We are at the end of a very eventful year for the rūnaka. Throughout the year we ran a series of wānanga on whaikōrero, tikanga Māori and te reo. As a result of this we now have strategies in place to move these important kaupapa forward. With support from NKMPT (Ōraka Aparima Health and Social services) we ran a series of men’s health clinics at Takutai o Te Tītī Marae. These clinics proved to be life changing for some of the tāne who attended. There are several awareness campaigns relating to Māori health, so please let us support whānau with this.

This year as well as the usual round of hui, planned events and day-to-day stuff, we had a major unplanned event – the tragic mass orca stranding at Te Kuta Awa in Te Waewae Bay. It is at times like this that we needed whānau to step up, and step up they did. A small band of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the recovery process was successful. This event has pushed us to look at how we can be better prepared for future events.

One of the major challenges facing us is how we can better connect and engage with our rakatahi. As you already know the mahi of the rūnaka is varied and there is something to interest everyone.
If you or your whānau would like to play a more active role in the rūnaka in the forthcoming year, either in a voluntary capacity, or if you feel the need to make more of a connection, then we would very much like to hear from you.

Over the past month the office staff have been busy organising the printing and distribution of the annual report. By now everybody should have a copy of this document, received either electronically or by hard copy. If you have not received one and would like to, they can be downloaded from the Ngāi Tahu website or alternatively please contact the office for a hard copy.

If you have enjoyed a birthday in the last month or have new additions to your whānau, congratulations and very best wishes for the year ahead.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who have contributed to the mahi of the rūnaka over the last year. Your presence is vital to our existence. The successes of the various projects both on-going and new, are testament to your dedication and commitment to Ōraka Aparima whānau. Nā tō rourou, nā tāku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

Te Reo Māori Strategy

The executive of Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka has agreed to endorse and support the Te Reo Māori Strategy that has been developed identifying whānau goals and aspirations and what we would like to achieve in revitalising, te reo Māori on our marae, in our homes and in our local communities; for us and our future generations.

A hui will be held in the New Year, calling for those people who are interested and who have a passion for this important kaupapa to get together and develop an action or implementation plan as to how the goals and aspirations will be achieved.

Many thanks to all those people who contributed to the development and writing of the Te Reo Māori Strategy. Nā reira, Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

The Tour of Southland

The Tour of Southland had a starting stage in Riverton. There was a great turn out from the community to watch this fantastic event, as the riders battled the elements on their way up the coast.

The stage ran from Riverton up over the punishing, Black Mount Hill through the Jericho Valley and into Te Anau.

Competitors riding past the rūnaka office.

Competitors riding past the rūnaka office.

Office hours

The rūnaka office will close at 5pm on Friday 20 December. It will reopen at 9am on Monday 13 January 2015.

This is a time for us to reflect on the past year and enjoy time with whānau. Meri Kirihimete to all our, members, whānau and friends. Have a joyful and safe Christmas and a happy New Year.