Haere mai kā pēpi
Sean Frederick Colin Pohio Abraham, arrived on 15 October to proud parents Andrea (née Read) and Steven Abraham. Grandparents Rose and Barry Read (Kaiapoi and Rāpaki), Sheila and Robert Abraham, Aunty Jordana and great aunties and uncles all of Southampton, England are extremely delighted.
Sean is also a great grandson of the late Elma (née Couch) of Rāpaki and the late Douglas Pohio of Tuahiwi.
Congratulations also to Tāua Mariana who popped into the office to report that her first moko Amelia Jane Phillips arrived two weeks early, 6lb 13ozs and doing well. Amelia’s parents are Kirsty Gardner and Lyle Phillips, grandparents Margaret Gardner and the late Tom Gardner, Tāua Nui Te Whe and the late John Phillips.
Abraham whānau, Steven, Andrea and Sean.
Rā whānau
December birthdays: John Kottier, Kelly-Ann Briggs, Meri Crofts, Tu Paari Awatea Ruki, Te Rau-o-Te Rangi Winterburn, Torion Manuera Thompson, Tyla-Breeze Cryer, Troy Laffey, Rebecca Gordon, Peta Wilkinson, Tani Ka’ai, Reuben Radford, Darren Rhode, Ray Couch, Juanita Hepi, Michael Wilson, Peter Rhodes, Carlene Timihou, Joseph Tyro, Riki Stuart, Doug Couch, Eugene Rakena, and looking forward to January 2013, Nicholas Korako, Jason Dell, Olivia Rhodes, Jack Stuart, Braden Petherbridge, Judith Wilson, Jamie Swindells, Nathan Pohio, Tracey Gillies, Nicola Hullen, Ward Kamo, Wene Hepi, Sarah Barnes, Diaz Kingston, Allan Couch, Carl Diudonne, Lane Tauroa, Joesph Furlong, Buffy Mckinnon, Grant Couch, Nuku Korako, Areta Briggs, Sean Hartgers, Larissa and Sophia Tucker.
Wedding anniversary
To my wonderful Mummy and Daddy congratulations on your second wedding anniversary love from your wee boy Sean xo.
Andrea and Steven Abraham on their wedding day at Rāpaki.
Wairarapa Moana whānau open wharenui Tamatea Pōkai Whenua
Nā Mariata Couch
He mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa, whānau whānui. I have been living and working in the Central North Island for the past five years. I am working for a Māori Land Trust as an administrator/ Jack-of-all-trades, for a tourism venture the Trust operates called Awhina Wilderness Experience. I am also the Trusts registration officer, taking care of their beneficiary registrations. The Trust I work for is Te Putahitanga o Ngā Ara. Recently I attended the opening of the Pouakani Wharenui, Tamatea Pōkai Whenua in Mangakino, and thought I would share this with the South Island whānau.
Rāpaki has numerous connections to the Wairarapa Moana whānau. I never actually knew why the aerial shot of Mangakino was hanging in our dining room at Rāpaki but now after reading and learning the history of the Wairarapa Moana whānau I understand.
Pouakani Marae Wharenui Tamatea Pōkai Whenua.
It was a beautiful opening, I didn’t attend the 4.15am dawn ceremony on Saturday 17 November but managed the 9am one. The rain blessed this humble occasion, I was reminded of home knowing I was standing in Tamatea Pōkai Whenua, feeling the awhi of the whānau around me.
This was my first attendance on this marae and I felt so at home. Te Rāpaki o Te Rangiwhakaputa you are in my heart, Te Poho o Tamatea you are on my mind, Whangaraupō I miss your caress, till I see you again.
Te Poho o Tamatea Ltd annual general meeting
The chairman’s report acknowledged all board members past and present as well as secretarial administrator Maatakiwi Wakefield. The report also highlighted a range of initiatives that were started during the year, including completion of the three-portfolio investment structures; a service level agreement, further refinement of Te Poho o Tamatea governance processes, quarterly reporting for the shareholder, development of the website, review of banking, investment management and investment strategy, and with Dorothy’s retirement a change of accountants and a move to the online Xero accounting system. There was opportunity for questions from the floor, and plenty of positive feedback and we concluded with a light snack and time for social chitchat.
Marae visit
Shared lunch with Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village residents, Ngā Maata Waka Social Services Students noho, Fendalton, Lyttelton West, and Cashmere Primary Schools.
Taking a break, Rewi Couch, Sharr Pirikahu-Waata and Gail Gordon.
Lyttelton West getting ready to depart.
Charitable funding
If you are applying for funding assistance, please ensure you read the guidelines and complete the application form in full. It is important that your purpose is charitable and that you include enough information to help the distribution committee make an informed decision.
Te Atakura and Hui-ā-Iwi
Congratulations to those who contributed their time to perform at Te Atakura. Big ups to Ripeka for our awesome uniforms. Kia ora Anaru, for the chur design and ka pai koutou te whānau o Ngāti Wheke for a great performance on stage. The weekend was enjoyed by all and to everyone who performed ka rawe. The Pā Kids on Friday were awesome! The kaumātua room was run extremely well, facilities were great, the whole setup was great. Rāpaki was well represented on Friday and Saturday.
Summer maintenance
Interested in a bit of outdoor activity? What could be more appealing than to be amongst the tōtara, surrounded by spectacular scenery on all sides. Rewi Couch is looking for someone with a bit of time to spare over the summer months to attend to weed management and watering. If this sounds like something you would like to do, please register your interest with the office on 03 328 9415 and Rewi will make contact.
Office closure
Rāpaki Office closes on Friday 21 December and re-opens on Monday 21 January. A big thank you to all those who have supported and generously given their time, energy and commitment during the year.
Ngā mihi mō te Kirihimete
Ngā mihi mo te Tau Hou ki a koutou katoa.