Whakapapa o te Whare wānaka
The first of a series of whakapapa wānaka was held at Puketeraki Marae on 7-8 June. The theme was to foster understanding of relationships between whānau within the kāika – that is, to link whānau across whakapapa rather than just the direct lines of descent. We were joined by Terry Ryan from Whakapapa Ngāi Tahu and whānau came from as far as Christchurch for the hui. It was an exhausting, but very satisfying 24 hours. Comments included:
“I appreciated the opportunity for whakawhanaungatanga, meeting new people who of course end up being your bones – love that.”
“I was grateful for the welcoming openness of the gathering and I relished the sense of peacefulness in the people, despite our history being littered with battles and bloodshed.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed myself, excited at the thought of another one. Thanks for an awesome weekend.”
“For me the hui was all about making connections with each other and spending time together.”
The next wānaka is being held Friday 6 – Saturday 7 September. Watch this space for updates.
Robert Greene, Amber Bridgman and James York at Whakapapa o te Whare.
Victoria Bryant, Jenny Smith and Brendan Flack enjoying the wānaka.
Elsie Ellison and Moana-o-Hinerangi at Whakapapa o te Whare.
Adoption of the strategic plan 2013-2018
At the rūnaka general meeting on 16 June, we finally adopted the rūnaka strategic plan 2013-2018. There are three key priorities: Ahi kā (all things pertaining to life at our home base, especially our people), partnerships, and ki waho (rūnaka interests/involvements that are not connected to the home base).
This is our five-year vision so go to www.puketeraki.co.nz and read this document. We plan to review our goals at the first meeting of every year until 2018. As members your input is vital.
Mihi whakatau for his Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Five rūnaka members were part of a delegation, that welcomed the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, to the University of Otago in Dunedin on 11 June.
Hinerangi Ferrall-Heath, who has met with his Holiness before (but not in a past life as far as we know) got up close and personal, just like old friends.
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama greets Hinerangi Ferrall-Heath at the mihi whakatau, University of Otago.
Reunion of the descendants of Motoitoi and Richard Driver
A reunion is being planned for the descendants of Motoitoi, Richard Driver and their three daughters Maria, Emma and Mere. This will be held at Puketeraki, Easter 2014, from Friday 18 April to Sunday 20 April.
Please register your interest in attending by sending your name, address, phone number and email address to [email protected] or [email protected]
As we are developing the programme details and confirming numbers, we will have a better idea of the registration fee, which will be finalised in August 2013. We welcome any suggestions for the programme.
Front left; Emma and Maria Driver.
Communications from the office
We receive a huge amount of information at the rūnaka office that we feel is relevant to our members, so we are always trying to make sure that you are kept up to date with what is happening both internally and externally. But do we get it right? Do you receive too much information, or not enough? We would love to get your feedback. Also, if you want to change the way you receive pānui, for example email instead of snail mail, we want to know about that too. Our job is to keep the communication lines open. How can we make this experience better for you? Email me at the office for any feedback/suggestions: [email protected]