Kā mate
George Tainui (Butch) Robinson was tragically taken from us on 21 April in a truck accident, Mareeba, Cairns, Australia. Loving son of Nancy and the late Francis Robinson, dearly loved husband of Betsy, and father of Cory and Danica. Treasured brother of all his siblings and precious uncle of his nieces and nephews. Many thanks to Ōnuku and Wairewa for koha and thank you to all who sent cards and letters.
Departing the wharf on board the boat.
Puaka – during the July school holidays
Kia ora whānau! Once again, Melany Tainui ran a very successful and enjoyable Puaka during the July school holidays. It was a four day event where whānau went on a boat trip around the Akaroa Harbour, learnt about kōauau, rongoā, Māori art, mau rākau, kapa haka and how to prepare and cook a hāngī.
View of our wharekarakia from the water.
A real highlight of the four-day event was the two and a half hour boat trip of Akaroa Harbour. This was a cultural history tour to explain and capture the Taiāpure events, with historical and conservational talks. This was topped off by stopping in front of the marae and performing a haka and waiata to our whānau standing on the shore.
During the four-day event Tony Smith spoke on kōauau, the art of Māori instruments. He demonstrated traditional instruments and our tamariki had a go. Many of them showed natural talent! Some whānau got up at 6am to walk up the hill and play the instruments to the moana and to acknowledge the new dawn.
Tony Smith with his captivated audience.
Amiria Robinson with her jam.
Aperahama Kipa taught the art of rongoā. We enjoyed a bush walk for tātarāmoa (bush lawyer) and kawakawa. These were prepared in a big boil up, which we drank and enjoyed the benefits, a peaceful sleep.
Manea Tainui taught the younger tamariki how to preserve jams, and each proudly took home their own yummy jar.
Aroha Abraham taught us how to make our own natural cold and cough rub and also lip balm, again with some to take home.
Making our chest rub.
Simon Rogers and the teenage boys completed their paintings – showing real talent.
Aaron Hapuka also taught mau rākau to the boys. Karuna Kalasulas taught kapa haka and waiata to us all resulting in powerful yet beautiful music to our ears!
A hāngī was prepared and the up and coming generation learnt hands on about how to prepare and cook a hāngī. The hāngī was sold as a fundraiser for the Akaroa Area High School. We raised $450 for their te reo class.
Ka pai!
Thank you Manea for your delicious kai and Mel and your team for yet another fantastic Puaka hui – we look forward to next year.
Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation hui
It was a real privilege to host the Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation Board, on our marae. The two-day event started on Friday with an immersion day and finished on the Saturday with the board meeting.
Uncle Waitai started the immersion day with a fantastic kōrero on Ōnuku/Karaweko whare history. Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon followed with a kōrero on his journey with Ngāi Tahu. The most powerful message that came from Mark was the importance of working as a team firstly at rūnanga level so we continue to grow locally, then at iwi level if we are to grow nationally and internationally. Rangimarie Mules then facilitated a fascinating session on the values of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. The morning session concluded with Fern Whitau from The Office explaining marae tikanga and also teaching a small mihi and waiata.
Our treasurer, Ngaire Tainui, presented our portfolio management system and explained the process for our putea whakamahi. The board seemed very interested in the processes we have in place to protect our charitable status.
Tahu Potiki (Ōtākou) finished the day with a very informative kōrero on Ngāi Tahu history and whakapapa. On Friday evening Angela Tainui entertained us during dinner with her beautiful voice and soulful jazz repertoire.
Thanks must go to Manea and her team, Rei Tainui, Debbie Tikao and Tyrone Bannan for the stunning kai, which was extremely tasty, and presented in a way that would make any five star hotel proud.
Feedback from the board members was very positive; they learnt a lot about our values and what is important to us at rūnanga level.