Office moves to the heart of Ngaa Rauru Kii Tahi

Transcription

1 The Quarterly Newsletter For Te Kaahui o Rauru Issue 42 Office moves to the heart of Ngaa Rauru Kii Tahi Ngaa Rauru is moving forward and the iwi is delighted. The groundwork for a series of environmental, educational, social and economic initiatives has been laid over the past 12 months, ensuring the iwi is in a position to advance its priority goals. We have come a long way in a short time, Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton says. We have a 20-year strategic plan, and we are making steady and purposeful progress toward our vision as an iwi. The feedback from our people is that they re delighted to see such positive development. A significant moment in Ngaa Rauru history was marked on 21 March with the blessing and opening of the iwi office in Waverley. It was a strategic decision to move from Whanganui. The iwi has wanted to move the office back to Waverley for years. We are now where we need to be at the heart of Ngaa Rauru, Anne-Marie said. The purchase and relocation to the property at 14 Fookes Street the 5.6ha site of the former Waverley High School happened quickly. When the price was right, it was time to move. Our Paepae decided to buy on November 2. We took possession on December 23, gutted and converted the house to an office, and moved in on March 21. It just goes to show that when Ngaa Rauru moves together, we can achieve great things. Ko Rauru Kiitahi taatou motuhake nei. The office opening at the start of Te Toi Ahurea festival began with karakia and ruruku led by Ngaati Tai and Turama Hawira. A special taonga was unveiled a new Te Kaahui o Rauru sign designed and carved by Jason Hina (Ngaati Maika) with support from Maryanne Mareikura. The taonga is a solid piece of tootara, featuring a carved Te Piko o Rauru and the names of the 12 Ngaa Rauru marae sandblasted onto mirror. Not only is the new sign a beautiful piece of whakairo, it also carries reminders to whaanau, hapuu and marae. Jason and Maryanne chose mirrored glass because when you look into it, you see yourself a reminder to be accountable. You can see through the sandblasting a reminder to be transparent. Ngaa mihi nui ki a koe Jason koorua ko Maryanne moo too mahi ataahua. Te Piko o Rauru is an interpretation of the traditional double spiral, the meaning of which links back to the primeval parents, Ranginui and Papatuuaanuku, and the period of absolute void. Jason s explanation is on display in the office. Also on view in the office is the artistic talent of Tania Pirikahu (Ngaati Hinewaiatarua). Tania s artwork depicts the story of Te Ikawaiwaha the man Ngaa Rauru refers to as Te Kaahui Rere. Te Kaahui o Rauru is now seeking input on how the Waverley land can be used. We want to engage our people and start the flow of dreams and ideas. It is exciting to explore the ways this property can be used in terms of iwi development. We ve been brainstorming at hui, and some inspiring ideas have included a health centre, business space, pahake housing and a multi-purpose activity and sports centre. We encourage whaanau to keep the ideas coming. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 1

2 KII TAHI Tumu Whakarae update Governance Teenaa koutou katoa, While this report is short, in issue 41 I discussed progress on a number of kaupapa. In this issue I want to cover what has been finalised and also update other work to hand. TE KAWA O TE KAAHUI O RAURU REVIEW: The constitutional review is complete and the legal review undertaken of the amendments. The Paepae will now formally endorse the amendments. S.I.P.O. REVIEW: The annual investment plan has been reviewed and the recommendations included in the investment plan. OTHER REVIEWS: Are underway of the Governance Manual and Organisational Structure. These reviews are still on track to finish mid to late WAVERLEY HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY: At the Toi Ahurea the new Iwi offices were opened with the unveiling of a plaque on 21 March THE AWA HIIKOI and TOI AHUREA: Were successfully completed at the beginning of the year. GOVERNANCE ORIENTATION: For six of the newer Paepae members has just been completed. As of 30 April 2015 the following are your Paepae members: TE PAEPAE Narlene loane, Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata Nicole Neilson, Chevelia Martin* Herbert Gawler, John Wirihana Sylvia Forester, Yvette McGregor Hayden Potaka, Marianne Rangihaeata Renee Bradley, Carolyn Young Ruta Broughton, Ray Hina Faith McCallum, Ngapari Nui Queenie Gripp, Markus Gripp Nathan Pari, Moringa Kumeroa* Sharlene Tapa-Mosen, Mary Bennett Chrystal Hika (nee Canterbury), Raukura Waitai *new paepae members since the last newsletter MARAE Wai-o-Turi Waiapa Takirau Kaipoo Te Ihupuku Tauranga Ika Paakaraka Te Aroha Whenuakura Te Wairoa Iti Kai Iwi Taipake REMINDER: The triennial and annual general meetings of Te Kaahui o Rauru will be held 26 July There will be elections for both Paepae members and the position of Tumu Whakarae. Teenaa raa koutou katoa, Te Pahunga Marty Davis, Tumu Whakarae Mahi never ends for our Tumu Whakarae. Left to Right: Te Pahunga Davis, Ngapari Nui and Mark Pirikahu Mamae aroha Haere ki o taatou kui maa, koro maa e Kua ruku te tau tawhito i toona ruku Kua puea ake te tau hou me toona oromi i te rahi o ngaa taangata kua toremi ki te taaheke o te poo Tee taea te peewhea! Ko te urunga tee taka too raatou urunga Ko koopuu parapara too raatou rua E moe koutou ki te okiokitanga o te waahi ngaro Ko au ki te ao awatea nei Teenaa taatou katoa Charlotte Morehu (tuakana of Maewa Broughton) was taken to Te Aroha Marae in Ngaa Ruahine. Connie Phillips (tuakana of Olive Bullock) was taken to Rangatapu Marae. Cyril Tamou was taken to Ketemarae Paa. Hinekura (Buddy) Tieketahi Phillips (NEE Sullivan) was brought home to Te Ihupuku Marae and is buried in Waverley. The wife of the Tumuaki o te Hahi Ratana, Peeti Meihana (nee Rongonui) was taken to Ratana Paa. Rodney Tangipo was returned home to Patea and has been laid to rest at the Patea Lawn Cemetery. Peter Hamiora of Waipapa Marae was taken home to Taumarunui where he is buried. Within two weeks of each other, brothers George and Clem Ruruku passed away in Whanganui. Lady Martha, the wife of the late Sir Archie Taiaroa, was taken to Kauriki Marae in Taumarunui. Cris Wichman tragically drowned at Patea Beach and was taken to Pariroa Paa. Upcoming events Te Kaahui o Rauru Paepae Hui Sunday 28 June 2015 Kaipoo Marae Sunday 26 July 2015 Paakaraka Marae Sunday 30 August 2015 Te Wairoa Iti Marae Sunday 27 September 2015 Te Ihupuku Marae Sunday 1 November 2015 Wai-o-Turi Marae Sunday 29 November 2015 Te Aroha Marae Maui Pomare Day 28 June 2015 Te Kaahui o Rauru Annual General Meeting 26 July 2015 Koroneihana August 2015 Te Pahuatanga o Parihaka 5-7 November 2015 Taranaki Tuu Mai November 2015 Waitootara Awa Hiikoi January Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 2

