Congratulations

The three granddaughters of Kaikōura grandmother, Kelly Laugesen had outstanding year at school in 2013. All three live in Christchurch. Mollie Laugesen completed year 12 at Riccarton High School and passed level 2 NCEA with a Merit for Te Reo. She also won the Riccarton High School Year 12 Excellence award for Te Reo. Mollie has also been picked for two Year 13 leadership roles for Riccarton High School for 2014 – Māori mentor and peer support.

Younger sister, Summah, also a student at Riccarton High School, won a Year 9 academic award and the Riccarton High School Year 9 speech competition. Youngest sister, Ruby, who is in Year 7 at St Teresa’s Primary School, won an award for academic excellence and excellence in Te Reo.

Also a belated congratulations to Poihipi Clayton, a pupil at Garin College, Nelson for making the Under 13 Nelson Bays Rugby Team. Well done Poihipi. All the boys pictured below in red jerseys – Matt Getz, Tuhawaiki McDonald, Hemi Williams.

From left: Matt Getz, Tuhawaiki McDonald, Poihipi Clayton, Hemi Williams, Jack Cotter and Adam Ford in their Marlborough Under 13 team.

From left: Matt Getz, Tuhawaiki McDonald, Poihipi Clayton, Hemi Williams, Jack Cotter and Adam Ford in their Marlborough Under 13 team.

He pēpi

On 5 September 2013, George Campbell and Mel Perring (Tauranga) blessed the whānau with the early arrival of our wee princesses India Lilly (1440g) and Polly Mei (1342g) at 4.31pm and 4.32pm at Wellington Regional Hospital Neo-Natal Unit.

Our miracle babies were real warrior babies, as they were 2 months early and gave their mum and dad a big shock. Our little darlings spent 77 days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital, where they were looked after by an amazing team of professionals.

Today, India and Polly are growing like there’s no tomorrow.
Welcome to the whānau darlings. Love always and forever from the Campbell whānau. Nā Missy Campbell.

Polly and India.

Polly and India.

Welcome to Violet Louise Lilley-Curtis, who was born on 7 January 2014. Proud mātua Jah-Vana and Shane, te moko tuaono mo Rauhine and Kevin Lilley, te mokonui tuatoru mo Karen and Michael Coakley, te moko nunui tuawhā mō Hilda (Tilly) and Hector (Spud) Tainui.

Congratulations to another wee gem to add to your beautiful growing whānau.

Violet Louise Lilley-Curtis.

Violet Louise Lilley-Curtis.

Arahura Pā picnic

On 25 January we had our annual Arahura Pā picnic. Usually held at the old marae site in Arahura Pā, this year we held it in Hokitika. Whānau, mostly tamariki, went to Hokitika to the movie theatre followed by a swim at the local swimming pool. We had hāngī to finish off an awesome day.

Cooling off in the pool.

Cooling off in the pool.

Fusion wānanga

In the last week of school holidays the Fusion Dance Crew came together for the first fusion wānanga for the year. Twenty-five tamariki spent the week together, along with kaiako Chantal and Miriama, and kaimahi Nelly and Hamiria.

We had the pleasure of inviting the Department of Conservation (DOC) to Te Tari o Arahura. DOC representatives Glen Newton and Deb Hogan talked to the tamariki about the endangered whio and how they are protected. They also showed the tamariki some of the traps they use to trap stoats and other pests. Arahura Kōhanga Reo also joined and everyone enjoyed the presentation.

Just minutes later we heard the chopper arriving with the beautiful whio. It was a great experience for our tamariki. DOC representatives, Glen and Deb, along with the Anderson Helicopter Crew did a fantastic job and we’re very thankful to them for giving our tamariki such a fun-filled morning.

For the final day, we let the tamariki decide what they wanted to do, and instead of their performance day held at Te Tari o Arahura, they decided they wanted to go showcase what they learnt to the general public of Hokitika.
This saw performances of kapa haka and hip hop on Hokitika Beachfront, in front of our Waewae Pounamu toa.

One of the DOC representatives shows a whio to tamariki.

One of the DOC representatives shows a whio to tamariki.

The whio arriving by helicopter.

The whio arriving by helicopter.

A bird’s-eye view of the Arahura River.

