Mahara Parekarewa Ana Awhina Tungia, daughter of Awhina Boothman and Tamehana Tungia, was born 9 January 2017.
Mahara is baby sister to Teiria and Rahurahu. Moko of Louise Deer, Great-Moko of Awhina Ana Ruru.
Mahara Parekarewa Ana Awhina.
14
Apr 2017
He pēpi
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15
Nov 2016
He pēpi
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Karaitiana Taiuru and Te Paea Paringatai are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter, Raukura Te Paea Christine Moanaroa Taiuru. Raukura was born at home on Thursday, 1 September, weighing 7.11 lbs. She is another great-moko of Nukuroa Tirikatene, moko for Karaitiana Taiuru (Senior), and long awaited first grand-daughter for Christine Watson. Moko for Ritihia Paringatai, and another precious moko for Phil Paul (Pops). Raukura brings together five older brothers; a little sister for Tiwana Paringatai and Maria Tuhura Stevenson, Te Ahu Hohaia-Leef, Tirikatene, Tuhuru, and Te Ngutu Kura Taiuru. Raukura is also aunt to Kyrin and Leighton Paringatai, and Nikolai Hohaia-Leef. She is a delicate putiputi, alert and attentive. Her iwi include: Waitaha, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera on her paternal side; Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāti Toa Rangatira (paternal and maternal side); Tūmatakōkiri, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Porou, Waikato (Ngāti Tipa, Ngāti Tahinga, Ngāti Māhanga, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Maniapoto) on her maternal side.
Nei rā te mihi matakuikui, mihi māhaki hoki ki a koutou katoa i tō koutou aroha.
Raukura Te Paea Christine Moanaroa Taiuru.
26
Sep 2016
Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata, in conjunction with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, invite you to attend Hui-ā-Tau 2016, which will be held at Koukourārata Marae, on Saturday 19 November starting at 10am.
This is a great chance to catch up with whānau and to hear first-hand from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu about the achievements of the year and the plans in place for future programmes and development. Just as importantly, this one-day hui provides a chance for us to kōrero and interact with our tribal leaders. Even though this year’s hui is to be live-streamed to satellite hubs, many whānau may prefer to attend the “report back” and “open forum” session in person so we encourage you to add this to your calendar and join us in Koukourārata. [Read more…]
13
Jul 2016
Over the weekend 10-12 June, Koukourārata’s Cultural Advisor (Nani-Pērā Moka) organised a kapa haka hui for whānau to get to know each other, walk the hills of Koukourārata and of course see the pou.
An update with details on our next kapa haka hui will be posted to our Facebook page, along with a programme. At this stage, we are looking at 8-10 July.
We hope to see you there whānau. Email Nani to register your interest: [email protected]
Auē, I had no idea we had so many young tamariki but look at them all in this photo below.
Koukourārata whānau Standing: Sade Allan, Jade Turner, Ngarita Briggs, Āwhina Boothman, Nani-Pērā Moka, Stevie, Sade Rangihuna, Waiti Ruru, Karauria Renata, Bailey, Jordan Ruru. Front: Manaia Cunningham, Mercedes Renata, Waihou-Kairo Moka-Johnson, Maioha-Pērā Moka Johnson, Zion Daken, Peter Ramsden, Anareia Deer, Mihiata Ruru, Rahurahu Tungia, Tamehana Tungia, Teiria Tungia.
11
Jul 2016
What began as a hui for the process for the naming of our new whare turned into something so much more. We had a great number of whānau attend to discuss some names for consideration. Our next hui will be held 9 July at 10am.
Sitting in the whare kai, Mania Cunningham walked to the window, bringing to everyone’s attention white water out in the bay. Well, this white water turned out to be a pod of over 100 pilot whales. An amazing sight as you can see from the picture taken by Mihiata Albury. [Read more…]
07
Jul 2016
Here Te Pana Young (née Huria)
26/3/1927 – 24/5/2016
“Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu”
Aunty Biddy was precious to her whānau, our whānau strength and link to the past.
