngāi Tahu.
Ko te ihoiho o Ngāi Tahu, maranga mai, tū mai rā.

Melbourne is the place where this Ngāi Tahu taurahere resides and gathers to celebrate their Ngāi Tahutanga. Ngāi Tahu, rise and stand tall.

Ko te tino kaupapa o te rōpū taurahere nei.
Ka hāpaitia te mana whānau kia tūhono, kia whakaako, kia whakanui hoki i te Ngāi Tahutanga.
The Melbourne taurahere was established after the Ngāi Tahu road show in August 2016. We are looking forward to hosting the Ngāi Tahu Road show 2017.

The main aim of the taurahere is to help local whānau connect, celebrate and grow their Ngāi Tahutanga. The Ngāi Tahu ki Melbourne Facebook page and pānui have been very important and informative to the whānau. They aim to keep whānau up to date with iwi news, teach te reo and waiata, learn whakapapa and history, and support each other as Ngāi Tahu ki Melbourne.
Upcoming events include Wānanga Reo April 8-9, aimed at total beginners – there will be something for everyone. If you have any whānau in Melbourne or the wider state of Victoria, encourage them to attend – all welcome.

The wānanga will provide an introduction to the basic personal introduction, mihimihi, karakia, waiata to the basic language structures and vocabulary at a communicative level. It will reinforce vowels, consonants, diphthongs, blends, correct pronunciation of Māori words and much more.

Contact Danella for more information [email protected].

Melbourne Taurahere whānau.

Melbourne Taurahere whānau.

Haileigh Russell-Wright and Danella Webb.

Haileigh Russell-Wright and Danella Webb.

Ngāi Tahu ki te Matau a Māui

Te Kahu o Te Amorangi.
Ko te amorangi ki mua, ko te hāpai-ō ki muri.
Te tūturutanga mahi pono o te Māori mana motuhake.

The prominent leaders take the lead and all will follow.
Māoridom, determining their own destination.

The activities and work of the Ngāi Tahu ki te Matau a Māui taurahere rōpū has been pre-occupied with Te Matatini 2017.
Many volunteered, hosted whānau, and performed on stage. Many Ngāi Tahu whānau travelled from Australia to join 50,000 others who participated in the five day festival. Thank you to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu for their manaaki extended to our tāua and pōua from our taurahere, who were honoured to watch the hui from the VIP tent. Mihi nui ki a Moana Jackson – Moana Jackson joined Ngāi Tahu as Te Whānau-a-Apanui kapa haka acknowledged his contribution in waiata on stage.

Fayne Robinson, Diane Robertson, Ranui Ngarimu, Moana Jackson.

Fayne Robinson, Diane Robertson, Ranui Ngarimu, Moana Jackson.

Elizabeth Cunningham and Hineiwhakarata Te Uira o Te Rangi Tipene-Matua.

Elizabeth Cunningham and Hineiwhakarata Te Uira o Te Rangi Tipene-Matua.

Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara

The second whānau hui will be held on Sunday 26 February at the 24d Marine Parade, Petone, Lower Hutt (the Wellington Tenths Trust offices). Following suggestions given by whānau last year, the programme will include te reo practise, waiata practise, kai and a session that will be covering some of the issues currently occurring for Ngāi Tahu, such as the election of the Kaiwhakahaere.

We hope to also have support from the office there. Dates planned for other whānau hui this yearare Sunday 28 May and Sunday 27 August. Whānau are encouraged to contact each other via our Facebook page. If you are not on the page, please join: Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara; and feel free to invite the whānau to join you in activities. Contact Karen Coutts on 027 365 3993 or email [email protected]

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki

Ko te manu e kai i te miro nōna te ngahere, Ko te manu e kai i te mātauranga nōna te ao.

E rere ngā manu tātāriki, ngā manu mātārae.
Tīhoihoi ana te kōwetewete mai a mātiti.
Whakanui tonu ana ēnei manutaki o Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe.
Kākahutia e te kōpuni tauwhāinga hei tohu rangatira.
Tiaho mai i te uma o Ranginui.
Tau ana!

Māoridom gathered at Victoria University to celebrate the graduation of future academics and leaders. Ngāi Tahu, Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe were well represented with the student speaker Nicola Grace sharing her experience and journey as a student and advocate of hauora. The Taurahere of the Wellington region congratulate you all.