3 KII TAHI Kaiwhakahaere update Operations Teenaa koutou, teenaa taatou Ngaa mihi o te tau hou Maaori ki taatou. Welcome to this Puanga edition of He Kupu Herenga Tangata. Puanga is a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge those who have gone before us, give thanks for the present and plan and look forward to the future. This edition captures a range of activities and achievements involving our iwi, and our whaanau members in recent months. Key themes for this paanui are he tangata our people, te taiao the environment, and strengthening and enhancing our organisation and structures to ensure they are best placed to support the cultural, social and economic aspirations of our people. In this edition there is an article about our move to Waverley to the heart of our iwi rohe. This return to our roots demonstrates a commitment to not only improve access for our people, but also that when we as an iwi plan and put our minds to something we can make it happen in a timely and well executed manner. The move has enhanced our ability to grow as an organisation and to explore and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of our whaanau. Our SEE (Social Ecological Entrepreneurship) programme, which figures strongly in this edition, is focused on just that. Ultimately, we want to encourage and grow employment, education and cultural learning opportunities for our people. We are taking good firm steps toward these goals. We re also moving forward with our Ngaa Rauru Virtual Kura project to create a curriculum that captures the knowledge and stories of our rohe, to help us grow our Ngaa Raurutanga. In the coming months, we ll share more detail on how this project will roll out, how you can contribute and introduce you to the roopu mahi. Led by Te Paepae and supported by our passionate staff, Te Kaahui o Rauru have made good progress in implementing significant change and improvements in the past year, as we have reflected and reviewed the work that we do and how we do it. There has been a greater structure and discipline engaged in our planning, working and monitoring processes, and greater focus on enhancing the skills of our people with training and mentoring. In the coming months we will continue to improve and enhance the support we provide to our people. These are exciting times ahead. Noo reira, kia kaha taatou ki te whakanuia teenei waa o te tau! Kui Mere Pirikahu QSM The Queen s Birthday was a very proud day for Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi with our Kuia Mere Pirikahu being named the recipient of a Queen s Service Medal for her services to Maaori. Kui Mere has spent her lifetime dedicated to the teachings of our tupuna and passing on those teachings. Raised at Pakaraka Marae, she helped establish Te Wairoa Iti Marae and Te Hunga Ririki Te Kohanga Reo in Waverley where she was appointed as the first Kaiako. A secondary school teacher of Maaori and social studies for over 20 years, Kui Mere continues to generously share her skills and knowledge with our people. When the office popped in to congratulate her, they found her hiding out embarrassed by all the fuss and attention! Teenaa koe e Kui Mere moo ngaa mahi kua mahia e koe hei oranga moo taatou te Iwi Maaori. Kei te mihi. New Ngaa Rauru Kii Tahi Pookai Aronui Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton leading the mokopuna pony rides at Te Toi Ahurea. Left to right: Arohaina Owen, The Honourable Tariana Turia and Mike Walsh On Sunday 7 June at Whenuakura Marae, The Honorable Tariana Turia, Mike Walsh and Arohaina Owen were welcomed to Pookai Aronui the Ngaa Rauru Kii Tahi investment committee. Tariana and Mike hold positions as Directors and Arohaina has been appointed as an Associate Director. Nau mai, haere mai. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 3

