Kia ora whānau and welcome to another month of Te Pānui Rūnaka. I would like provide you all with an update on what has been happening within our hapū by identifying the current portfolios that exist. This will then mean that I can report a little on each kaupapa as the months go by.

Secondary school kapa haka

Drilled choreography, expressive faces and passionate voices were witnessed by anxious onlookers as secondary schools from around Canterbury competed to represent the Waitaha region at next year’s National Kapa haka Secondary Schools Competitions. Toi Huarewa (Whānau Tahi combined) placed first, Linwood College were second and Papanui High School combined third. It was heart-warming to see mokopuna who whakapapa to Rāpaki in the lines competing. It was also a proud moment for Tāua Reihana Parata to see her mokopuna, Waiariki Paraone up on-stage after he was named kaitataki tane 2015.

Te Poho o Tamatea funding

Te Poho o Tamatea has met and administered its September funding round. The next submissions will be held in March 2016.

Acknowledgements to guests

As the office manager and general daily operations person of the marae, I would like to give thanks and appreciation to all those who come on to the marae and respect the venue, its buildings and all the policies that come with it – along with the practice of good kawa and tikanga.

It has been absolutely warming especially to see that my ‘Auahi Kore/No Smoking’ rules have been respected. Manuhiri have been absolutely wonderful adhering to the practice and signs here at the marae. Also, anyone who has ever considered the Quitcard Programme all material and support can be provided, just ask us the office.

We have received positive feedback from all schools, and their children and teachers alike are enjoying the programmes being offered to them on arrival. Also, it’s great seeing the healthy kai display, which promotes healthy options at pōwhiri – with little or no sugar options and no added salt to the kai provided. Nā Cushla Dwyer.

Member contributions

If members have an item of interest they wish to share with the whānau of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke please contact: Cushla Dwyer, Rāpaki office manager at Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Inc, 37 Rāpaki Drive, PO Box 107, Lyttelton, Whakaraupō Banks Peninsula. Call: 03 3289415, or 021748747; or email: Rā[email protected]

Couch whānau in Vancouver

Three branches of the Couch whānau were represented at a recent whānau barbeque in Vancouver. Rosalie (Rosie) Plaskett, daughter of Bill Couch, and her daughter had returned from a cruise to Alaska. Rewi Couch (moko of Tog Couch) with his wife Marilyn were in town to help their daughter Nepeya settle in at her course at Vancouver Film School. Donald, son of Arthur Couch, and wife Dorothy are in Vancouver for the northern summer. Donald’s son Peter and wife Leanne along with their children, Evan, Maren and Oliver hosted the barbeque. Also present were Donald’s daughter, Katherine, her husband, Ian and their children, Kalan, Kara and Kirianne. [Read more…]

Vacant position

Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke has a vacancy for an administration manager. This is a full-time position based at Rāpaki Marae, commencing in July. The successful applicant will be responsible for the office and administration of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Inc affairs and will report to the general manager. A job description will be made available on request. If interested, please contact Kopa Lee, general manager on 021 917 305.

Congratulations

Waiariki Paraone was selected as the head boy for Linwood College 2015 at the school prize giving last year.

A rousing chant from his proud peers and family made the announcement all the more significant. Waiariki is excited about his leadership role and looks forward to leading Linwood College during his final year at secondary school. Tau kē Waiariki. [Read more…]

Rā whānau

In August, the whānau of Huia Dunn gathered in Masterton to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Huia is the daughter of Riria (Doodie), granddaughter of Pita Paipeta (Rāpaki) and Mereana Tarawhata (Arowhenua) and great-granddaughter of Teera and Teoti Paipeta of Rāpaki.

It was a great occasion and a good excuse for whānau to come together. The whakapapa was available for all to see and everyone was very interested. Our thanks go to the late Pam Petherbridge, who had shared the original whakapapa with us – it is in the shape of a big wheel. [Read more…]

Rā whānau

During August and September, several Parata whānau members celebrated their birthdays. The birthdays began in New Zealand with Reihana Paraone on 9 August, followed three days later by Rangimarie Parata Takurua, who celebrated her 50th birthday on 12 August. While in Greece, Waiariki celebrated his seventeenth birthday with a pool party at the Ionion Star Hotel, Lefkada, on August 20. [Read more…]