Taiaha training

Taiaha training run by Waiariki Parata-Taiapa continues in 2015 at the Waikouaiti Events Centre. The training is on Wednesdays from 4-6pm.You will need a broom stick about chin height as well as shorts and good footwear. This is a great way for our men to learn a discipline and the father and son team is always a great way to bond and get to know each other. Please contact Waiariki at [email protected] or phone 03 465 7300.

Combined rūnaka Christmas party

Ōtākou ‘ran away’ with the Te Wera/Moki Cup this year, winning both the touch and petanque competitions solidly. Well done whānau from over the waters. A day that started off coldish, gradually warmed up and everyone had a nice relaxing time down on the Karitāne foreshore.

The Karitāne Kayaks (which the rūnaka now own) were really popular with the younger attendees. A big thanks to the adults who went out time and again with the tamariki. Thanks also to all the cooks who brought great kai for the lunch. The barbecue was a labour of love due to its slightly inadequate size and energy output but we got there in the end. I have to say, the competition was very fierce this year, especially in the petanque. There were some contentious decisions made (no referee to be seen) but Ōtākou were clearly the winners on the day.

Puketeraki chair, Matapura Ellison, presents the Te Wera/Moki Cup to Ōtākou chair Donna Matahaere-Atariki.

Puketeraki chair, Matapura Ellison, presents the Te Wera/Moki Cup to Ōtākou chair Donna Matahaere-Atariki.

The clear winners of the petanque competition, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou.

The clear winners of the petanque competition, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou.

Te Matatini practice

Tēnā koutou katoa, kā mihi nunui o te tau hou ki a koutou. On Friday 23 January we set off for Tuahiwi to practice for Te Matatini 2015 with the whānau whānui. The mass practice on Saturday attracted a big turnout of whānau – ka mau te wehi. The day was warm and sunny so we finished off with a swim in the Waimakariri.

On the Sunday we attended Te Matatini volunteers training day at Ngā Hau e Whā Marae ki Ōtautahi. We listened to various speakers and gained a good insight into the history of the Waitaha Cultural Council. We appreciated the massive logistics of the planning and preparation for Te Matatini. I tino rawe te whanaukataka me te waiata.
Nā Lisa Te Raki.

Ngāi Tahu reo wānanga

On 30 January, five Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki descendants headed south to Awarua for the Ngāi Tahu reo wānanga. The tutors were Hana O’Regan, Jeanine Tamati-Paratene, Victoria Campbell, Brett Lee and Lily Fraser.

They all covered different aspects of Kāi Tahu reo and how it connects to our environment and history. A highlight of our trip was not only learning about our reo but also going up Maunga Motu Pōhue and hearing a special kōrero from one of their kaumātua Dean, about the tīpuna and stories of the Tītī Islands. We travelled back home the next day with new taonga in our kete and whakaaro that will help motivate us throughout this year. Long story short, we really enjoyed ourselves, especially in terms of representing our hapū. It was an honour. Nā Rongomai Parata-Taiapa.