Mā te pakiaka tū ai te rākau pou matua, huihui ai ngā manu.

Three generations of Ngāi Tahu joined in Te Hui Whakapūmau 2016, Victoria University Graduation. Dr Lynne Russell of Ngāi Tahu has worked for many years in suicide prevention and health.

A proud day indeed with the graduation of her daughter Mereana. Mereana’s tamariki played a special part in the graduation ceremony when her whānau joined Mum on the red carpet.

‘E hine, kāore e kore e tiaho mai te whetū i te rangi, hei tohu hākoa o tō pāpā, tiaho tonu mai e Kō.’

Kāti rā, kia kaha, kia māia koutou katoa kia piki ake i te poutama o te mātauranga.
Kia whakahā i te whai ao, kia pā atu ki te tāpuhipuhitanga o te Toi ahurewa.
Kia eke panuku
kia eke Tangaroa
Haumi e
Hui e
Tāiki e.

Taurahere Group section 1_Full caption in text

Back row, left to right: Te Rongomai Tipene-Matua, Rakaitemania Parata Gardiner. Front row, left to right: Taina Wilson, Mereana Pere, Nicola Grace, Rueben Radford, Shianne Ngerengere-Jones.

Taurahere Group section 2_Full caption in text

Back row, left to right : Dr Lynne Russell, Mereana Pere (mother and daughter).Front row: Mereana’s tamariki – Piwaiwaka, Mereana and Te Kaitiaki.

Ngāi/Kāi Tahu Whānui ki Tāmaki Makaurau Inc.

Ngāi/Kāi Tahu Whānui ki Tāmaki Makaurau Inc. presents our ongoing executive team re-elected at the annual general meeting (Hui-ā-Tau) held at Ponsonby Community Centre on 13 August.

  • Kaumātua – Kukupa Tirikatene
  • Kaumātua – Ronald [Bones] Rissetto
  • President – Riki Robert Kohi
  • President Junior – Jonathon Sarjgisson
  • Secretary – Meri Kohi
  • Secretary Assistant – Brian How
  • Treasurer – Mereana Silbery
  • Treasurer Assistant – Linda Williams.

All meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month. All executive meetings are held every alternate month at 20 Rembrandt Place Papakura.

All committee meetings are held at different venues every alternate month. Please see the dates below for details on our upcoming committee meetings.

  • 8 October 2016 – Te Atatu
  • 10 December 2016 – TBC
  • 11 February 2017 – TBA
  • 8 April 2017 – TBA
  • 10 June 2017 – TBA
  • 12 August 2017 – TBA (Annual general meeting)

Please see the dates below for details on our upcoming executive meetings.

Executive meetings will all held be at head office 20 Rembrandt Place, Papakura. Committee members are welcome to attend the second Saturday alternate month.

  • 12 November 2016
  • 14 January 2017
  • 11 March 2017
  • 13 May 2017
  • 8 July 2017
  • 12 August 2017

Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Hui-ā-Whānau Tuatahi
Date: Sunday 6 November 2016
Time: 10am – 2.30pm
Venue: To be confirmed (please check Facebook for details).

Nau mai, haere mai!
Whānau of Ngāi Tahu within the Wellington region are warmly invited to attend this hui which will be the first of many regular hui that will allow us, as Ngāi Tahu, to engage with and learn from each other, to foster our whakapapa links and to strengthen our cultural connections.

Anyone young and old may join – please do not be deterred if you feel you do not know much about the Māori world or Ngāi Tahu, or if you have never been to a hui before.

Come as you are and be a part of a supportive, relaxed environment as we explore our cultural heritage and get to know one another. Everyone belongs and is welcome!

At this hui we will be learning about the ties we have as Ngāi Tahu to the Wellington region, and our migration to the area from the North, as well as waiata practice and other activities.

Future hui we will be exploring various kaupapa, and we would love your input as to what you’d like us to focus on as a group. There will also be resources and information available about the many life-enriching benefits, from financial to cultural, to be gained by engaging with your iwi, Ngāi Tahu.

The Facebook page puts you in touch with the whānau who are organising the hui – or check out the information in Te Pānui Rūnaka.

