Rā whānau
Aroha Blacktopp, Caroline Parker, Chela Mason,
Dane Tumahai, Francois Tumahai, Honey Tauwhare, Huck Tainui, Helena Mason, Jamie Whittle, Judith Turanga, Kaleb Mason, Karen Mason, Kim Mason, Missy Campbell, Ned Tauwhare, Santana Tainui, Shaquelle Culling, Tahlay Meihana Eiffe, Tenaya Meihana Eiffe and Tauwera Weepu.
A special acknowledgement
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae would like give special recognition to Joe Mason, for the continued mahi he does in and around our community – especially within the rūnanga.
We would also like to acknowledge him for organising the trophies for Te Ahurei o Te Tai o Poutini held in 2012; and for gifting the trophy named after his late mother Maia Onekura Katene, carved by Jamie Whittle.
NZ Coastal conference
The New Zealand Coastal Society conference held in Hokitika on 20 November was opened by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae. The three-day conference featured presentations by professors, doctors, lawyers, scientists and other delegates on topics related to the New Zealand environment. The NZ Coastal Policy statement of 2010 reads as follows: “A policy statement to set national priorities for the coastal environment of New Zealand – integrated planning and management, coastal hazards, indigenous biodiversity, water quality, natural character, natural features and landscapes, public access, The Treaty of Waitangi, tangata whenua, Māori heritage, ports and aquaculture.” It was a very educational conference and was of benefit to many of our whānau. The conference came to an end with a special performance from Hokitika Primary School kapa haka followed by closing karakia from Ngāti Waewae.
Launch of Poutini Waiora
Ngāti Waewae whānau attended the launch of the rebranding of Rata Te Āwhina to its new name Poutini Waiora in November. There were stalls for promotion and fundraising from kura to kaumātua and good health and wellbeing.
The official launch of Poutini Waiora was followed by the unveiling of the signage by kaumātua, colleagues and Dr Melissa Cragg, Te Kaihautū of Poutini Waiora. The event concluded with kapa haka performances from Arahura Kohanga Reo, Ngāti Waewae whānau, Hokitika Primary and Westland High Schools.
Rūnanga business
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 16 December until 6 January. We would like to wish all our Kāi Tahu whānau a very safe and happy Christmas and all the very best for 2014.
May the New Year bring many more Kāi Tahu events where all whānau can catch up. Ngā mihi o te wā me te Tau Hou.