On the morning of 24 May our Aunty Biddy slipped away to join her tūpuna, siblings and husband leaving behind her children Larry, Adrianne, Dianne, their husbands and many mokopuna.
Aunty Biddy grew up in Port Levy and Woodend and often shared many childhood tales with us all. One of my favorites is her telling us about catching the ferry back to Port Levy to stay with Aunty Lil for the school holidays. Aunty Biddy has touched the lives of many and was always ready with the home baking and a cup of tea in her fine china when we all visited.
Our stories of Aunty are endless, however I believe this poem explains what an impact Aunty has had on her whānau and many friends. The whānau would like to express their thanks to all the support received over this time.
The Fallen Limb
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, and the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.”
Moe mai, moe mai rā Aunty Biddy
Aroha nui Aunty Biddy’s whānau.
Aunty Biddy.
Congratulations
Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden
Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden was a finalist in this year’s 2016 Green Ribbon Awards, in the Kaitiaki Leadership Category.
This category recognises outstanding kaitiaki leadership and demonstrated commitment to empowering iwi/hapū/whānau to take action to restore or sustain the mauri of te taiao.
Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden.
Charles Crofts
Former Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere, Charles Crofts has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Māori.
Charles is a former Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere who played a pivotal role between 1993 and 1996 in seeing through the most critical stages of the Deed of Settlement.
Charles was then an integral member of the team of principals mandated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, to manage the negotiation process and was personally charged with maintaining tribal cohesion during negotiations.
Charles Crofts.
04
Jun 2016
Brent has turned his life around. He is the first offender graduate of a new partnership between Corrections, Koukourārata Marae and Lincoln University. He is the recipient of a Proficiency in Chainsaws certificate and quad bikes.
According to Canterbury district manager Lisa Joseph, the intention of the partnership is that offenders will gain skills for employment and a taste for further training. [Read more…]
04
Jun 2016
Karaitiana Taiuru has been elected as our TRoNT Alternative Representative to tautoko our TRoNT Representative Elizabeth Cunningham. Karaitiana has been an active member at Koukourārata for the past three years, He is a Justice of the Peace, a marriage celebrant and has a background in governance and in the digital arena. He is the great-mokopuna of Tā Eruera Tirikatene and has five children and one mokopuna.
04
Jun 2016
Ngaire Briggs and Gina-lee Duncan are now trained facilitators with TetraMap International Limited. TetraMap transforms team performance, strengthens your work and personal relationships empowering individuals and whānau.
Its vision is to reduce conflict and leverage diversity, and is a great professional and personal development tool. This fits well with both of their personal and professional lives. Ngaire is the Koukourārata Whānau Navigator and Gina-Lee, a Whānau Ora Advisor for Te Pūtahitanga. Both are very passionate about their work roles and as mothers and whānau members. [Read more…]
03
Jun 2016
He pēpi
By
Karen Ruru welcomed into te ao hurihuri on the 1 April, moko number 10 – Roana Te Kahu Taonga Waipounamu Moka-Kelly. Ataahua Lil bundle of Awhina Moka and Ben Kelly, ora mai pēpipēpi.
Skyla Watkins.
Skyla Watkins was born on 28 February to first-time parents Uni and Vini Watkins. Skyla is the first grandchild for Pita Watkins and first great-grandchild for our late Aroha Duncan.
Roana Te Kahu Taonga Waipounamu Moka-Kelly.
12
May 2016
Brent Ruru (Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata) recently released his self-illustrated book
“I was motivated to write the book after reading ‘Steal Like an Artist’ by Austin Kleon. The chapter about writing the book you want to read resonated with me. If I knew what I know now back when I was younger, the pursuance of what matters most would have had a sharper focus. Sharing what tools I have learnt along my own journey has been at the book’s heart. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of how to change ourselves for the better. Or be reminded to pursue more of what matters most in order to have greater successes at having, being, doing or becoming.” [Read more…]
12
May 2016
Whare update
By
The whare is well and truly taking shape, thanks to Shaun Cadigan (Cadigan Construction) and his team. The framing is up and the roof has now been added. Photos courtesy of Riki Lewis.
