Kā mihi aroha
To all our whānau suffering the loss of loved ones at this time, Awarua Rūnanga extends all our love and sympathy.
Rā whānau
Happy birthday to all those celebrating their birthdays this month.
Congratulations
Our congratulations go to Aaron Leith, an active member of Awarua Rūnanga, who has been successful in securing a scholarship to attend the First Nations’ Futures Programme at Stanford University in California between 19 October and 2 November 2013.
Educational success
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Hananui te maunga
Ko Te Ara o Kewa te moana
Ko Te Āti Awa me Ngāpuhi me Ngāi Tahu ōku iwi
Ko Muru Raupatu me Te Rau Aroha ōku marae
Ko Awarua te papa kāinga
Ko Murihiku te whenua
Ko Ana Beaton tōku ingoa.
Ana has been involved with Awarua Rūnanga for over 20 years and during this time has held the position of treasurer, and more recently, secretary. For the last 17 years, Ana has been employed by Child, Youth and Family in a variety of roles, but since 2004 as a youth justice co-ordinator.
Ana has obtained a Master’s in Social Welfare with distinction from Otago University, at the same time working in paid employment and carrying out volunteer work for the rūnanga. The title of Ana’s thesis is ‘Tahuri Atu Mentoring Programme’. Ana’s research identified the skills and attributes that are essential for a suitable mentor; and that programmes should strengthen cultural identity, linking youth to their heritage and traditional knowledge. She also identified the fact that programmes need targeted activities and plans and mentors should be well-trained and supported.
Tahuri Atu is a Māori mentoring programme run by Awarua Social and Health Services. The data captured the uniqueness of a Kaupapa Māori-delivered mentoring programme that aims to educate rangatahi in Māori customs and practices. It aims to turn out young people who are not only crime-free, good, healthy citizens but have a sense of belonging – knowing who they are.
Ana would like to acknowledge the tautoko and manaaki she received from Te Rūnanga o Awarua Trustees: Hana Morgan, Louise Fowler, Gail Thompson and Stephanie Blair and Upoko, Tā Tipene O’Reagan; Trish Young CEO Awarua Social and Health Services; local police personnel; local YMCA personnel; Margaret Bragg; Tiny Metzger; John Wixon; Val and George Goffe (Ana’s parents); Anaru Eketone (Ana’s supervisor); plus all professional respondents, colleagues, mentors, parents, caregivers and rangatahi who contributed to her research.
Te Rourou Whakatipuranga o Awarua
The past month has been a busy one for the tamariki at Te Rourou. They participated in pōwhiri at Te Rau Aroha Marae, walked to Bluff School to use their playground and challenged themselves on the play equipment. These were good opportunities for making connections with the community and gave the tamariki valuable learning experiences in building self-esteem, confidence and teamwork.
Bluff Kindergarten tamariki were privileged to attend a musical session with Jerome Kavanagh at Te Rau Aroha Marae. Jerome has travelled the world showcasing traditional Māori musical instruments, taonga puoro. Jerome introduced tamariki to various instruments including pūtātara and kōauau. Tamariki were fascinated by their eerie wails and whistles within the walls of the whare tupuna.
The little ones loved the sounds made by blowing into shells, sticks and stones, the gourds and the twirling instruments on lengths of string. It was a valuable cultural experience for tamariki and kaiako alike. Later in the term, Te Rourou are building on this learning by planning a beach hīkoi to collect shells and driftwood to make their own wind chimes.
The tamariki are currently practising their waiata: Tahu Pōtiki Ruru; E Hoka Manu Tītī and Tūtira Mai for the 2013 Polyfest, which takes place in Invercargill 20 – 23 August. The tamariki and kaiako will require some support, so if you can tautoko and manaaki please contact Te Rourou on (03) 212 6026.
Jerome Kavanagh introduces Mahlee Kapene to traditional instruments.
Rūnanga monthly hui
Monthly hui for hapū members will be held at Te Rau Aroha Marae at 6pm on 14 August and 11 September respectively. If the marae is not available, then the hui will be held at the Awarua Rūnanga office, 12 Bradshaw Street, Bluff.
Membership database
We are currently updating our membership database and have found that many members’ children have had children of their own that require registering. If you are one of these people we encourage you to contact us on (03) 212 6029 or email [email protected] to request registration forms.
We also encourage members who have changed residential or email addresses, to update their details by contacting the rūnanga on the above number or email address.
Rūnanga business
We welcome contributions from whānau for Te Pānui Rūnaka, so please tell us your stories by sending any news and photos to [email protected] or telephone (03) 2126029. Alternatively, visit our office at 12 Bradshaw Street, Bluff anytime.