For more details, to register for this hui or just to stay in touch, please visit our Facebook page: Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Nā Karen Coutts.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki

Weekly waiata practice
Our weekly waiata sessions are going well – lots of whānau attending. The practices are usually on Tuesday evening at 6pm, at Tū Roa Kōhanga, but this can change depending on the kōhanga availability and whānau schedules. Keep an eye on your inbox. Nau mai, hara mai e ngā uri o Tahu. Nāku iti nei, nā Emma.

Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-ā-Tara

Facebook
Please join our Facebook page: ‘Ngāi Tahu ki Te Whanganui-ā-Tara.’ Gradually more whānau are joining — ka pai. It is the main way we communicate with each other. A small group of us have met to plan for at least one more hui, if not two, before the end of 2016. We want fun hui where everyone can whakawhanaunga and kōrero.

We were disappointed the Road Show did not make it to Te Whanganui-ā-Tara but a couple of us made it up to Ōtaki. We enjoyed meeting the whānau from there at the Manawa Kāi Tahu hui earlier in the year; and want to have a hui with our Ōtaki whānau again soon.

If you have any ideas about what you want to do for the hui, let us know on Facebook. Kā mihi, Karen and Hauangi.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki

Manawa Kāi Tahu
A group of us from Ōtaki attended the Manawa Kāi Tahu hui in Wellington in May. The hui was run by Charisma and her team and was very informative. There was some interesting and diverse discussion around the focus and direction of the iwi businesses.

It was great to see our kaupapa tuku iho — our values: whanaukataka, manaakitaka, rakatirataka, tohukataka, kaitiakitaka, tikaka, providing the foundation for how we manage iwi affairs. Ka mau te wehi.

Cherie Semeri, Charisma Rangipunga and Maia Whiterod.

Cherie Semeri, Charisma Rangipunga and Maia Whiterod.

Raraka wahakura
Also at Te Papa in May, Kāi Tahu presented a ‘wahakura wānaka’ for weavers interested in making these traditional baby sleeping pods. A small group went from Ōtaki and were complimentary of the whanaukataka and pukukataka shared at the hui. Such was the enthusiasm that they’ve decided to hold weekly weaving sessions in Ōtaki with wahakura as a primary focus.

Road Show coming to Ōtaki
On 7 August the Kāi Tahu Road Show is coming to Ōtaki. The hui is being held at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. The schedule for the day will be similar to below:

  • 10.00am Pōwhiri
  • 10.30am Morning tea
  • 11.00am Road Show presentation and Q&A
  • 12.00pm We are Ngāi Tahu: Ngāi Tahu migration, Te Kerēme
  • 1.00pm Lunch
  • 1.30pm Workshops/info stalls
  • 2.30pm Waiata session
  • 4.00pm Poroporoaki/Karakia

Ngā mihi o te wā ki a tātou!

Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana

June 19 hui
Kia ora whānau,
Dr Candy Cookson Cox is renowned for suicide research. She has explored suicide postvention, and support provided for the bereaved. Her research method facilitates review, reflection and restoration, and is getting results.

In her own words – “I would be honoured to come and speak to you about this deadly topic.” (Suicide and the associated characteristics depression and mental health).

We invite you to come and bring guests to listen to her. Depression is not age, gender or race specific and everyone is impacted by it in some form. So let’s shed some light on the topic, and learn some new strategies and perspectives to enable us to make a difference in our own community.

She comes highly regarded. “Dr Candy Cookson Cox is one of the best speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear. She is an amazing lady. If you google her you will see her appear on a number of sites including in articles in the Rotorua Daily post.” Say’s Ngāi Tahu committee member Anna Were.

Please support us by coming to the meeting so we can continue to get speakers of a high calibre.

Tauranga Boys College Wharenui
Sunday 19 June at 1pm
Koha appreciated (bring a small plate for afternoon tea).

Important dates
Bi-monthly hui 2016
Tauranga Boys College Wharenui
Sunday – start time 1pm.

  • 19 June (as mentioned above)
  • 7 August
  • 16 October
  • 4 December (venue and time TBA).

Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana

Signing of the Deed – Maths Education Programme
A hui heralding hope of a new learning deal for all previously struggling primary students in Te Waipounamu took place in Tauranga on the evening of 24 February at the Mount Maunganui home of Uncle Hohepaturanga Briggs. The school that is leading the charge in this important development for the South Island is Shirley Primary in Christchurch.

Those attending the hui numbered 12 and were from Ōtautahi, Whanganui-a-Tara, Tāmaki Makaurau and not to forget the host rōpū from Tauranga Moana. The welcome was given by Hohepaturanga’s son-in-law, Jack Thatcher (the navigator), and Justin Tipa from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu replied for the manuhiri.  Amongst the host rōpū, any sense of mystery as to the purpose of the hui disappeared the moment it became obvious that the main business was getting the Deed of Partnership signed.

This Deed is the legal means of ensuring the four partners involved in this Shirley Primary project: Ngāi Tahu, the Ministry of Education, Massey University and the family representative of the James Stewart Loper Bequest, Laurie Loper, each play their parts (as agreed) in the running of the project. Once Laurie and Uncle Hohepaturanga (as witness) had signed, only Massey University is left to sign.  There was a good vibe to the evening which was recorded photographically by the skilful David Copeland as part of the ‘evidence in action’ kaupapa that is increasingly being seen as a necessary part of the documentation of all Bobbie Maths projects.

So what, you might say.  What is all this really about anyway?  It’s about Bobbie Maths being an educational revolution. To call it that is no exaggeration. What else would you call a teaching approach that ensures every child learns as well as each other, and sees to it that none are left behind?  Every staff member at Shirley Primary is currently having their understanding of learning re-jigged, the shifts they need to make are huge but they are making them. The advent of this Bobbie Maths project in Christchurch has prompted the Ministry of Education (MoE) there to work with Ngāi Tahu in what they say is “a new way.” In Wellington, the MoE, never having had to deal with a bequest before, has had to formulate a legal way to deal with something new to its experience.

The resulting shifts involved may not seem large but measured against the MoE’s no-change persona, they are huge. Bobbie Maths is indeed the ideal revolution in that it is win-win for all involved. It has prised open the window of opportunity sufficient to give the promise that in the not too-distant future, all students will become very successful learners.
nā Laurie Loper.

Remaining hui for 2016

  • 19 June
  • 7 August
  • 16 October
  • 4 December (Venue and Time yet to be announced).

All welcome – enquiries to Uncle Joe Briggs:07 578 5997 or email: [email protected]

Left to right: Awhina Thatcher, Michaela Kamo, Huey Ruhere, Jack Thatcher, John Good, Hohepaturanga Briggs, Laurie Loper, Adrienne Alton-Lee, Justin Tipa, Andre Konia (seated right), and Jacqui Poutu.

Left to right: Awhina Thatcher, Michaela Kamo, Huey Ruhere, Jack Thatcher, John Good, Hohepaturanga Briggs, Laurie Loper, Adrienne Alton-Lee, Justin Tipa, Andre Konia (seated right), and Jacqui Poutu.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

Nei rā a mihi rāua ko aroha e rere ana ki a koutou o te haukāika, Ōtākou, Huirapa ki Puketeraki, Moeraki, e manaaki nei i kā manuhiri o te motu mō te hui-ā-iwi o Kāi Tahu. He tohu o te rakatira ko te manaaki.

Ko te rerehua, ko te waiwaiā, ko te rakinamu, ko te wainene, ko te ātaahua ko ēnei kupu katoa e whakaatu ana i te wairua o te hui-ā-iwi o Kāi Tahu. E kā uri o Tahu, maraka, maraka.

Upcoming hui
We’ll be meeting again in the New Year, so check your inboxes for hui times. Aoraki Matatū. Nā Emma Whiterod.

Ngāi Tahu ki Tāmaki Makaurau

Reuben whānau reunion
The Rueben whānau reunion will be held from Friday 25-Monday 28 March 2016 at Tuahiwi Marae, 219 Tuahiwi Road, Tuahiwi, RD 1, Kaiapoi. Nā Raelyn Bennett.

Ngai Tahu ki Tamakimakaurau

Kāi Tahu ki Waikato

Tēnei te mihi ki a koutou mai i te rohe o Waikato Taniwharau, he piko he taniwha he piko he taniwha. Kua tae mai te wā kia whakanui i te tau tuaiwa o ngā rā koroneihana o Kiingi Tuheitia.

