What a beautiful weekend we had at the Valley for the Te Rūnanga hui, on the Friday and Saturday and great weather for those who went on the boat trip on Sunday. The weather was absolutely superb the whole time and those who were present seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves at the Valley.

Some rūnaka members and our great office staff had been up prior and ensured the buildings were tidied for all, they even painted one of the rooms which looked great.

Tracey and Teina were well organised cooks and what a great job they had done to keep puku full. The Kāhui Kaumātua that were present Betty, Muriel and Shona were the kitchen hands, prepping the vegetables and setting up the dining room to have it looking inviting for our guests. Riki worked like a little beaver transporting chairs and tables and setting them up for us on Friday.

The Kapa Haka group did us all proud. Their costumes looked wonderful and their repertoire was well received. Truly great and well done. Our Rūnaka group who presented our aspirations for the future was well received and, I’ve been told it was very impressive.

Saturday dawned another beautiful day and when the hui was finished we had a lovely BBQ and salads for dinner. We all left our beautiful Valley very pleased with the weekend. Tumeke. Nā Shona Fordyce.

On top of the core business of the rūnaka, the main focus for the early part of February has seen us putting everything in place to host the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu hui at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Tākitimu. This hui was a great success and yet again we are indebted to everybody who supported us with this mahi.

Over February we hosted a couple of groups at Takutai o te Tītī Marae. A group from the Number10 organisation in Invercargill held their team building at the marae and we had our bi-annual visit from NMH School in Boston, United States. We also look forward to hosting Riverton primary school in early March. At the end of the month we welcomed the return of the Carving of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa to Takutai o Te Tītī Marae. This figure had been loaned to Southland Museum for the Tamatea, Art and Conservation in Dusky Sound exhibition. A similar exhibition featuring many of the exhibits is now being run at Te Hīkoi here in Riverton.

Rhys Horrell

Rhys and I would sincerely like to thank you all for the wonderful support you gave us both to get to the New Zealand and South Island Secondary School Clay Target Competition held in Christchurch in September 2016.

It was a great experience for Rhys and he’s looking forward to the 2017 shooting season. Rhys has managed a few trophies, medals and badges over the season with his shooting for the Aparima college clay target team in the secondary school competition and for his club Western Southland. He even gained a south Island junior title for the handicap by distance at the South Island Championships held in Invercargill in November, and also received the Southland Future Champion for boys clay bird shooting award at the 2016 Southland Secondary School Sports awards.

Thanks again for your wonderful support it was really appreciated. Your Sincerely, Rhys and Keri Horrell.

Rhys with his trophies and medals.

This land has intrinsic values that no money can buy. It is sacrosanct, and as such, as kaitiaki we have a duty of care to ensure its continued wellbeing. The profits we gain from this are not measured in monetary terms but in the access whānau have to this special place and others similar to it. Te Kōawa Tūroa o Tākitimu is an example of Mō Tātau – for us and our children after us.

Rūnanga members and staff put in many hours getting the venue ready and ensuring that the visit went off smoothly. We wanted the Representatives to experience a small slice of the Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka takiwā and to understand a little of what makes our rūnanga tick and what is important to us.

On the Friday evening after the committee meetings which were held in Te Anau, the Representatives and staff were welcomed by Stewart Bull prior to an evening meal. Our kapa haka rōpū made us all very proud as they provided the waiata at the mihi whakatau and another outstanding performance during the meal.

After the meal Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka made a presentation to Te Rūnanga on our aspirations for our rūnanga. We opened with Joe Wakefield giving the whaikōrero of our takiwā and our place within it. Aunty Jane Davis and Muriel Johnstone provided an overview and a grounding in where we fit within our tribal history and the history of Te Kerēme. They reminded us of how in our pre-settlement times we were more unified and humble than we are today. We came together as an iwi and had shared dreams that were about our people, and our lands not just a commercial balance sheet and our image.

