Congratulations

Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou would like to congratulate Ranui Ellison-Collins on being selected as one of two Dunedin rangatahi to be mentored by Dunedin’s mayor, David Cull as part of the Tuia Rangatahi Mentoring Programme.

Also, congratulations to our Wharekai co-ordinator, Nic Hedley (aka Nicki Noxious) on being selected to the Team NZ training squad for the Roller Derby World Cup being held in Texas in December 2014.

Resignation

It’s with regret that we announce Glenys Russell’s resignation as executive administrator for Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou. Glenys has been working for the rūnanga for three and a half years, manning the office and greeting manuhiri with a big smile. On behalf of the rūnanga, I would like to thank her for her hard work, and wish her well for all her future endeavours.

Ōtākou-Puketeraki Xmas party

Our two rūnanga came together in December and celebrated Christmas with a lot of fun and laughter.Hana Kōkō made an appearance, wearing jandals to take into account the typical Ōtākou weather. Tamariki were entertained by Jay the Magician and the day was topped off by a game of golf at the famous Ōtākou Golf Course, where players battled for the Moki-Te Wera Trophy. Despite Ōtākou fielding a larger team and bringing in the help of local identity, ‘Gearbox,’ Puketeraki were the winners on the day (by a small margin). Have you checked out “our story” on the Ngāi Tahu website yet?

Aroha Ellison getting her present from Hana Koko.

Aroha Ellison getting her present from Hana Koko.

Te Waipounamu Māori Rugby

On Saturday 1 March the Te Waipounamu Māori Rugby tournament was held in Timaru. The tournament hosts both men’s and women’s teams from Murihiku (Southland), Ōtākou, Aoraki (South Canterbury), Waitaha (Canterbury) and Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka (Tasman). This tournament is regularly attended by Brett Campbell – moko of Joe and Nan Ropata and father of Tūmai and Tāwera Campbell. Brett is one of the senior players in the team and has represented Te Waipounamu at the National tournament.

Sadly Raymond Te Huki, a stalwart of Otago Māori Rugby, passed away the night before the team’s scheduled departure for Timaru. The team took time to visit Ray and his whānau before they headed off to play the tournament dedicated to Ray and his contribution to Māori rugby.
Full of spirit the Ōtākou men and women played emotionally charged games and came away victors of the tournament.

It was the first time since 2009 that both the Ōtākou men’s and women’s teams won the tournament. Brett’s family are proud of his efforts and leadership. Congratulations to all of the players, coaches, managers and whānau for a wonderful tournament. Karanga mai rā. Karawhuia. E te rangatira Ray moe mai rā, okioki rā.

Brett Campbell (left) and Matt Kiore.

Brett Campbell (left) and Matt Kiore.

Contributions

Whānau, if you have any stories, please let us know. You can send them through to us at the office.