Framing up on the Whare Wānanga.
Progress on the Whare Wānanga.
More progress with the roof in place.
11
May 2016
Ngaire Briggs has been recognised for her wonderful work in her role with Te Ora Hou. Ngaire was recently mentioned in an article courtesy of the Future Christchurch Update titled “Rū Whenua Kaitoko Whānau – creating strategies for change”. An excerpt says “Ngaire is proud of her ‘success stories,’ she has helped family members reconnect with one another and worked with them to identify and resolve issues. She says a key tool for struggling families is making a Whānau Ora Path plan. Using brightly coloured pictures, diagrams and words, adults and children alike detail their ‘vision’ for how they’d like things to be. The plan identifies obstacles to achieving progress and strategies for change.”
27
Apr 2016
Pānui contributions
I’m sure there are stories out there that whānau would like to share. Please email these along with photos (ensuring that you provide names of those in the pictures) to: Koukourā[email protected]. Just a reminder that if you are going to submit photos, they should be high resolution (300DPI) or bigger, which means the file size will be about 100 KB or bigger.
14
Mar 2016
Many families continue the ancient tikanga of burying a baby’s whenua (placenta) in ancestral land. For some, it is the ceremony to publically mark the birth of a child. This is the account of one such occasion for a whānau from Koukourārata.
Hot, dry, wind pinned skirts against legs, tousled hair and took off with Tāua’s hot-pink hat. Perfect weather for a fun celebration. Kahukura Wayne Manawatu Te Ra Sykes, aged seven months, was coming home for the first time. [Read more…]
13
Mar 2016
He pēpi
By
Nine year surprise – Haanira-Reiha was born on 18 January 2016.
She is the beautiful daughter of Wai-iti Moka and Andre Bedggood and a little sister to Te Manawanui and Te Kerei Junior. Nā Nani Pērā-Moka.
Baby Haanira-Reiha.
29
Feb 2016
Letter to Koukourārata B4 tonight
“Ko te reo te taikura o te whakaao mārama”
= The language is the heart to understanding.
Kia ora koutou katoa whanauka o Koukourārata,
Kā mihi aroha, kā mihi manaaki, kā mihi mana tapu, kā mihi tapu mana ki kā rakatira koutou katoa e ora ana ki kā rakatira koutou katoa kua mate, ki a Cora Te Aroha Wereta/Watkins/Duncan tuakana, taina, tuahine, whaea, tāua, tō māua māmā.
Haere, haere, haere atu rā.
Nō reira
Ka piti hono tātai hono
Te huka mate, ki te huka mate
Te huka ora, ki te huka ora
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora tātou katoa.
“Ka ora te reo ki te kōrerotia” = The language will grow if it is spoken. Submitted by Pita Watkins
Ngā mate
Our heartfelt aroha goes out to the whānau of Aroha Duncan who passed away unexpectedly in January and Linda Grennell who passed away in February.
Aroha Hinetaumai Duncan
Born and named Cora Te Aroha Wereta on 10 October 1937 at home in Port Levy – Koukourārata. The youngest born to Poihipi and Merimatahaere Wereta and a
loving sister to Gloria Raureka, Rua, Jim, Matapi, Tokerau, Walton and Meri.
How do you begin to write a life-long connection to uphold mana and love of a “Mum?”
How do you express the utmost respect, a connection that an individual held in so many aspects of life?
To start to explain the continued new and old relationships made within our time of mourning.
These will provide pathways into our future. It’s like mum’s destiny of distinctive pathways to sustain relationships/whānau was naturally imposed. Reflecting on her birth in her Port Levy whānau home, it gives reason as to why her effortless connections bloomed.