4 PUUTAIAO Left to right: Anaru Luke, Rahera-Ocean Hawira, Te Huatahi Hawira, Daniel Solomon, Leaara Kauika-Stevens, Anne-Marie Broughton, Robina Broughton, Neihana Pari and Diana Senior. SEE project update Iwi pilot project explores new ways of doing business The Social Ecological Entrepreneurship (SEE) programme has been developed by Ngaa Rauru to explore new iwi enterprises that support the environment, have potential for development as an alternative to dairying, and create opportunities that value people, place and culture. The project aims to build a spirit of enterprise focusing on economically sustainable business opportunities that align with iwi cultural and environmental values. It began in January, led by Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton, cultural and environment advisor Turama Hawira and Massey University ecological economist Dr Marjan van den Belt. Anne-Marie said she was humbled to have such experienced and skilled people leading and supporting the programme. Marjan brings expertise in science and business/economics, and is internationally renowned in her field. Turama has a critical role in guiding, interpreting and programme development. Another key member is our commercial advisor and marketing/product development specialist Marise Gunderson. The year-long pilot has attracted support from the Department of Internal Affairs, which is funding Dr van den Belt under the Community Internship Programme; the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, which is funding Marise Gunderson under the Commercial Advisors Programme; Te Puni Kookiri and Massey University. Fifteen iwi members are involved directly in building and testing the programme, Te Kawa o Maui-tikitiki. It s a great team, an exciting team. We re co-creating the model and supporting each other to identify opportunities for our whaanau, hapuu, marae and iwi. It s inspiring, creative and fun and we re working at the cutting edge of new business philosophies and practice. Anne-Marie says the rohe is under immense pressure from dairying, oil, gas and iron sand mining. As an iwi, we oppose seabed mining and we ve resolved to be proactive in caring for our environment and reducing reliance on invasive industries. But we have to find ways of creating jobs and doing business that works with, conserves and enhances our natural resources our land, rivers, sea, forests. The project aims to assess needs, design a framework for social ecological entrepreneurship from a Ngaa Rauru world view, develop tools and methodologies using an eco-systems approach, and create a strategic plan to build capability. The team will develop recommendations for the use, protection, management and conservation of the Waitootara ngahere, ngaa awa and Te Kiri o Rauru, Anne-Marie says. We will explore opportunities for the development of our assets, including the Waverley High School site, and develop feasibility and business planning strategies and systems to build iwi capability. SEE team takes up kai challenge Kai-related business opportunities are under the spotlight as part of the Social Ecological Entrepreneurship (SEE) pilot programme. The focus on investigating opportunities within the food industry arose from the first SEE waananga to explore ideas for iwi enterprise. In our waananga, one of our kui Helen (Shorty) Luke talked about how her favourite watercress creek dried up, and how she no longer trusted the water quality of other creeks. So, she created her own watercress patch in her garden and through trial and testing, she s worked out how to keep herself well supplied with watercress. Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton said. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 4

5 PUUTAIAO Daniel Solomon at the Gluten Free Food and Allergy Expo in Auckland. Kuia Helen s story, her path of learning and the way she found solutions to her problems sparked a whole host of business development ideas around kai. We re looking for projects that sit at the micro business level anything that can help to support whaanau income through to scaled-up business opportunities, Anne-Marie said. Given the resources that we have in our rohe really good-quality land, a temperate climate, water and an available workforce we re focusing on food as a starting point. Watercress is a nutrient-dense food that is part of our natural diet, and it s already becoming a trendy gourmet superfood. What if we were to restore some of our creeks so that we can not only start collecting our traditional kai again, but also grow it as a commercial crop? The SEE team is now undertaking a product development challenge. Inspired by our pou kuia Helen Luke and Mere Pirikahu, we re exploring potential new products using watercress, puha or poroporo as a base ingredient. We ve got some staunch foodies in our roopu first out of the starting blocks was Kui Helen. She turned up at the office the next day with her first creation, Watercress Scones delicious! Another original idea in development is a kimchi (a fermented Korean dish) featuring watercress. Potential new products will be tested at the next SEE waananga in June. As part of the kai initiative, a team of eight spent two days in Auckland exploring consumer trends in the food industry. The group visited niche retailers like Nosh, Farro Fresh and Commonsense Organics, went to a glutenfree food and allergy expo, and attended the Good Food Forum, an event aimed at helping to develop highperforming food businesses. The event gave the Ngaa Rauru team an up-to-the-minute insight into the food industry and market, and provided information on government-agency support for start-up and growth food businesses. We got so much more than expected from this trip. The expert advice and insight from the speakers was invaluable. Anne-Marie said. SEE team member: DANIEL SOLOMON Opportunities to bring our people home I was born and bred in Waverley in fact I was the last child to be born at Abbotsford. I work for the Ministry of Social Development, with clients who have health conditions, disabilities or injuries. As a member of the SEE programme team, I m enjoying the direction the project is heading toward. Everyone on the programme is there not for themselves but for the future of our tamariki and our people of Ngaa Rauru. I m looking forward to helping to make a difference. How can the SEE project help to revitalise Ngaa Raurutanga? In the short-term, I see it as providing opportunities for Ngaa Rauru people to make a change. Long-term depending on the avenues ventured down it can also provide employment opportunities which will possibly bring our people home. Te Huatahi Hawira and Rahera-Ocean Hawira checking out the EasiYo booth at the Gluten Free Food and Allergy Expo in Auckland. SEE team member: TE HUATAHI HAWIRA I want to see a change I am passionate about my awa and the environment. I would like to see us bring change to the current state of our awa by waking up those who are unaware of how unhealthy our awa is. Once our awa is healthy, our people will become healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Maintaining the role of Kaitiakitanga is important, as is ensuring Kawa is upheld and keeping Tikanga alive. The well-being of my people is a driving force. My vision for the iwi would be to see more people walking their talk; more people involved in the projects of their marae, hapuu and iwi. I was part of the roopu that travelled to Auckland on the Kai field trip visiting niche kai retailers and the Good Food Forum. Two of the main learnings for me were: always tell the truth about the origin of your product, and do not use your culture in vain. Story-telling sells the product but if that story is a whole bunch of baloney, your consumers will find out. If I was asked what I would like to see happen next, the answer would be simple: I want to see a change. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 5

