Pāua re-seeding
By the time you read this the taiapure have been re-seeded with hundreds of thousands of pāua gifted from Bluff. Thanks to a huge whānau and community effort. We will bring you some photos and a full account of this kaupapa in the next edition of Te Pānui Rūnaka.
Tamariki programme
The Tamariki Programme returns these April/May school holidays, with 60 tamariki registered. Activities include a trip to Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Dunedin Chinese Garden, Moana Pool, a quiz, kapa haka, as well as various cultural and environmental workshops.
Ocean sports in Karitāne
Last month Te Taumata o Puaka was home to University of Otago PE students taking part in an ocean sports paper. Over their four-day course, the students spent as much time as possible in the realm of Takaroa, learning to paddle surf waka, six-person waka, stand-up paddle boards and surfing the waves. Each year, course co-ordinator, Geoff Ockwell is supported by waka gurus, Matahi Brightwell and Peter Boyd, who love leaving their Gisborne region to spend time down here in the south. They remind us how lucky we are to have such great facilities for fun and fitness on the water right on our doorstep.
An Ōāmaru stone sculpture started last year by master carver, Matahi, was again worked on by anyone willing to pick up a chisel and have a go under his guidance. All ages enjoyed the Sunday whānau day, when lots of firsts were achieved. It also gave the PE students the chance to teach what they had learned to first-time tamariki. Back at base Te Taumata o Puaka, everyone enjoyed hearty kai, kōrero and some more carving. We look forward to next year. Nā, Suzi Flack
Peter Boyd (steerer), Elsie Ellison and Hinerangi Ferrall-Heath on Moana-Nui, Karitāne foreshore.
Matahi Brightwell, Hinerangi Ferrall-Heath and students working on the sculpture while Peter Boyd looks on.