Whenua Hou recently hosted our first Whānau Hauora day. There are now around 130 people living in the Te Whenua Hou community and around a hundred of them took time out of their work day to attend the hauora event. Farming staff and Whenua Kura students were provided with a ‘health passport’ and encouraged to visit the different providers offering everything from free blood pressure and eye tests to advice on diabetes, money management, sexual health, cardio-respiratory health, tax refunds, immigration dental care, insurance, breast screening, rongoā Māori and more. [Read more…]

My kāuta rules (MKR)

I te Rāhoroi te 20 o Whā i tū te hui-ā-whānau, My Kāuta Rules, i Te Whare o Te Waipounamu. I tīmata mātou ki te whakawhanaukataka, nā ētahi kemu tūhonohono i mōhio ai mātou ko wai i reira, ā, he aha te tino kai o ia takata.

Ā muri i kā kemu i hoake mātou ki te mahi whakarite kai. Mīharo katoa te mahi whakarite hūhi ahakoa he uaua te mahi, he reka te hūhi. He uaua hoki te whakarite Kopa iti o Kana (Spring rolls) heoi, he rawe te akoraka, ā, he reka hoki te kai. E ai kī ētahi, he kai pai kia rite ai i te kāika. Koina tētahi hua o te hui – nā te mahi i ēnei kai hauora ka mōhio kā tamariki ki te reka me te harikoa o te whakarite kai hauora. Namunamuā! I whakaritea hoki he huarākau e mātou. He toki ki te whakarite huarākau a Matua Grant rāua ko Matua Jason – nā rāua i whakarākei te huarākau kia pēnā ki tētahi kōura me tētahi motu. Ko te whakanakonako keke iti te mahi whakamutuka, ā, i kite mātou i te auahataka o kā tamariki. Me te wai kōrari! [Read more…]

‘Judge [X] looked at the young man from the bench and said “I have been seeing you come before me for years and although I said that you would be looking at yet another jail term, I can see from the planning that you have done with Whānau Ora, that you have changed some things”.’

Last month, Rehua Marae was rocking with mass laughter, stories to bring a tear or two, presentations, waiata, and the buzz of busy minds as the team of Whānau Ora navigators from across Te Waipounamu came together for a two-day wānanga. [Read more…]

The next round of the Fund is now open and applications close on Friday 31 March 2017. For fairness to others, we will not be accepting any late or incomplete applications.

The Ngāi Tahu Fund was established to vitalise, strengthen and grow Ngāi Tahutanga.

Areas we support:
The Fund focuses on supporting cultural projects around:

  • Whakapapa – kinship
  • Tikanga – protocols and customs
  • Te reo – language
  • Mahi toi – creative expression
  • Whenua – landscape, place and locality
  • Mahinga kai – customary food gathering, species protection and restoration
  • Ngā uara – values and beliefs
  • Ā kāinga, ā hapū, ā iwi – community engagement and participation; and
  • Mana tangata – self-determination and self-confidence.

How much we fund: [Read more…]

Te Rūnanga o Awarua Charitable Trust

Notice to Reschedule the Special Meeting
Sunday, 13 November 2016 at 1pm.

Te Rūnanga o Awarua wishes to inform all members and potential members of the rūnanga about the rescheduling of the Rūnanga Special Meeting to call for nominations for members of the Rūnanga Appointment Committee. The Appointment Committee will be responsible for appointing the Representative and Alternate Representative of the rūnanga to represent the interests of the rūnanga at meetings of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. [Read more…]

Janse Ryan was born in Bluff in 1983 to Vicky Cross and Jimmy Ryan and moved to Christchurch with his mother and two siblings as a child.

At the age of 11, Janse showed his interest in the film industry and made handy-cam movies throughout his teenage years. He filmed friends and family whenever he had the chance and this led to him starting a film and TV course through his high school in 2001 where he learned the technical side of the industry, as well as gaining an insight into both editing and filming. [Read more…]

Two representatives from Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka, Stewart Bull and Lynley McKay along with one representative from Makaawhio, Willy Wilson, went on a hīkoi on Saturday 10 September to Martins Bay. Stewart and I (Lynley) drove to Riversdale where we met up with two of the Hollyford Conservation Trust members, got on a fixed wing plane and took the scenic ride into Martins Bay. Oh my goodness, what a fantastic scenic flight this was. [Read more…]

Kia ora whānau,

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. [Read more…]

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa.