6 PUUTAIAO Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton, cultural and environment advisor Turama Hawira & Massey University ecological economist Dr Marjan van den Belt. Turama Hawira A new waka for contemporary times Turama Hawira is cultural advisor for the SEE project and an iwi advisor on environmental issues. He is leading the seabed mining submission for Ngaa Rauru and will help enhance and implement the iwi environmental management plan. A priority task is to help develop iwi position statements on various environmental activities, including seabed mining, fracking, water rights, farming and other puutaiao issues. He shares some of his priorities and his passion for SEE. I ve been involved with the Waitootara awa hiikoi for the past four years. Every year, evaluations have highlighted concerns around environmental issues centring on the Waitootara ngahere and the awa, and how degraded it has become. Last year, another issue came at us the TTR (Trans Tasman Resources Ltd) application to mine iron sand. My current role evolved naturally, from an issue base: we had concerns and wanted to do something about them. I was asked to be part of the SEE team, to provide cultural advice about this relatively new Western phenomenon. For an indigenous perspective, I looked for the ancestral precedent within tikanga and koorero to align with the kaupapa of Social Ecological Entrepreneurship: to me, Social means iwi, hapuu, whaanau, marae; Ecological is kawa, tikanga and Te Ao Tuuroa; Entrepreneurship relates to the work of Maui-tikitiki. An initial task was considering how to form a coalition that was kaupapa friendly and aligned with the binary principles of the SEE project and then how to recognise the issues and challenges and turn them into opportunity. The key message is that enterprise has to be ecologically sustainable, and give, in a social sense, back to the people and the environment. The aim is better economic return for iwi, marae and individuals, ecological sustainability and social fairness. Those principles aren t often considered in business. Ecological economists look at natural capital, human capital, social capital and built capital. Ngaa Rauru aligns those ideas with mana atua, mana tangata, mana whenua, mana kai. What we have, in effect, is a double-hulled waka one the view of the ecological economist, the other the iwi perspective. This waka is a platform from which to gather people and start looking at business development that gives back to the environment and the people. It s good to see how the project is attracting our own from our marae and communities. The project is timely. The prevailing attitude is that the future doesn t look that bright with an over-reliance on dairying. SEE is a new waka for contemporary times. It enables iwi, hapuu and whaanau because it is driven on principles of long-term ecological, economic and social sustainability. Therefore it aligns with kaupapa values such as kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, hauoratanga. It s been exciting watching the growth at grassroots level. The environment is the catalyst that has brought people together. As iwi, whaanau, hapuu we are now working collectively on environmental casework, doing the groundwork around planning to improve waterways, restoring habitats and developing collaborative networks. With regard to the seabed mining case knowing that the applicants will come back and make a second application, the work is around formulating a strategy, preparation, being ready ensuring our iwi values and tikanga can come to the fore in the decision-making process, and identifying relevant legislation to promote our cultural values and kaitiakitanga. It s about being kaitiaki and standing up for what our old people held close ensuring the future sustainability of our natural resources for our mokopuna. To my mind, if you take responsibility on the paepae you should also be doing that for the ngahere and the awa. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 6

7 Tears flow as statue welcomed The statue of Waitootara soldier Herewini Whakarua, who was killed in action in January 1918, has been returned to the restored Whanganui monument to Maaori soldiers who died in World War I. Ngaa Rauru elders and whanaunga of Herewini greeted the marble statue as it arrived at Paakaitore on June 2, and tears flowed as he was returned to the monument which has taken two years to restore. The statue was repaired at the Sarjeant Gallery and has been in safekeeping there since March 2013 while the cracked and crumbling plinth was repaired. Tumu Whakarae Te Pahunga Marty Davis attended the ceremony along with a small group of Ngaa Rauru representatives, including the sergeant major s niece Virginia Sullivan and her daughter Virginia Hina. It s a very, very emotional day, Virginia Sullivan said. One of Herewini s hands and the rifle he holds will soon be added to the statue and safety checks will be carried out over the next year. The monument will be re-dedicated once all work is completed. KII TAHI (Photos courtesy of Wanganui Chronicle.) Te Ture Whenua Maaori Reform Maaori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell has announced the next round of consultation hui for the review of the Te Ture Whenua Maaori Act Consultation hui will be held in June. The Act has been reviewed to reform the governance and management of Maaori land and a draft Bill has been developed. The new legislation is expected to replace Te Ture Whenua Maaori Act 1993 at the end of this year. Minister Flavell says the proposed changes are to: Support and promote the retention and use of Maaori land by its owners; Empower Maaori land owners to pursue their aspirations for the sustainable development of their land; Enable Maaori land owners to make decisions without needing Maaori Land Court approval and encourage owner participation; Respect the intrinsic cultural significance of Maaori land; Provide an effective alternative to litigation to resolve disputes. Some of the proposed changes are significant and Ngaa Rauru uri are encouraged to attend the upcoming hui. The New Plymouth hui will be held at Quality Hotel Plymouth International on Wednesday, 17 June, 5.30pm 8.30pm. The Whanganui hui will be held at Whanganui Race Course on Thursday, 18 June, 5.30pm 8.30pm. For updates on hui dates and venues, visit te-ture-whenua Formal submissions can be made through Te Puni Kookiri and are due by 10am, Friday, 3 July Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 7