On 17 August, the yearly Kiingitanga Coronation celebrations began at Tūrangawaewae Marae, where there were plenty of activities throughout the week.

On 18 August, a Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (TRoNT) road show was held at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Tā Mark Solomon and other senior leaders within TRoNT and Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation attended – it was an enlightening event.

On 19 August, we had the privilege of Mātua Terry Ryan visiting us in Ngaruawahia for individual whakapapa appointments.

Then on 20 August, we supported the Ngāi Tahu contingent as they went onto Tūrangawaewae Marae for kawe mate o te motu. We met outside the marae gates at the usual time of 8.30am and were called on by 9.30am. We encouraged all Ngāi Tahu from all parts of the motu to come along and join Kāi Tahu ki Waikato at this amazing event.

Lastly we held our second raraka weaving hui on Friday 21 August in Ngaruawahia. The following is a rundown of the first raraka noho that was held late July.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

E te iwi, tēnā tātou katoa, i tēnei te tīmataka o tō tātou hōtaka, Mātahi-ā-te-tau.

Upcoming hui
Our next hui is an evening waiata wānaka. Watch this space – mauri ora.


Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana

Annual general meeting
On 19 April, we held our annual general meeting at the Tauranga Boys’ College wharenui. This hui was characterised by a pleasing turn out and by the formal business being dealt with efficiently.

With nominations almost matching the positions to be filled, the need for voting was reduced. Some committee vacancies were filled from the floor.  Nobody had to be coerced to serve and the result ensured we preserved most of the experience and expertise that has been built up over time.

Those elected for a new term are as follows: chair, Huey Ruhere, secretary, Kim Ellison, treasurer, Michaela Kamo; committee members: Annis Somerville, Anna Were, Michael Bosman, Karen McFarlane and Amber McNicol.

Moreover the new committee has inherited the forward-looking and enthusiastic approach of the old committee.  Proof of what’s in store for us was in Anna Were’s run down on the quality of speakers that have been lined up for the balance of this year’s hui. More about this will be revealed in due course.

Chair Huey’s report on the previous year’s activities indicated just how diverse the range of mahi our group gets involved with. From matters mundane to matters major, should we care to do so, our rōpū has much to shout about as we endeavour to maintain and grow the connections we have with each other locally, with local iwi who host us in their midst, and with Ngāi Tahu whānui in Te Waipounamu.

One thing that had to be the subject of a vote was the special resolution to acclaim and retain our kaumātua Pōua, Joe Briggs and Tāua, Janice Kawe to assist the committee in the conduct of its affairs for a further three years. The necessary 75 percent needed was easily exceeded with the show of hands.

We were treated to two reviews of the experience of Te Matatini – Annis Somerville, who served as a volunteer and Huey a participating kapa haka performer. Both succeeded in bringing Te Matatini alive again, by kōrero and powerpoint, the majesty and power of the event for those not fortunate to be a witness of it first-hand.

We were proud when Uncle Joe pointed out that the mauri carried North by waka ‘Te Matau a Māui’ for the 2017 host Ngāti Kahungunu  was sourced from Tuhua (Mayor Island). It is a sizeable piece of obsidian  and it is one of two pieces Uncle Joe had been looking after prior to it being gifted.

It was a real privilege to have been able to witness their re-celebrations of Te Matatini. With the event growing in stature and the next venue being somewhat closer, no doubt many have already made the decision to attend the next one in person.

A feature of our hui is that we constantly attract new whānau. In April, we welcomed Shae Hartley and Kirsty and Maika Mason. Maika recently arrived from the West Coast to live in Tauranga Moana, and brought us news of his cousin Dan Mason. A banquet style cuppa tī and kai organised and prepared by Alec Were gave us all a chance to get to chat.

Vanessa Davy and Alec Were preparing kai for hui.

Vanessa Davy and Alec Were preparing kai for hui.

Committee member, Annis Somerville at Te Matatini with Tā Tipene O’Regan.

Committee member, Annis Somerville at Te Matatini with Tā Tipene O’Regan.

Whānau who attended our annual general meeting.

