There has been a lot happening since the last edition of Te Pānui Rūnaka. Our ANZAC Commemoration Service drew a good crowd; we spent time with NZ Olympic and Paralympic representatives; we hosted students and staff from local Tai Poutini Polytechnic and international students who are studying ecology in New Zealand.
At the beginning of May we were privileged to reciprocate manakitaka by hosting Hollyford Guides at our marae. Each year the guides take wonderful care of Kāti Māhaki whānau who visit our ancient kāika, Whakatipuwaitai (Martins Bay), as part of a unique and valued relationship we share with Hollyford Guides and Ngāi Tahu Tourism.
On the wharemahi front, we will be losing a member of our small team, when kaiāwhina, Waikohatu Scott, starts her new role as a kaimahi whānau ora with local Tai o Poutini health and social service provider, Rata Te Awhina Trust later this month. Wai has been a valued member of our team since 2008 and although she will be missed, we extend our congratulations and best wishes to her. Kia kaha i tōu tūraka hōu e te whanauka.
Kāti Māhaki and Hollyford Guides together on mahau of Kaipō.
ANZAC at the marae
For the past three years we have held an ANZAC Day commemoration service at our marae. This year’s service attracted a crowd of at least 50. Conducted by Upoko Rūnanga, Archdeacon Richard Wallace, the service included readings from Bruce Bay locals Brenda Monk and John Birchfield, reflections from a couple of the people attending the service and from Paul Madgwick, who shared the kōrero of Makaawhio whānau and a poignant slide show presentation. Waiata, hīmene, karakia, our national anthem, the last post, reveille and the ode all featured, along with a poppy-laying ceremony inside our whare, which allowed everyone a chance to pay their respects.
A wreath-laying ceremony at our flagpole, Te Hokowhitu ā Tū, provided another opportunity to lay poppies, with a rousing rendition of the Māori Battalion ending formalities. Everyone then moved into our wharekai to share a sumptuous feast, good company and more kōrero. Rawe rawa te rā whakamaumaharataka nei, ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.
Whānau and locals gathered in our meeting house, Kaipō, for the ANZAC Day service.
Archdeacon Richard Wallace with local John Birchfield who is reading “In Flanders Field.”
NZ Olympic committee
On Friday 26 April, NZ Olympic and Paralympic committee representatives and chef de missions Dave Currie and Duane Kale, team kaumātua Amster Reedy and director of the New Zealand Olympic Museum Charles Callis returned to our marae to express their thanks to Kāti Māhaki and carver Jeff Mahuika for the pounamu and to say how much it had inspired the athletes. It was wonderful to hear about the success of the athletes and the experiences of Dave and Duane in their roles.
The surprise came when Dave Currie, who is retiring after heading the New Zealand team to three Olympics and three Commonwealth Games, presented his own London Olympics blazer to Jeff. They then presented a fabulous framed wall feature of the New Zealand team wearing their pounamu, together with one of the pounamu pendants. It will take pride of place inside the marae.
Māhaki whānau with our guests.
NZ Olympics team chef de mission Dave Currie, left, pounamu carver Jeff Mahuika, rūnanga chairman Paul Madgwick, Upoko Richard Wallace and NZ Paralympics chef de mission Duane Kale with the wall feature presented to Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.
Maramataka
Hui rūnanganui – executive meetings
Whānau please note the changes to our hui rūnanganui dates for the rest of the year. The meeting scheduled for 18 May has been postponed until 8 June at our marae, starting at 9am. The next meeting is set for 13 July at our wharemahi, starting at 9.30am, and after that the second Saturday of each month.
Our Hui-ā-Tau, annual general meeting, will still be held on 27 September. The new dates will be updated on our website, following confirmation at the hui rūnanganui to be held on 8 June. Members are welcome to attend, but should RSVP for catering purposes.
Hīkoi whakapapa
Another date to mark in your calendars is 23-25 August. We will take a bus trip to complement our hīkoi to Waitaha last year. This time we are planning to take in the sights and kōrero, a little closer to home, in South Westland. So book your space now and see Ka Tangi te Kōkō for more information.
Communication
In addition to our quarterly newsletter, there are now a few ways for you to keep in touch, catch up on news or keep abreast of what’s happening. Try our website: www.makaawhio.maori.nz, “friend” our Facebook page, read our blog: makaawhio.blogspot.co.nz or twitter: @makaawhio.
We welcome contributions from whānau, so please send any news and photos to [email protected] or post a hard copy to PO Box 225, Hokitika 7842.
Membership database
We have an increasing list of returned mail and rejected email addresses. Members are encouraged to contact us on 0800 955 007 to check that addresses, email addresses and contact details are up to date.
If you prefer to email, send through your name, the name of any other members in your household and your address and contact phone number to [email protected]
Contact can be made by email: [email protected] or phone 03 755 7885 or 0800 955 007. Mā te Atua koutou e manaaki, e tiaki hoki. Mauri ora.