Welcome back Cyril Gilroy who has been in Australian the past four weeks visiting whānau and catching up with friends. Congratulations to those whānau who have recently had birthdays and celebrated significant events. If you email [email protected] we would love to put these in the next pānui with any photos.

Appointment Committee

Congratulations to the following whānau appointed to the Waihopai Rūnaka Appointment Committee:

  • Donald Mowat
  • Dorothy Dawn Wybrow
  • Ora Barron
  • Ailene Stehlin
  • Sandra Stile

The committee has commenced its work regarding the appointment of the Waihōpai Rūnaka Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Representative and Alternate Representative and we will notify you of the outcome in due course.

Papatipu rūnanga aspirations

The whānau had a great visit to Christchurch to support the Waihōpai Papatipu Rūnanga Aspirations Group (PRAG) presentation. It was fantastic to see the vision and current work being done by all our Papatipu Rūnanga. For the whānau that weren’t able to attend I recommend going to the Ngāi Tahu website and watching these videos. For Waihōpai we will be referring back to these aspirations on a regular basis at our hui.

Also thank you to Tina, Alice and all the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu team who showed the whānau around Te Whare o Te Waipounamu and spoke with them on different aspects of their work – we greatly appreciated your time and knowledge.

Ōreti Beach memorandum

Waihōpai Rūnaka is pleased to partner with the Department of Conservation, Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council, Ministry of Primary Industries, New Zealand Police, and the Southland District Council, in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding for Ōreti Beach management. This is a significant piece of work that outlines the roles and responsibilities each party has in relation to the management of Ōreti Beach and clarifies the management roles of the parties that have a statutory interest in Ōreti Beach.

Papatipu rūnaka scholarship

Congratulations to Deborah Paterson who is the recipient of the Waihōpai Rūnaka Papatipu Rūnaka Scholarship 2016. Deborah will be studying towards a Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln University next year and we wish her all the best for this.

Marae events

We have been fortunate to host a range of hui at the marae. We have had a 21st birthday, schools, government agencies and kapa haka groups. We have a very busy October calendar and will include photos of some of these in next month’s edition.

Rūnaka

We are currently looking at social housing options in Invercargill and working with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu on this. The first step is to gain an understanding of whānau in our rohe and we are looking at developing a profile of qualitative and quantitative information to get clarity around the real needs in Waihopai in relation to housing. We will keep you updated.

Events in the city

Two blessings were held recently, one at the old Dunedin Prison where renovations have commenced, the second was the blessing of the new Department of Conservation (DoC) office site at Wickliffe House on Princes Street. Annie Wallace is the DoC Coastal Otago Operations Manager and has ensured her staff have consulted with Ōtākou on all aspects relating to Kāi Tahu such as representation. DoC hope to move in to their new premises in December, all going to plan. [Read more…]

Brightening up kaumātua Eleanor Murphy’s (Miss Elle) life is sweet Millie Murphy. A cute Shihtzu cross, seen here when Eleanor visited the office recently.

Miss Elle and Millie.

Miss Elle and Millie.

Koha of plants are welcome so our māra kai will flourish in this fresh spring weather. If you’re ever in the area, pop up and say hi to Pete our groundsman.

Peter Asher, picking fresh rhubarb while Erena Russell-Harris admires the blossoming pear tree.

Peter Asher, picking fresh rhubarb while Erena Russell-Harris admires the blossoming pear tree.

Peter Asher, Ōtākou member and Groundsman at Ōtākou Marae, tending to the māra kai with Erena Russell-Harris.

Peter Asher, Ōtākou member and Groundsman at Ōtākou Marae, tending to the māra kai with Erena Russell-Harris.

We will be carrying out extensive work to Hui te Rangiora church in order to preserve it for the long-term.