8 WAITOOTARA AWA HIIKOI A chance to learn, experience and enjoy Workshops on rongoa, mirimiri and environmental monitoring were among the highlights of the fourth annual Waitootara Awa Hiikoi this year. The seven-day tramping and canoeing hiikoi traversed the awa from the mountain to the sea. More than 120 Ngaa Rauru whaanau of all ages participated in the 2015 event, which began at Takirau Marae on 26 January and finished at Kaipoo Marae on 1 February. The hiikoi was packed with specialised workshops, including pest, bat and fresh water monitoring, basic sea survival and water safety, and social ecological entrepreneurship (SEE). Organising committee member Leaara Kauika-Stevens said Ngaa Rauru koorero, whakapapa and whanaungatanga was woven throughout the hiikoi, making it a fun and educational experience. Our awa hiikoi is a chance to learn, experience and enjoy being in the bush and on our awa. The first leg of the hiikoi began with a dawn ruruku followed by a five-hour walk into the ngahere to Trains Hut passing Te Huinga o Maru the meeting point of the Omaru and the Waitootara Rivers. Two nights were spent in the bush, with waananga on history, whakapapa, pest and bird monitoring and trapping. We also learn about our plants and rongoa Maaori, bush safety and what it means to be Kaitiaki. DOC staff hiikoi with us every year, so it s a great chance to learn about the conservation work they do and the protection of our ngahere, said Leaara. The stay in the ngahere was particularly popular with the large number of rangatahi on this year s hiikoi. Mean, good, great experience, my first but won t be my last were some of the comments received from taiohi in evaluations. This year, the hiikoi spent two days in the bush and four days on the awa travelling mostly by two-man canoe from Ngaamatapoouri, and staying at marae along the way. The hiikoi is getting longer at the request of participants, Leaara said. The young people this year asked for more time in the bush in future hiikoi, and we re always open to adapting. Development of the programme is ongoing and responsive to feedback. So next year s hiikoi has been extended to nine days. A disappointing observation for many whaanau was the declining health of the awa, which became more evident as the paddlers neared Waitootara. Unfenced waterways, lack of riparian planting, nutrient run-off and irrigation draw-off for dairy farming are causing major issues for the river. Whaanau and hapuu have identified several projects to help clean up and restore the waterways between Kai Iwi and Whenuakura. Te Kaahui o Rauru is currently seeking support through the Ministry for the Environment s Te Mana o Te Wai Fund and local councils. We re hoping to get some projects up and running this year, Leaara said. The annual hiikoi realises the dreams of Ngaa Rauru elders. A hiikoi on the Waitootara has always been talked about by our elders. Four years ago, we were finally able to implement it, supported by our iwi governance Te Paepae. It s now a much-anticipated highlight of the annual iwi calendar. The next Waitootara Awa Hiikoi will be nine days, incorporating more time in the bush. It is planned for January Registrations open in June. If you would like to contribute to the organisation of the hiikoi, participate in any of the environmental projects, or have any queries, please awahikoi@ngarauru.org.nz. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 8

9 WAITOOTARA AWA HIIKOI Kei te mihi maatou te ahi kaa o te awa o Waitootara ki ngaa marae me ngaa hapuu katoa o Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, o Te Kaahui o Rauru me ngaa kaimahi o Te Papa Atawhai i oou koutou tautoko mai ki teenei hui, aa, ki a maatou e whai ana ngaa tapuwae aa oo taatou tuupuna. Ko wai maatou. Ko maatou ngaa wai katoa o Rauru Kiitahi, too taatou take tuupuna, too taatou tatai whakapapa. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 9