Our Chair, Sandra Cook, set the scene for the presentation. Unlike most rūnanga who have presented to Te Rūnanga on their aspirations – Ōraka Aparima is not seeking a blank cheque either in terms of Pūtea Whakamahi or Pūtea Tautoko. No other iwi in the country comes close to the levels of distribution acheived by Ngāi Tahu but she noted that the approach to date has been uneven and lacking transparency.

Sandra then spoke to two examples of land based projects Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka has been pursuing and funding largely on our own. The first was Te Kōawa Tūroa o Tākitimu which we now lease from the Waiau Mahika Kai Trust. As Aunty Jane said earlier this property is an asset that is available to the tribe and the Representatives present could certainly see and experience the wairua associated with this special place. Yet it is not seen as a “tribal property” and therefore receives no tribal funding for its maintenance and upkeep.

The second example was Rarotoka, an island returned to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu under the Ngāi Tahu Deed of Settlement. Sandra explained that Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka was involved in the negotiations for the return of Rarotoka, the eradication of rats from the island and has worked tirelessly on its restoration for nearly 20 years now. It has only been recently that funding from Te Rūnanga has become available for capital works but not for on-going plantings or upkeep of the land.

The last example was put forward by Joe Wakefield – the joint funding of a full-time position for Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka to advance its te reo and education strategy. It was another example of Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka putting our own money where our aspirations are which we argued should be a factor when Te Rūnanga makes distribution decisions.

The presentation concluded with three slides:

What Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka appreciates:

• The certainty of Pūtea Whakamahi
• Te Rūnanga staff working in our regions
• Support to do our own version of the Ruapehu Whānau Project

What our aspirations are:

• We will hold tight to what bought us as Ngāi Tahu together as a people
• We want our people to be more important than process or bureaucracy
• We will support our collective aspirations
• We will celebrate the successes of other Papatipu Rūnanga and of Te Rūnanga

What our expectations of Te Rūnanga are:

• Must ensure we all share equitably in the benefits of the Settlement as measured over time

Our tribal leadership will act with integrity and honour at all times at a Papatipu Rūnanga level and at Te Rūnanga.

Ann Wakefield our TRoNT Representative sharing a laugh with our Kaiwhakahaere Sandra Cook.

Kaihautū Riki Dallas serving the kai.

Ōraka Aparima Kāhui Kaumātua, Taua Betty Rickus and Tāua Jane Davis two of our stalwarts and Rūnaka Heartbeats.

Long view from the deck of Te Kōawa Tūroa o Tākitimu which is nestled in the foothills of the mighty Tākitimu. – he maunga teitei.

Our people our places. A stunning performance from our Ōraka Aparima tamariki, ably supported by Stewart Bull facilitating a welcome. Aroha ki te tangata. Ki Uta Ki Tai.

Joe Wakefield Ōraka Aparima, skilfully taking the whānau through the motu, highlighting significant site and resources utilised by our people. The table having enjoyed a delicious kai could imagine the journey and discovery of our special and sacred sites.

Did you know that we have a comfortable house for whānau to rent in Te Anau? This property sleeps eight and is located in the heart of the town. It is within walking distance of all amenities and only a short distance from many of the tourist opportunities the region has to offer. Please contact the office for further details or to make a booking.

Contact details

We are progressively updating our membership database to improve the quality of our information. So if you or any of your whānau have moved house or changed email address or phone numbers then please let us know as soon as possible.

Whānau communication

We are looking at ways to improve our communications with whānau and are exploring different ways to get the word out there about what is going on.

We have created an opportunities page on Facebook. This page will carry details of any opportunities for our members such as: details of scholarships, bird transfers, vacancies for representatives on various boards and much more. The link below will take you to this page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oraka-Aparima-Runaka-opportunity-pages/1615071675378752

In the interim we will continue to send you emails. If you no longer wish to receive emails please let us know.