The work will include:

  • Roof bracing, straightening of exterior walls and tying together
  • Reinstating the bell tower to its original position on the roof (ensuring it is securely fixed on the roof bracing and structure to withstand heavy wind and weather)
  • Installation of a new roof and ceiling batts to that area
  • Borer treatment to inside including repairing the leak in the Vestry. (Pinex linings)
  • Install perspex over stained glass window
  • Create better solutions for water runoff
  • Repair/replace external cladding and window timbers where rotten and paint exterior
  • Install a 2nd entrance door (and widen existing internal door) to provide easy access for coffins
  • Upgrade the footpath to the original entrance and new entrance points.

The drawings are currently being worked on by the architect and we are looking at how we can detect unmarked graves close to the actual building. We are talking to potential funders, including the Otago Community Trust and Lotteries, and we hope to start the work in the New Year.

A new addition will be a wharepaku at the top of the carpark and we are currently looking at options for this. Any volunteers available to help with the renovations would be welcome. Please contact the rūnaka office on: (03) 465 7300 or [email protected]

Hui te Rangiora Church.

Hui te Rangiora Church.

Tukutuku wānaka

Whiria kā Aho ki Puketeraki, our weaving group is holding a tukutuku wānaka at the marae from 18-20 November, with another to follow in early February (date to be confirmed).

These wānaka have been funded by the Ngāi Tahu Fund. There will be no cost to the participants.
We have some whānau from Arowhenua and Central Otago coming who would like to learn this art form.

It would be beneficial for us to have an idea of how many are interested in being part of this wānaka, so please can you contact either Betty Apes at [email protected] or Phyllis Smith at [email protected] [Read more…]

Thank you

I would to thank Ngāi Tahu iwi and my rūnanga o Moeraki for the financial support over my four years of study at Auckland University. I’m happy to report that I graduated with first class honours in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree this year. Your support fed me and motivated me when things got tough during those years. It reminded me that I was not doing the degree just for myself but also for the people that encouraged and helped me achieve my educational goal. I hope it will encourage others that may follow in my footsteps one day. Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou, Ngaumu Jones.

Ngaumu Jones, recent graduate with first class honours.

Ngaumu Jones, recent graduate with first class honours.

Rūnanga general meetings

Meetings are held bi-monthly. Before each meeting there is a whānau hui to discuss what whānau would like for the next whaka whanaungatanga weekend and any other whānau aspirations. The next rūnanga meeting will be held 10.30am, 26 November at Moeraki Marae following the whānau meeting.

  • November Whakawhanaungatanga – 5 and 6 November
  • Christmas celebrations-more details when these have been finalised

Annual general meeting

A reminder that the annual general meeting for Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Inc will be held on Sunday 27 November at the marae. It would be great to see many whānau come and tautoko the kaupapa. Accommodation is always available at the marae for whānau who wish to stay for the weekend. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Update from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Rep

Last month, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu had the remainder of its Papatipu Rūnanga aspirational goals presentations. Moeraki presented in August. And all presentations are available on the Ngāi Tahu website. The Moeraki presentation is available as both video and PowerPoint from the office. Pre-TRoNT teleconferences are held on the Wednesday before the hui. The next one is on Wednesday 16 November at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome – whether you just want to listen or comment as well. The TRoNT report goes out with the rūnanga general meeting papers. If you are not on the email to receive these, please contact the office and ask to be added to the list.

We are planning a workshop for whānau in 2017 in relation to Papatipu Rūnanga aspirational goals – watch Te Pānui Rūnaka for further details. If you want to contact TRoNT rep, Karen Coutts, please contact the office to be put in touch.

Ngā mate

To all our whānau suffering the loss of a loved one at this time, Waihao Rūnanga extends our deepest sympathy.

Rā whānau

Happy birthday to everyone celebrating recent birthdays.

He pēpi

Our congratulations to whānau who have welcomed a pēpi.

Dardanelle McLean-Smith and Tim Gardner are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Leila Jayne Punahere Gardner, born 14 September. The whānau would like to thank everyone for their well wishes.

Leila Gardner.

Leila Gardner.

Shane Welsh and Courtney Linwood welcomed their daughter Rylee Ivy-Mae Welsh on 15 September. Rylee is a great-great-granddaughter for our kaumātua, Ivy McGaughey. Ivy and Rylee are our eldest and youngest registered members.