She was born the pēpi, tuahine, within mana whenua. Mum connected with all her whānau and friends, often being the West Coast connection for whānau holidays and breaks away.
Once connected she let the natural pathway of self-determination evolve and if that meant you walk through her door again so be it if it was you living your journey, she still wished the very best for you.
Graceful in her presence and still graceful in her passing. I cannot give my mum the writing of her life she deserves. All I can do is continue to hold her in my heart. It is to you the reader, to reflect on how our mum, tāua, gran, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend impacted on your journey, to share in your thoughts and love in your own space that fits for you.
Mum is buried in our urupā in Port Levy, with her mother, Meri Wereta, her sister, Matapi, and brother, Jim, surrounded by whānau. With the best view and sunrise in her place of birth. To forever rest at home.
Nā Gina-Lee Duncan.
Aroha Hinetaumai Duncan.
14
Dec 2015
Congratulations
In early August, Environment Canterbury was delighted to welcome new Commissioner Elizabeth Cunningham, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Donald Couch earlier in the year.
Elizabeth has the full support of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and is excited to be back at Environment Canterbury, having served as a Councilor from 2004-2007.
A lifelong commitment to the health sector, and in particular advocating for the improvement of Māori health, has seen Elizabeth devote herself to serving many communities at a local, regional and national level.
For Elizabeth, it is impossible to separate health and the environment, “If people don’t have clean air and clean water, and we’re not safeguarding our natural resources for future generations in the spirit of kaitiakitanga, how can we have good health,” she says.
Much progress has been made at Environment Canterbury in recent years, and Elizabeth has already observed many changes from her term as a councilor. “The current organisation is listening and it’s exciting to see community stakeholders involved, especially through the Zone Committees,” she says.
“The Commissioners are working hard for the best interests of Canterbury and it’s a privilege to be part of this exceptional team of people. I’m looking forward to what we’re going to achieve together in the next 12 months.”
Story courtesy of Environment Canterbury.
Elizabeth Cunningham.
Pānui contributions
If there are any good news stories from within the whānau that you would like to share, please email me and I will be more than happy to submit them for publication.
Just a reminder that if you are going to submit photos, they should be high resolution (300DPI) or bigger, which means the file size will be about 100KB or bigger.
Calling for alternate representative nominations
Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata invites applicants for the position of alternate representative for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Applications must be in writing and meet the application criteria of the Koukourārata Electoral Process. Applications must be received by 5pm on Thursday 14 January 2016. Please contact Marion Crofts, Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata for a copy of the nomination form and criteria. Contact details: 71 Corsair Drive, Wigram. Phone: 03 365 3281 or email: [email protected]
26
Nov 2015
Well whānau, we are one step closer to commencing the build of the new whare wānanga.
The building consent has been approved and Cadigan Construction Limited has laid the new foundation for the generator and gas bottles. With this in mind, the marae will not be available for hire until further notice.
Tūtehuarewa Marae is on the map. In late October-early November, we had signage erected just past the church as you come off the Purau-Port Levy hill.
The official signage. Photo supplied by Sharnecho Crofts.
Koukourārata distribution list
I recently sent an email to whānau for whom we have an email address so I can start a Koukourārata distribution list.
If there is anything of interest going on in the bay, I plan to use this form of communication (as well as Facebook), to let everyone know. If you would like me to add you to this list, please drop me a line at: Koukourā[email protected]
Contributions
I would also like whānau to let me know if they have any goods news stories they would like to be added to the rūnaka magazine. Please email news and pictures to Koukourā[email protected]
06
Sep 2015
Kaimahi hou
Kia ora whānau, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new office manager for Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata, based in the ‘Tower’ at Wigram.
Previous to taking up this position I was employed by Inland Revenue for 11 years as a collections officer – collecting taxes which enable each and every one of you to drive on our roads (albeit broken for those in Christchurch) and utilise facilities such as healthcare and schooling. [Read more…]