A bird’s-eye view of the Arahura River.

The Fusion crew performing on the Hokitika beachfront.

The Fusion crew performing on the Hokitika beachfront.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jordan Stone, the 19-year-old son of Jackie and Wally Stone, who made the Canterbury Men’s 7 rugby team for 2013, and competed at the nationals in Mt Maunganui, helping Canterbury to a top eight finish.

Jordan Stone (with the ball) racing in for another try.

Jordan Stone (with the ball) racing in for another try.

Global skateboarding sensation

Kahlei Stone-Kelly, 2, youngest son of April Stone and Meka Kelly, mokopuna of Karl and Bernie Stone and great-mokopuna of the late Priscilla and David Stone, has become a global sensation after a clip of him showing his skateboarding skills posted on YouTube went viral last month.

The whānau moved from Auckland to Melbourne in 2013 to provide the talented family of skate boarders bigger and better opportunities. All of Kahlei’s seven older siblings, aged 6-17 years are accomplished skateboarders and have won awards both in New Zealand and Australia.

The tamariki have been encouraged and supported by their parents to pursue their dreams of becoming professional skateboarders one day. Their father Meka Kelly (Ngāpuhi) a veteran skateboarder and their Mum- April Stone (Ngāti Wheke), chief supporter and backbone of the whānau, believe it is important for their kids to be “off the couch and away from playstations” and out together as a whānau, honing their skateboarding skills.

It is no suprise then, that the pōtiki (baby) Kahlei has been brought up with talented skateboarders and therefore could skate before he could walk. However, what has amazed whānau and friends is his incredible confidence and ability to undertake manoeuvres on the board that even many adults wouldn’t attempt.

Since the internet clip of Kahlei went viral last month, he has been called “the youngest skateboarder in the world” and even the Ozzies have claimed him. The whānau have been overwhelmed with requests from media around the world to interview them and share their story about this amazing little mokopuna of ours from Rāpaki.

We, his Rāpaki whānau are very proud of Kahlei and especially his parents April and Meka for all their hard work and committment to provide the opportunities for their tamariki to pursue their dreams. Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui.

Kahlei Stone-Kelly.

Kahlei Stone-Kelly.

The Stone-Kelly skateboarding whānau. Dad (Meka) is holding Kahlei in the centre, surrounded by Kahlei’s skateboarding siblings.

The Stone-Kelly skateboarding whānau. Dad (Meka) is holding Kahlei in the centre, surrounded by Kahlei’s skateboarding siblings.

Congratulations

Maui Uenuku Rakei Ora Panareo Brennan (Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri; Ngāti Whakaue), ended 2013 at St Bedes College Christchurch, with a bunch of secondary school achievements to be proud of. Maui achieved excellence in nine out the 10 academic awards available – in mathematics, Spanish, English, social studies, science, religious education, music, hauora and economics.

Māui was also placed first in music, science, economics and Spanish, so he received total of 14 academic awards for 2013. Maui also passed his grade 7 for piano with the Trinity School of Music London. He has one more grade to pass before achieving his Diploma in Music Theory and Piano. He plans to complete his diploma before leaving secondary school. Well done son, your taua will be proud of you.

It was a good year for  Maui Brennan.

It was a good year for Maui Brennan.

Congratulations

Ash Reihana, 14, (Ngāti Māmoe – Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri) of Christchurch was selected to play in the Canterbury under 15 softball tournament, held in Invercargill from 2-5 January.

Ash was named captain for this tournament. He played extremely well and led his team into the final against Nelson.

Nelson was the stronger side and beat Canterbury 4-0. Ash ended up making the tournament team and being named most valued player of the tournament. Thank you to Ngāi Tahu Property for their help with travel kit for the team.

Ash then went on to play in the Canterbury under 17 tournament, which was held in Auckland from 9-12 January.  Canterbury came up against some very strong North Island teams but they were placed third, which is the best they have done in 10 years.

Ash was named in the tournament development team. Congratulations to Ash, from all his whānau, on his great softball achievements over the summer.

Ash Reihana pitching on the day.

Ash Reihana pitching on the day.