10 TE TOI AHUREA Left to right Mariah Pakinga, Wikitoria Webster, Hinekorangi Taitapanui, Te Whakaarahia Kauika-Tenisoni and Maraeroa Kauika-Tenisoni A celebration of who we are Ngaa Rauru has talent, if the second Te Toi Ahurea festival is anything to go by. The bi-annual festival in March celebrates Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi culture, unity and whanaungatanga with arts, sports, kai and music. After weeks of planning and preparation, the two-day line-up of competition and fun kicked off on Saturday, 21 March, on the grounds of the newly acquired Waverley site. With a programme that included the unveiling of the Te Kaahui o Rauru sign, blessing of the new iwi office, an opening parade, an Amazing Race, a trivia quiz, pony rides for the tamariki/mokopuna and kapa haka, there was something for everyone. But it was the Marae-Got-Talent contestants who stole the show. Marae got talent? Yes, we have! Te Toi Ahurea organiser Arareina Davis said. Not only did our Tumu Whakarae shine as our MC for the weekend, but people of all ages showed their X Factor. However it was the rangatahi who really owned the spotlight. Their performances show we really have some great talent in our iwi. To see our rangatahi get up with such confidence and represent their marae with pride was just awesome! Arareina said the event was established by Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi as an an opportunity to celebrate our uniqueness, Te Pahuki i te awa o Waitootara Far right Moringa Kumeroa me ngaa rangatahi strength and to revitalise our Ngaa Raurutanga as iwi, whaanau, hapuu and marae. It is also an opportunity for iwi who live away from the rohe to return home and reconnect. It s a very positive and uplifting weekend of re-connecting, enjoyment and pride. There is a lot of laughter and it is all about whanaungatanga, kotahitanga and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahitanga. It only comes around once every two years, so we look forward to it immensely and make the most of our time together. Two large marquees in a corner of the 5.6ha former Waverley High School site formed the festival hub. Many smaller tents and gazebos housed kai and information stalls and promotions, among them Kaipoo Marae, Taipakee Marae, Te Waananga o Aotearoa and Te Kura Kaupapa Maaori o Ngaati Ruanui. Day one events included the Opening Parade where pahuki/ marae paraded with their banners and grooved to the beats provided by DJ Mario Mareikura. The Amazing Race around Waverley followed which included a poohiri as well as learning waiata and raaranga at Te Wairoa Iti Marae. The race finished with each team singing the himene He Honore and doing the actions using sign language which Moringa Kumeroa taught them as part of the Amazing Race challenge. After lunch, Marae-Got-Talent got into full swing and the crowd was treated to an afternoon concert from our very talented uri, capped off with a surprise performance by Harmony Showdown, runners-up in Homai Te Pakipaki Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 10

11 TE TOI AHUREA TE MANA O TE WAI The spiritual power of water Ngaa Rauru will get much needed funding to support its plans and intitiatives to help clean up rohe waterways if an iwi application for new environmental funding is successful. In February, Te Manatuu moo te Taiao (the Ministry for the Environment) opened a $5m fund called Te Mana o te Wai. The fund is open to whaanau, hapuu and iwi to support their relationship with wai and restore and enhance the water quality of rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries and lagoons. Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton said the iwi has been concerned for some time at the negative effects of deforestation, intensive agriculture and poor management of waterways. A working group was formed to put together a project plan and funding application. Comprising whaanau, Te Kaahui o Rauru Paepae and staff representatives, the group identified restoration projects involving the Kai Iwi, Waitootara and Whenuakura rivers, the Kai Iwi, Oototoka and Ookehu streams and the Tapuarau Lagoon. Sasha Keating filming Aroha Mackintosh, Te Huatahi Hawira and Rahera-Ocean Hawira at Te Toi Ahurea. Trivia and kapahaka were the main activities on Day two. In acknowledgement of the mission statement to revitalise Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, two compulsory Ngaa Rauru waiata were included in the kapa haka bracket: Ngaa Rauru raa te Iwi, a waiata-a-ringa composed by the late Nepia Nikorima, and Ko Aotea, a Taranaki-wide mooteatea. All three Pahuki performed brackets consisting mainly of Ngaa Rauru waiata. The winning Pahuki was Te Pahuki o Te Awa o Waitootara (Kaipoo, Te Ihupuku, Taurangaa Ika and Takirau) winners received a certificate and native plant courtesy of Kiitahi Nursery. Te Kaahui o Rauru wishes to thank everyone involved for making the event a memorable success. Planning for the next Te Toi Ahurea is already in the pipeline. A tono will go out soon for a Pahuki to organise and host the next event in The main aims of the projects are to: Clear out waterways overgrown with willows and weeds; Improve water flow through narrow water channels Fence river banks to exclude stock from the water; Carry out riparian planting to filter farm run-off and improve flood management Improve access to waterways for cultural and recreational use; Develop a water health monitoring framework Deliver a community awareness programme; Re-establish traditional paataka kai areas. Anne-Marie said the Working Group has worked hard to gain the support of the wider community, government agencies and councils for its funding application. Ngaa mihi ki a koutou, ki te roopu mahi: Nani Waitai, Te Huatahi Hawira, Ray Hina, Ruta Broughton, Ngaire Kauika-Stevens, Sylvia Forester, Marie McKay (Te Puni Kookiri) me Te Kaahui o Rauru kaimahi, Anne-Marie said. There are many stages to the application process. We expect to hear in July if we ve qualified to proceed to stage two fingers crossed, whaanau. Ngaa Rauru Kii Tahi Whaanau Ray Hina, Hineariki and Ruta Broughton at Oototoka Stream (Paakaraka/Maxwell). They plan to fence and plant along the stream to revive the watercress patch and retire the hillside to encourage the ngahere to re-generate. 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 11