Pēpi Rylee Welsh with Ivy McGaughey.

Pēpi Rylee Welsh with Ivy McGaughey.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua annual general meeting was held October 9. Elections resulted in a change of chairmanship for Arowhenua rūnanga, with Vania Pirini-Hurunui elected to serve for the next three years as the new Kaiwhakahaere.

Vania Pirini-Hurunui, a descendant of Te Anau and granddaughter of the late Mohi Fowler, brings skills and expertise currently working for Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu past employment for He Oranga Pounamu, Ministry of Health, Sport and Recreation NZ and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and mahi aroha for a variety of not-for-profit activities over the past 20 years. She excels in leadership, advocacy and decision-making across Te Waipounamu particularly the health and fitness sectors, including governance roles such as school board of trustees and Arowhenua Rūnanga.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua (Executive):
Chairperson – Vania Pirini-Hurunui
Treasurer – Mandy Home
Secretary – Aroha Rickus

Committee members:
Michelle Reihana
Mokai Reihana
Lyndon Waaka
Darren Solomon.

Congratulations to the incoming board. To the members of the outgoing board, we acknowledge the years of commitment and hard mahi that everyone has implemented for our whānau of Arowhenua. Ngā mihi for the many challenges, tears and sweat attached to these roles. A special acknowledgement to our outgoing Chair John Henry and Treasurer Richard Hopkinson for the often unseen work that goes on and the many hours and meetings held to re-develop our marae and implement our two Mātaitai. Although there are many other committees lead by John and Richard the two mentioned are of great significance to them both. To Aunty Suzy who has passionately and tirelessly given her time and energy to our marae, we thank you. You have been a strong, encouraging and supportive role model for wāhine and a great ambassador in your role as a health promoter. Congratulations on ensuring our marae is auahi kore. It’s now time for you to take a well-deserved rest…enjoy.

Kia ora tātou, I am Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe through my mother, Rei Kanuia Tutaki, née Taipana and Ngāti Kahungunu through my father, Tipene Matua Tutaki. Sadly now both deceased. I have always enjoyed summing up my reflections and observations of life in poems. This started in primary school when one of my teachers praised my first efforts in class.

I have recently been attending monthly open-mic nights organised by Catalyst in Christchurch. Two of my poems have been published in Leaving the Red Zone, this year. I have applied to the Hagley Creative Writers Course for 2017, only 20 people a year are accepted, so fingers crossed.

This poem has been accepted by Poetry NZ and will be in their publication, Poetry NZ Yearbook 4, due out in March 2017.

Initiates
By Raina Kingsley

When we are born
our tīpuna smile
slap each other on the back
that one looks like you
…and you

their faces soften
they goo and gaa
with their wrinkled
crinkled eyes nearly closed
delighted beyond all delight

but when we leave our whānau
to be in the world
on our own
cut adrift
off to school

they hold their breath
whisper karakia
will this one make it?

3 o’clock we come home
for the first time alone
initiated and stunned
“my skin’s made of poo!”

our tīpuna cry
oh no, here we go again.
Nā Raina Kingsley.

Congratulations to Sharon Russell (Nutira whānau), daughter Gina Keating and son-in-law Shane Keating on winning the 2016 NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year at the Rotorua Civic Theatre.

Taumutu can certainly vouch for Sharon’s beautiful singing prowess, as we’ve been blessed to have Sharon entertain kaumātua at the marae for our Kaumātua Matariki lunch celebrations for the past two years – we look forward to her entertaining whānau again in the future. [Read more…]

Te Rūnanga staff came out to Wairewa Marae on September 30 to celebrate the anniversary of the Ngāi Tahi Settlement Act. Celebrating this day acknowledges the importance of the Settlement and the sacrifice previous generations made to see Te Kerēme through to fruition.

Te Rūnanga staff helped out whānau at the marae with painting, weeding, harakeke removal, general tidying and stock take in the kāuta and whare. The whānau were happy to see this act of service to rūnanga, as it increases the staff’s knowledge about Te Kerēme and the Settlement and it also creates an opportunity to build whanaungatanga with whānau from our marae. [Read more…]