Celebrating Christmas

Once again, Te Taumutu Rūnanga whānau gathered on 12 December for our annual Christmas celebrations. Before our festivities started, we gathered at Hone Wetere Church with the local community for our Christmas church service. This past December we changed it up a bit, as we usually go to Awhitu Estate and have a whānau picnic, followed by fun and games for the tamariki. This time we had a sit down dinner at Ngāti Moki Marae, with beautiful local ham and all the trimmings, great weather and lots of laughter.

There were great numbers in our little church, which is always pleasing to see. After the church service we came back to Moki for morning tea, and then all helped to set up for lunch. During the day, we presented our kaumātua with lovely gift baskets, and thanked all who, over the past year, have contributed and helped out with the running of Ngāti Moki Marae. It is always a happy, joyous occasion when we come together to celebrate and of course, the tamariki loved receiving their gifts.

Tamariki listening to the stories at Hone Wetere Church.

Tamariki listening to the stories at Hone Wetere Church.

Church service at Hone Wetere.

Church service at Hone Wetere.

Christmas at the marae.

Christmas at the marae.

Te Waka o Aoraki Midgets Crew at Nationals

In January, the first ever midgets crew from the Te Waka o Aoraki (South Island) region participated at the Waka Ama NZ national sprints championships. The team, called Hinehaka me Taoka and representing the Te Waka Pounamu Outrigger Canoe Club (based in Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour), included Mihiroa, Meihana and Tainui Pauling, Whetu Marama and Nukutai Rupene and Haawi Whaitiri. They raced in the midget men’s grade for 6-10-year -olds and paddled in 2 events over 250 and 500 metres.

The team were part of a wider programme called Te Waka Taiohi o Tahu, supported by the Ngāi Tahu Fund to get more Ngāi Tahu tamariki paddling and confident in the traditions and customs relating to waka, including waka ama. The programme also included assisting with the opening of the Avon-Ōtākaro Spring River Festival last November; and three teams competing at the Te Waka o Aoraki regional sprint champs held at Lake Pegasus in December.

They took out all the medals. The tamariki were also involved in paddling the Ngāi Tahu waka, Kōtukumairangi, during Waitangi Day celebrations at Okains Bay.

Hinehaka me Taoka before their first race at the Waka Ama NZ nationals at Lake Karapiro, Waikato.

Hinehaka me Taoka before their first race at the Waka Ama NZ nationals at Lake Karapiro, Waikato.

Team Hinehaka crossing the line first to take out gold in the midgets race at the Te Waka o Aoraki champs at Lake Pegasus

Team Hinehaka crossing the line first to take out gold in the midgets race at the Te Waka o Aoraki champs at Lake Pegasus

Some of the Te Waka Taiohi o Tahu tamariki with Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel at the opening of the Ōtākaro Spring River Festival.

Some of the Te Waka Taiohi o Tahu tamariki with Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel at the opening of the Ōtākaro Spring River Festival.

NT Fund Featured Image

Rebekah Thomas was the Kaikorai Valley College recipient of the 2013 Mana Pounamu Young Achievers Awards.  This award came about through the vision of the late Alva Kapa and is a Ngāi Tahu initiative supported by Kā Papatipu Rūnaka ki Araiteuru, The Otago Polytechnic, the Ministry of Education, the University of Otago and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and other supporting sponsors. Rebekah’s whānau were delighted.

The objectives of the Mana Pounamu Award are to celebrate the success and achievement of rakatahi Māori and to encourage rakatahi Maori to participate in tertiary study. The award also identifies leadership potential and provides positive role models to rakatahi Māori. This year’s awards were held in the University of Otago, College of Education auditorium in November.

The evening was opened by Patrick Tipa of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. After each presentation there was a waiata of support and haka tautoko by each of the kapa haka groups in support of their recipient. The evening ended with a speech, followed by a delightful hāngī-style dinner in the College of Education staffroom.

Rebekah is the third of the Thomas rakatahi to have been presented with the award. David Thomas was the first of the trio and with his scholarship award, he attended two years at Otago Polytechnic, where he graduated with qualifications in outdoor leadership and management.

He then went on to University of Otago, where he gained a science degree. From there, he spent a year at the College of Education before graduating as a secondary school teacher. He is currently teaching outdoor education at Kaikorai Valley College.