Whānau who attended our annual general meeting.

Ngāi Tahu ki Waikato

Ngā mate
Nicholas Taiaroa Macpherson Stevens
26 April 1993–9 March 2015

Last month we farewelled Nicky, the youngest son of Jane Stevens, her partner Dave Macpherson and moko of Phyllis and Ron Stevens (Ōtākou).

Nicky had been an inpatient under the care of the Waikato DHB when he drowned in the Waikato River. [Read more…]

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

Waiata practice, Tuahuru Marae, Māhia
Gael and her daughter, Te Riria, travelled from Ōtaki to Māhia for the weekend practice session of Te Matatini waiata in the North Island. Puamiria and Liz presented on all aspects of Te Matatini and the haka pōwhiri and waiata tautoko that the hau kāika will be performing. It was a wonderful weekend of whakawhanaukataka, learning and kai reka. Ka mihi ake ki te whānau i tiaki nei i a mātou kā uri o Tahu. Ko te tohu o te rakatira ko te manaaki.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

May we all have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Kia hari, kia koa te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

Ngā mate
Rātou te huka mate ki a rātou, tātou te huka ora ki a tātou. Our aroha goes out to Puhi-Carlotta Campbell whose brother, Harry Taiaroa Pene, 58, passed away in Tasmania recently.

Puhi shared with us the journey of the whānau pani, bringing their loved one home.

“…his ashes were brought back from Tasmania to be buried with our mother Gwen, daughter of Puhi Taiaroa-Royal in Rotorua. His children, from Darwin, Melbourne and Tasmania accompanied their dad to Te Mangungu Marae in Naenae, where we had a tangi on Sat 27 September. We attended the Mihingare church service at 9am the next day, then began our travels north, stopping off to pay our respects to our tūpuna at Kikopiri Marae and Kererū Marae.” [Read more…]

Ngāi Tahu ki Tāmaki Makaurau

Hui-ā-Iwi 2014
Nau mai haere mai ki tēnei Hui o Kāi/Ngāi Tahu whānui. We will be holding our Hui-ā-Iwi 2014 from 7-9 November at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Manukau Institute of Technology, Gate 12, Ōtara Rd, Ōtara, Auckland. Please gather for the pōwhiri from 5.30pm for a 6pm start on Friday 7 November. More details will follow in the October issue of Te Pānui Rūnaka.

Meetings
All meetings for Kāi/Ngāi Tahu ki Tāmaki Makaurau Inc. will be held on the second Saturday of each month. The next meeting is on 11 October. The venue is yet to be advised. All Kāi/ Ngāi Tahu whānau members are invited to attend these meetings. Kāi/Ngāi Tahu Whānui ki Tāmaki Makaurau Incorporated, Head Office, 20 Rembrandt Place, Papakura, Auckland.

Election results
Here are our new executive committee members elected at our recent annual general meeting:

President: Riki Kohi, nominated by Raelynn Bennett, seconded by Ronald Rissetto – elected unopposed.

Secretary: Meri Kohi, nominated by Linda Williams/Jonathan Sargisson, seconded by Linda Williams/Ronald Rissetto – elected unopposed.

Assistant secretary: Brian How nominated by Mereana Silbery, seconded by Ronald Rissetto – elected unopposed.

Treasurer: Reina Whaitiri, Sue Nicol, Linda Williams all declined nominations. Mereana Silbery nominated by Ronald Rissetto, seconded by Shanan Kohi – elected unopposed.
Assistant treasurer: Linda Williams nominated by Ronald Rissetto, seconded by Raelynn Bennett – elected unopposed.

Kaumātua vice-president: Ronald Rissetto and Kukupa Tirikatene were reappointed.

Junior vice-president: Jonathan Sargisson, nominated by Mereana Silbery, seconded by Linda Williams – elected unopposed.

Committee members: Jacqueline Edwards, Waipounamu Silbery, Taare Hohaia, Raelynn Bennett, Sue Nicol, Daniel Ryder, Pamela Ryder, Reina Whaitiri, Maha Tomo, Thalia Ulrich, Kathy Livermore, Peter Rissetto and Jacky Ransfield.