12 MAATAURANGA Relocation of iwi archives Ngaa Rauru iwi archives are being stored in the Alexander Heritage and Research Library in Whanganui until Te Kaahui o Rauru can create a safe and secure place for them in Waverley. Due to a lack of space in the Waverley office, the archives are being stored by the library following the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wanganui District Council. Kairangahau Aarona McGregor undertook the big job of cross-checking the archives and transferring them over to the library. Aarona says: Our whaanau can be comforted in the knowledge that our Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi archives are safely stored under lock and key at The Alexander Heritage and Research Library and can only be accessed through the Te Kaahui o Rauru office. Under the guidance of Turama Hawira the archives were moved to the library on 25 March Ngaa Rauru was welcomed at The Alexander Heritage and Research Library with a whakatau conducted by Whanganui pahake John Maihi and supported by library staff. All our taonga were placed on a whaariki as part of the karakia process and to awhi our taonga as we brought them into the library, Aarona McGregor said. While there, we were informed that the whaariki was constructed by our own Ngaa Rauru tauheke, Nanny Wiki Matanginui Kingi, and supported by Nanny Bella Broughton. What an amazing taonga to welcome our taonga. Strict access guidelines are in place and policies have been updated. If you would like access to the archives, please contact Te Kaahui o Rauru office on or admin@ngarauru.org.nz Ngaa mihi nunui ki a koutou i awhi mai nei i teenei mahi manaaki taonga maatauranga. (Photographs courtesy of Gail Imhoff) 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 12

13 KII TAHI Ngaa Rauru secretariat supports Iwi Chairs Forum The professionalism and competence of Ngaa Rauru operations staff have been acknowledged by the leaders of iwi throughout the motu. Three key staff members of the office of Te Kaahui o Rauru form the Secretariat of the national Iwi Chairs Forum. The Secretariat is a funded role which assists the Iwi Chairs Forum to perform its national functions. Te Kaahui o Rauru has held the Secretariat since Kaiwhakahaere Anne-Marie Broughton said the Iwi Chairs Forum numbers 65 Chairs, who meet four times a year to discuss cultural, social, economic, environmental and political issues. The forum is a platform for sharing knowledge and information between iwi. Virtually every significant issue affecting Maaori is assessed, critiqued by a technical team and referred to forum members for discussion and direction. It s a great honour for Ngaa Rauru to hold the Secretariat and an even greater honour for our hard-working team to be acknowledged and thanked by the iwi leaders for their outstanding work. Our amazing waahine are the Ringa Raupaa the working hands behind the Iwi Chairs Forum. They are the people that provide robust and responsive communications, organisation and administrative support, and assist the host iwi in preparing documentation, organising speakers and the quarterly forums. The Secretariat team is: Leaara Kauika-Stevens (Iwi Chairs Forum Secretary), Pania Winterburn, Arareina Davis and Decadia Pakinga. All four are employed as part of the Te Kaahui o Rauru Finance and Administration team. Anne-Marie said the Secretariat s high-level service was acknowledged by the Chairs at the May forum held at Whangaehu Marae, south of Whanganui. It s a big job and can be very hectic and stressful in the lead-up to the forum. Thankfully, our team take the pressure all in their stride with good humour and a smile. Ngaa Rauru is appointed until 2016 to hold the Secretariat role. History The Iwi Chairs Forum was formed when the government passed the Foreshore and Seabed Act The Act prevented the Maaori Land Court from investigating applications regarding the foreshore and seabed, and removed the High Court s power to determine claims. In essence, this threatened the position of Maaori. Our own tauheke Tariana Turia crossed the thresholds of Government to oppose the bill, Anne-Marie said. In 2005, Taa Mark Solomon, Chairman of Ngai Tahu, approached the late Maaori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, seeking to call together iwi chairpersons to discuss and share information, and establish a collaborative process to deal with issues of significance that affect all Maaori. Thus, with 35 founding members, the Iwi Chairs Forum was formed. It meets four times a year, with the February forum always held at Waitangi and one forum each year in Ngai Tahu. Other iwi tono to host the remaining two forum. Ngaa mihi maioha ki a koutou ngaa Ringa Raupaa, te mana waahine o te tari o Te Kaahui o Rauru. Aa koutou kaha, aa koutou werawera, aa koutou whakaaro ki te mahi. Mahara hoki noa ki a koutou maa katoa kua awhi mai i te timatanga ki te waa nei e. Left to right Leaara Kauika-Stevens, Decadia Pakinga, Arareina Davis and Pania Winterburn 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 13