The next scheduled trip for a volunteer group to head out to Rarotoka will be at Easter. We are also hosting a school group from the United States at the end of February. This is a bi-annual trip for them. The students are preparing a lesson on the native American influences in their area. They have offered to present this to whānau if there is enough interest.

As you can see we have a diverse range of activities happening and we are heavily reliant on the generosity of our volunteers to help us meet these obligations and commitments. So, if you wishto play a more active role within your rūnaka please contact us at the office.

Kalani and Grayson Elder

Kalani and Grayson Elder travelled to Christchurch for the South Island Rugby Tournament last year. Kalani’s under 16 team was runner-up and Grayson’s team won their grade. Grayson was also named in the South Island team.

Kalani and Grayson Elder.

Marae Christmas party

On Sunday 11 December Takutai o Te Tītī hosted the Ōraka Aparima Christmas party. Despite the less-than-perfect conditions, spirits were high and everyone had a great time. The wharekai team worked with military precision and produced some excellent kai. The kapa haka rōpū gave a wonderful performance and Hana Kōkō made an appearance.

This was an awesome day filled with fun, friendship and laughter. It was fantastic to see tamariki buzzing around excitedly and to have so many people at the marae. A big thank you to all the volunteers who made this day possible, your help was much appreciated.

The kapa haka group performing at the Christmas Party.

Whānau await the arrival of Hana Kōkō.

Volunteer mahi

A small group of volunteers and staff recently travelled up to Te Kōawa Tūroa o Tākitimu to complete some much needed mahi in and around the complex.

The room adjacent to the main lounge was given a complete makeover and is now looking great. Outside we water-blasted the walkway and around the soffits, cleaned the gutters, trimmed the flaxes on the walkway and weed whacked some areas around the complex. We managed to get most of the scheduled work completed. A huge thank you to all of you who gave your time for this mahi.

Urupā Site (Aparima)

Work has commenced on the removal of old retaining wall irons along the rugby ground side of the Aparima river foreshore. The cultural monitoring was necessary due to the significance of the site as an early Kaik and Urupā.

Muriel Johnstone observes contractor Barry Anderson.

Dusky Sound exhibition

The Tamatea, Art & Conservation in Dusky Sound exhibition was held in the Southland Museum on Friday 16 December. The Carving of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa was loaned by Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka for the exhibition.

This beautiful piece usually rests in the wharenui at Takutai o Te Tītī Marae. The opening was well attended by Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka whānau.

Aunty Jane Davis and Shona Fordyce standing beneath the carving of Tū Te Rākiwhanoa.

Ōraka Seal

Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka staff recently got a phone call to say a pup seal had been playing on the road at Colac Bay, and that it looked thin and distressed.

Staff attended and assessed the situation. The poor wee thing was down by where the road has been washed out among the rocks being used as bank protection. It couldn’t find a hole big enough to get back through and out to the water. Locals once again came to the aid and helped catch it and put it safely back in the water where it was last seen body surfing in the waves. Please note small sea mammals can often be found this time of year out on dry land. First point of call is the Department of Conservation: 03 2112482

Seal at Colac Bay.

Sunday Fun Day

On Sunday 22 January the Colac Bay community held a Sunday Fun Day. This was an amazing day and congratulations to the organisers. The day was designed for the whole family with activities and stalls.

Activities were centered at Takutai o Te Tītī Marae. Tamariki were given fire service uniforms to try on, then they were able to go through a tunnel and try and find their way out – all in the dark. This proved to be a fun game and some tamariki completed this course more than once. Once they completed the course there were balloons, lollies and stickers for them.

Riki Bull of Colac Bay wearing the Firefighter uniform.

On News Year’s Day I flew out to Rarotoka Island for three days of whānau time with my two daughters Amanda and Tania and other family members.