NT ki Tamaki Makaurau

Kāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana

Ngā mate
He aituā, John Ellison
Haere atu rā e,
Haere atu te poutokomanawa o Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana
Haere, e whai i o mātua tīpuna kua wehe atu rātou ki te pō
Hoki wairua mai ki te kāinga nā te Atua i hanga mō tātou katoa
Haere rā, haere rā e

It is with great sadness that we farewell one of our founding members and pou of Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana, John (Hone) Ellison, direct decedent of Te Matenga Taiaroa and Hine Whareiua, grandson of Pirihana (Bill) Ellison and Katarina Tamihana, and son of Lydia EIlison.

A man of honour serving in the army 1 Bn NZ Regt Malaya 1957 – 59, always there to support returned servicemen with access to the NZ war pension service. In later years John took a deep interest in his whakapapa and studied te reo Māori. He was proud of his achievements making many new whānau connections.

John is survived by his wife Hilda, and three daughters one of whom is the Secretary for Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana, Kim Ellison. He also leaves behind 17 mokopuna, each of whom, in their own way have inherited many of his qualities.

John Ellison at a bi-monthly hui of Ngai Tahu ki Tauranga Moana.

John Ellison at a bi-monthly hui of Ngai Tahu ki Tauranga Moana.

Ngāi Tahu ki Tāmaki Makaurau

Congratulations
Last Kirihimete, Ashlee Shay Orbell, 8 received a new paihikara (bicycle). She decided there and then to enter into the Weetbix Tryathalon.

Unfortunately, the day before the event, Ashlee took sick and was unable to compete. However, another Tryathalon was to be held on the North Shore, so entry forms were forwarded for that event. It turned out to be a tinopai day with over 3,000 children participating. It was well organised, with the different age groups setting off in an orderly fashion.

The events were swimming, biking, and running, finishing with the presentation of a competitors medal. There were many giveaways and prizes. Ashlee started with smile and ended the event the same way.

Ashlee also plays a mean game of hockey for her Mt Eden club. She has won Player of the Day frequently, and in a previous game scored four goals in one game. We do believe, she thinks it is a tewhatewha (long axe-shaped club), not a hockey stick. Ashlee enjoys participating in sport and also plays tennis and swimming in the summer. She is a mokopuna of Jock and Lorna Orbell and a great-great-great-granddaughter of Rora Orbell, Kaumātua 428. Nā Jack Orbell.

Public notice
The annual general meeting of Ngāi Tahu ki Tāmaki Makaurau will be held at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae at Manukau Institute of Technology, North Campus, Gate 12, Otara Road, on 9 August. The pōwhiri begins at 9am and the annual general meeting will begin at 11am in the wharenui.

Thanks
They say education is the enemy of poverty and with the support of Ngāi Tahu I have enriched my life through study and I now have a Bachelor’s degree in creative arts from Manukau Institute of Technology. I have also become a positive role model for my tamariki. At the moment I am working as a mental health support worker and am looking at setting up my own business, Toimanawa.com. I would like to say a big thank you to Ngāi Tahu for all the support I received from the Kā Pūtea grant scheme and a big shout out to the Ngāi Tahu ki Tāmaki Makaurau whānau for all the wonderful wānanga and tautoko. Ka tipu te whaihanga. Mauri ora. Nā Maha Te Hape Tomo.

Maha Te Hape Tomo and Kaea Te Hape Tomo.

Maha Te Hape Tomo and Kaea Te Hape Tomo.

Left to right, Renata Karena, Ngarangi Chapman, Wikitoria Smith and Maha Tomo (Renata and Wikitoria are Ngāi Tahu). All graduated our bachelors of creative arts.

Left to right, Renata Karena, Ngarangi Chapman, Wikitoria Smith and Maha Tomo (Renata and Wikitoria are Ngāi Tahu). All graduated our bachelors of creative arts.

From left, Kaea Tomo, Paul Tomo, Maha Tomo, Hurihia Tomo née Taipana and Puaha Te Weita Tomo.

From left, Kaea Tomo, Paul Tomo, Maha Tomo, Hurihia Tomo née Taipana and Puaha Te Weita Tomo.


Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

E rere ana te mihi mahana i tēnei te wā makariri o Māruaroa, o Toru.