14 AO TUROA Old native stone-cut artifacts from Waverley An interesting find of ancient stone-cut Maori work was lately uncovered by Mr. R. J. Johnston on his family property near Waverley, and the various artifacts so found have been deposited by him in the Whanganui Museum. The scene of the discovery was a small lake covering five or six acres. This lake lies about a mile south of the Waverley Railway Station, on the east side of the Oturi Road, and is within a few chains of the farm homestead. At some time in the past this lake (fig. 1) has apparently been connected with a general lake-system, now known as Heren-gawe, that runs through adjoining properties and has connection with the sea through the Whiuroa Creek. three very heavy sinkers, four atua-whawhai (all four being unique as to design), a long and singular sort of hook of a type never before seen by the writer, many pointed stakes all more or less burnt, three socketed or forked timbers, many worn-out and apparently discarded fern-root beaters, some eel-killing implements, totara and other timber stumps that had been cut through with stone tools, a portion of the handle of a well-finished kumete, and, deep down in the black soil, portions of broken hue-shell. Later, from a different position, other articles were brought in; seven more sinkers, a piece of stone with a flat surface that had been used as a smoother, a wooden shark-hook, a tongue or an article in the shape of a tongue, a rough kumete and a portion of another, many more stakes and fern-root beaters, and several articles of unknown use. The only foods relished by the Maori of other days found in the lake at the present time are kakahi (Unio sp.) and koura (Paranephrops planifrons). There is no evidence of the latter having been taken. The stakes are interesting because they show that the style of sharpening, possibly three centuries or more ago, was the same as that practised by the Maori of to-day. In support of this suggestion, it seems almost certain, judging by the many patu-tuna or eel-killers being found buried deep down in the soft decomposed vegetable soil, that eels have been taken in these waters by former generations, but sand-hills have long ago drifted across the connection on the seaward side and have isolated the portion under notice. Since the present occupants have held the lake (over sixty years) no eels have been known in its waters. It seems obvious that this sand-drift raised the lake waters very considerably above the level of the Maori work period, for un-doubtedly, judging by the great piles of chips disclosed below certain chopping logs, when this work was in operation, the portion afterward covered with water was either a portion of an encampment, or what may be termed a workshop, near the water s edge. This season, the summer of 1931, it being particularly dry in the district mentioned, the lake waters receded to a point never before noticed by the present owners of the farm. It is just possible that the earthquake of February last may have had something to do with the exceptionally low water, but this is of course conjectural. The discovery was made by Mr. Johnston, who, digging out some partly-exposed timber for firewood on the western side of the lake, unearthed a fine specimen of an atua-whawhai, a small figure that is usually mis-termed a kumara-god. A portion of the foreshore was then carefully dug over, and at a depth varying from two to three feet the site of an old working place was uncovered, and in the small space of about thirty feet by six, besides choppingblocks and great quantities of chips, quite an imposing list of stoneworked articles was found; several stone adzes, With all the many sharpened stakes now brought to light (see fig. 2) this rule has been adhered to without exception; most of them have been through a fire and only the sharpened portions are left, which makes one think they were driven in the ground when fired. Yet none were in position; they were all scattered and lying horizontally deep down in the black soil. It is unlikely they were ever used for a fish-race, as they were most certainly on the shore when last in use. The many portions of hue-shell indicate a garden in the vicinity, but the hue have been dried off before being discarded, and moreover, garden-fences were not required in those days. In all probability they have been house-stakes, the building being burnt, but one cannot imagine why the points are not standing upright or in line. To read the rest of this story and to see additional photographs of the artifacts discovered in the Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi area head to the following website: jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/volume_41_1932/volume_41,_ No._161/Old_native_stone-cut_artifacts_from_Waverley,_ by_t._w._downes,_p_50-58/p1# (Volume > Volume 41, No. 161 > Old native stone-cut artifacts from Waverley, by T. W. Downes, p 50-58) 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 14

15 NAU MAI KI TE AO Ngaa Peepe o Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Aotahi Puohotaua Ngaronga tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 24 o Hui-Tanguru Ko au te tamaiti a Atutahi Ngaronga (Te Wairoa Iti Marae) raua ko Cara Katene. Tihei Mauri Ora! Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Ataahua Ja-Naya Firmin Tamou tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 21 o Kohitaatea 2015 Ko au te tamaiti a Cynthia Tamou (Waipapa Marae) raua ko Jordan Firmin. Tihei Mauri Ora! Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Patrick Taurua McKay tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 27 o Hui-tanguru Ko au te tamaiti a Kiriwai Taurua (Paakaraka Marae) raua ko Daniel McKay. Tihei Mauri Ora! Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Lewis Te Ngaruru Pirikahu Jamieson tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 9 o Haratua Ko au te tamaiti a Vincent Jamieson (Te Wairoa Iti Marae) raua ko Chloe Whale. Tihei Mauri Ora! Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Matilda Maria Cassin Sullivan tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 20 o Huitangaru Ko au te tamaiti a Te Ngaruru Sullivan (Te Wairoa Iti Marae) raua ko Anna Cassin. Tihei Mauri Ora! Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Jurael Turere Bennett tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 29 o Kohitaatea Ko au te tamaiti a Cee Jay Bennett (Kai Iwi Marae) raua ko Tash Tuuta. Tihei Mauri Ora! Teenaa Koutou Katoa, Ko Te Waikurarangi Turia-Bennett tooku ingoa. I whaanau mai ahau i te 12 o Poutu-Te-Rangi. Ko au te tamaiti a Pinetuakau Turia-Bennett (Kai Iwi Marae) raua ko Britney Morgan. Tihei Mauri Ora! 14 Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 15

16 NGAA RAURU KII TAHI KAAKAHU T-Shirt $20.00 (inc 15% tax) Specify the size Umbrella $30.00 (inc 15% tax) Black only Necklaces $5.00 (inc 15% tax) Silver only Adult Bucket Hat $20.00 (inc 15% tax) Black & White only Kaumatua / Straw Hats $20.00 (inc 15% tax) Brown & White only Vehicle Plate Surrounds $15.00 (inc 15% tax) Black only Children s Bucket Hat $20.00 (inc 15% tax) Green with dark green stitching only Sleeveless Hoodies $41.00 (inc 15% tax) Children s sizes only Specify the size To order any of the apparel items above, please your order and delivery address to admin@ngarauru.org.nz, or call us on We will send you an with the total value of the order, including shipping and a bank account to transfer the payment into. Once the payment is received your items will be shipped Fookes Street PO Box 18 WAVERLEY 4541 Ph: admin@ngarauru.org.nz Page 16