What a wonderful time we had. Two of the old lighthouse keepers homes have been done up, and are very comfortable and warm with the addition of new wood burners. The isolation from the mainland reminded me of the Tītī Islands but with fewer trees. We went for walks around the tracks, and saw plenty of birdlife. Finding time to relax, after the Christmas and New Year’s rush, I read some books that were written by young girls who lived on the Island that told of their daily lives and routines. Lighthouse keepers were a hard breed, and life was sometimes very tough, but they really seemed to enjoy it, as did their families. I love the history. Thank you for the trip out there. Nā Ranui Bull.

From Amanda

On New Year’s Day we flew to Rarotoka on the helicopter which was really cool. We walked the tracks, climbed up big rocks and played down at the beach and in the water, the place is great. Seeing the lighthouse was really cool, especially at night time cause the light was going around. There were three houses, two of them have been done up and were really nice and warm. This island reminds me of the Mutton Bird Islands, especially with having to use a generator. I loved spending time with my whānau over there and meeting new people like Dean and Sally Cole and their grandchildren Mahana and Naera. Thank you Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka for the opportunity. Nā Amanda Bull.

From Tania

I really enjoyed my time on Rarotoka. Just a quick copter ride over to the island, which reminds me of the Mutton Bird Islands. The houses were really cool, and I especially like that they were all made the same. Two houses have been done up, and they look really nice, one is still to be done. The lighthouse is really big when you are standing right there looking at it. In the house Dad read some books and told us about the girls and their life on the island, which was really cool. We went for walks along the tracks, and down to the beach. It was really great to spend time with our whānau over there, in such a great place. I can’t wait to go back some day. Thank you for the trip. Nā Tania Bull.

Amanada, Ranui and Tania Bull Tania Bull ready to fly to Rarotoka.

When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted by the sound of birds chirping, the swish of kererū flying around and the general tranquility the area offers. While waiting on Willy to arrive we were given a warm cuppa, watched eels playing around and received an update on how the Conservation Trust are getting on with pest-eradication as well as other mahi they are coping with. It has to be said that these guys are doing an amazing job.

New traps are being trialed and are working pretty good so far, with five or six dead rats found around most traps. Over 250kms of tracks have been cut, with bait stations put out. Vincent Leith and his contractors were working in there at the time and we managed to catch up with Vincent for an update on the great work they are doing. A discussion occurred regarding 1080 and the benefits this group feel it provides. They feel they have good evidence of the good work this poison does.
While there we had the opportunity to walk some of the tracks, to be whisked up the river by jet boat, put the net out (whitebaiting), and to generally get a great feel for the place. Nā Lynley McKay.

Stewart Bull and Vincent Leith on their hīkoi to Martins Bay.

What an incredible run of weather we are experiencing here in the deep south – a stark contrast to the monsoon type conditions experienced further up the country. How nice for tamariki to have weather like this during the school holidays! This warm spell has also been a boost to many of those in the farming community over the busy period of calving and lambing. It’s also great to see the cafes, restaurants and shops getting a bit of trade after the winter hiatus.

As holidaymakers begin to appear at cribs during weekends digging out lawnmowers, surfboards, bikes and flounder nets, local communities are starting to buzz. It’s great to see so many people out on the water surfing, boating and swimming and generally enjoying the sunshine. Please keep safe on the water, and if you are boating, know the boating safety code. Make water safety a priority for you and your whānau – learn to swim, wear and use the right safety equipment, learn survival skills and most importantly keep your loved ones, especially young children, close.

The last month has seen us putting the finishing touches to the annual report which is to be presented at the annual general meeting and is due to be distributed at the end of the year.

We also hosted the Tē Ara Whakatipu group at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu before they set off on their journey. This venue was also used for a wellness programme which was run by Ngā Kete.

A big shout out to the Ōraka Aparima kapa haka group who gave a wonderful performance at the Murihiku Polyfest. What a great effort. The team practiced very hard for this event and produced a very polished routine. Well done everybody who has contributed to this kaupapa –your time and all of your hard work is much appreciated.