Tamariki achievements
These tamariki mokopuna of the Paahi/Tirikatene/Momo/Solomon whānau all received player of the day within the space of one week for their rugby teams. Nukuroa Rikihana and Te Wai Kāhua Paki are in the Under 9 Rāhui team and Manawanui Rikihana is in the Under 8 Rāhui team. Their tāua and pōua, Amiria and Don, were very proud. E tū Tūāhuriri.

Players of the Day, Te Wai Kāhua Paki, Nukuroa Rikihana, and Manawanui Rikihana.

Players of the Day, Te Wai Kāhua Paki, Nukuroa Rikihana, and Manawanui Rikihana.

Te Papa Tongarewa
Many of our whānau attended the opening of the Ngāti Toa Rangatira exhibition at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand. It was a wonderful occasion in many ways not least, the mass haka outside the museum to mark the beginning of Ngāti Toa’s time at Te Papa. Ka roko ā kākau, ā tīnana, ā wairua i te ihi, te wehi, te wana. Our Pōua Kukupa was a Kāi Tahu kanohi on the pae. His presence was a great example of hūmārie and manaakitaka.

Hui
Our hui will be held at 11am 13 July, Tū Roa kōhanga reo. Nau mai, hara mai.
If you don’t think you’re on our email list, send me an email and I’ll add you [email protected].


Kāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana

Things were buzzing at our recent hui and that’s without everything that guest speaker Whetu Moataane, Ngāi Tahu Iwi Communications Advisor from Christchurch came to speak about.

Any bunch of whānui gathered together soon make it apparent what things are going on. Our Taurahere rōpū now number 16 (including Australia) and represent the majority of Ngāi Tahu hapū. They are forever discovering themselves and with this awakening, are always trying to get Ngā Tahutanga started in their patch. Things we currently have on the boil here include thinking about how we fit in with and tautoko/tono local iwi, who graciously host us in their rohe; how we can provide for the hosting of Tā Mark’s latest Roadshow; and how we can develop a more supportive and mutually beneficial relationship with our parent body, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Anna Were has gathered a rōpū of 15 for a ‘down south hīkoi’ and is busily compiling information that will inform those lucky enough to be going. It will be a trip of a lifetime. Michael Bosman is still chasing hard for information pursuant of the family history mahi that he’s doing as a university project. Chair Huey Rurehe and Laurie Loper have their heads together over an education project they hope to get off the ground. Ex-chair Annis Somerville reported on her visit to Ireland to see her new moko. Fred Newton, looking well, said he swam 40 laps the other day. Some of the buzz in our rōpū must be catching, as we continue to attract new faces and we once again experience that ‘two-degrees-of-separation’ phenomenon.

News that Uncle Terry Ryan is about to visit us again was welcomed; and kaumātua Joe Briggs continues to show his commitment to our rōpū. He always has a couple of things on the boil. The latest includes being to the fore in getting things ‘regularised’ on the pūtea front. He is also busy thinking about how we can support the Tauranga Boys’ College in their wish to add a whare kai to their marae complex. We heard from Whetu about things that are happening down South (Whai Rawa, training programmes, etc); and chair Huey thanked Whetu and provided him with a memento of his visit. It was an enjoyable hui for everyone. Nā Laurie Loper.

Whetu Moataane, Ngāi Tahu Iwi Communications Advisor, with Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana kaumātua Auntie Jan Kawe and Uncle Joe Briggs.

Whetu Moataane, Ngāi Tahu Iwi Communications Advisor, with Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana kaumātua Auntie Jan Kawe and Uncle Joe Briggs.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki me Horowhenua

Ka rere kā mihi ki kā mate puta noa i te motu, mai i Muriwhenua tae noa ki Murihiku. Ki tō mātou pito o te ao, ko Harina Raureti-Cooper tērā i karakahia e Tahu Kumea, e Tahu Whakairo. Koia tērā e poipoia kā tamariki o tēnei rohe. Moe mai rā e te manukura, hoki atu ki ōu tīpuna.

E ōku whanauka e noho ana ki raro i kā pae mauka o Tararua, ki te taha o te awa o Ōtaki, nei rā te mihi. Huri noa ki tō tātou iwi, ki te iwi Māori whānui, tēnā koutou katoa. [Read more…]