Throughout September Takutai o te Tītī hosted a whānau holiday programme, we also had the general monthly meeting which ran alongside the Ngā Taonga programme. We have several bookings for next month and It is lovely to see so many people visiting our beautiful marae.

As you can see we have many diverse things going on. So if you or any of your whānau are interested in becoming more involved in the work of the rūnaka, please do not hesitate to contact us here at the office for more information

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

As intimated in the last issue we now own a whitebait stand on the Aparima River. This stand is being used fairly regularly by whānau, albeit with mixed fortunes. Those whānau who have used the stand so far have found the people from the surrounding stands and the general whitebait community to be really supportive and helpful.

The stand is available for whānau to use throughout the season. If you wish to use the stand you will need to fill out a booking form. You will also be required to read and acknowledge our whitebaiting health and safety documentation and have an induction. These forms sum up our expectations, and your responsibilities as a user.

This paperwork only has to be done once during the season. To be fair to everybody bookings can only be made two weeks in advance. If we have multiple requests for prime tides we will ballot out those periods. So come on whānau, what could be better than a few hours on the awa catching a feed of whitebait?

Health and safety

As some of you may be aware there have been substantial changes to the health and safety legislation. On 4 April 2016, the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) came into force bringing with it new responsibilities for everyone in the workplace. These changes affect everybody and as a result we have reviewed our health and safety policies and implemented a few changes to the way we work.

This is particularly relevant for whānau and other groups requesting to use the marae or any of our other facilities for specific events or hui. In some cases you may well be asked to complete a Hazard Risk Assessment that is specific to your activities and any potential risks associated with those activities. This document works in conjunction with the existing hazard register. Don’t worry we can and will help you with this at the time of booking. We now also have a registered fire evacuation scheme at the marae. This is a legal requirement. What this means is that we need to have trial evacuations every six months. We have been working closely with the NZ Fire Service Māori Liaison Officer Paki Johnston on this and have already run our first fire evacuation.

There are also responsibilities regarding the role of the fire warden. It is necessary to have an appointed fire warden when the marae is in use. It has been decided that the simplest way to run this is that the hirer becomes the fire warden for that event. This is not an onerous task and the duties are explained in the fire warden folder which is stored on site. This role will be explained in fuller detail at the time of induction. At other times (such as the general monthly meeting) when staff are present, a fire warden will be appointed and this will be conveyed to those present prior to the event commencing.

So whānau, this affects everybody and each of us has a shared responsibility to ensure we keep ourselves and others around us safe. Please embrace these new changes and let’s all work together to achieve a safe working environment.

Ngā Taonga programme

Please remember our Ngā Taonga programme for tamariki. This exciting initiative runs on the same days as the general monthly hui. Those tamariki who attended the first few have really enjoyed the experience.

Holiday home in Te Anau

Did you know that we have a comfortable house for whānau to rent in Te Anau? This property sleeps eight and is located in the heart of the town. It is within walking distance of all amenities and only a short distance from many of the tourist opportunities the region has to offer. Please contact the office for further details or to make a booking.

Volunteers

We are always looking for volunteers to help out with the varied projects and commitments that we have. There are many diverse roles that we need help with including: representation on boards or appointment panels, helping with bird transfers, assisting at the marae or working in the nursery or wetlands and many more. If you are keen to play a more active role within the rūnaka please contact us here at the office to discuss the options.

Contact details

We are progressively updating our membership database to improve the quality of our information. So if you or any of your whānau have moved house or changed email address or phone numbers then please let us know as soon as possible.

Communication with whānau

We are looking at ways to improve our communications with whānau and are exploring different ways to get the word out there about what is going on.

We have created an opportunities page on Facebook. This page will carry details of any opportunities for our members such as, details of scholarships, bird transfers, vacancies for representatives on various boards and much more. The link below will take you to this page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oraka-Aparima-Runaka-opportunity-pages/1615071675378752

In the interim we will continue to send you emails, however if you no longer wish to receive emails please let us know.