Sarah Thomas was also awarded the Mana Pounamu Award and is currently attending Otago Polytechnic, where she is also studying outdoor leadership and management. This year it was Rebekah’s turn to be presented with the award.

The Thomas whānau would like to recognise and acknowledge Kaikorai Valley College for the encouragement and support that they have given the three Thomas rakatahi. All three have attended the Outward Bound course at Anakiwa and have all been awarded the Mana Pounamu Award.
Nā Graeme Thomas.

Graeme and Ruth Thomas with their son, David.

Graeme and Ruth Thomas with their son, David.

Rebekah (left) and Sarah Thomas.

Rebekah (left) and Sarah Thomas.

He pēpi

Congratulations to Pania and Daniel Smith, on their first son together. Raniera Kohurau was born 20 September 2013. With his nephew, Te Kerehaka Kay Jay Grant, the first born son of Ngahuia and Hutana Grant was born on the 24 October 2013. Their late, tāua Karen Davis would be so proud. Kei te mihi. Nā Koa Whitau- Kean

Welcome also, to Elizabeth Megan Paritai who was born on January 15 at 9.25pm, weighing a good 8lb 9oz. Wendi Raumati/Samuel/Morris’ latest moko to Hoani and Anna. Naku noa. Nā Hoani Samuel.

Elizabeth Megan Paratai.

Elizabeth Megan Paratai.

Ngawai and Kaea Te Kerehaka Kay Jay Grant born 24 October 2013.

Ngawai and Kaea Te Kerehaka Kay Jay Grant born 24 October 2013.

Hutana Grant and first son Kaea with his beautiful mother Pania Smith and little brother Raniera.

Hutana Grant and first son Kaea with his beautiful mother Pania Smith and little brother Raniera.

Raniera Te Kohurau Smith, born 20 September 2013.

Raniera Te Kohurau Smith, born 20 September 2013.

Raniera Te Kohurau and Te Kerehaka Kay Jay Grant.

Raniera Te Kohurau and Te Kerehaka Kay Jay Grant.

Hukarere Scholarship

I te mutunga o te tau 2013 i wikitōria a Kaylah Stirling i te karahipi ‘Te Puāwaitanga’. He karahipi tēnei mā ngā taiohi o Aotearoa e eke panuku ana i ngā mahi a te kura tuatahi. Ko te whiwhinga ki a Kaylah he haere ki te Kura Kōtiro Māori o Hukarere. Ka utua katoatia tāna haere mō ngā tau e rima.

Ko te pāngarau me te reo Māori ngā pukenga matua a Kaylah. He kaha ia ki te pānui pukapuka pakimaero i ōna wā wātea me te tākaro netipāoro.

Me kore ake Te Kura o Ōtaki, Te Whānau o Te Korowai Whakamana kua kore a Kaylah e toa i tēnei karahipi, nā konā te whānau Stirling ki Ōtaki e mihi kau atu ana ki ngā pouako o Kaylah mō tēnei whiwhinga nui whakaharahara.

At the end of 2013 Kaylah Stirling won the Te Puāwaitanga scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to New Zealand youth who have academic excellence in their primary level school work and leadership potential. Kaylah has been accepted into Hukarere Māori Girls School, in Napier and her next five years of schooling there will be paid for by the scholarship.

Math and te reo Māori are Kaylah’s passion. She loves reading novels in her spare time and is an avid netball player. If it weren’t for Kaylah’s primary school and her teachers, this award would never have become a reality for Kaylah and her whānau; so thanks and praise from Kaylah and her whānau go to Ōtaki Primary and Te Korowai Whakamana for this blessing. Nā Amiria Stirling.

Kaylah Stirling in her Hukarere uniform.

Kaylah Stirling in her Hukarere uniform.

Kura Reo Kāi Tahu 2014

Kāore i arikarika kā mihi ki a Kāti Huirapa ki Arowhenua mō kā tauwhirotaka kua utaina i ruka i a mātou i tae atu ki te Kura Reo. Ki a koutou kā wahawaha whiu haupā, nā koutou i raupī te hora a Tahu kia toka ai a Manawa, kia puta aiko pito. Anō te makue, anō te hūnene!

Anō nei te mihi ki te Kāhui Kaumātua i mirimiri i te tuara kia noho oraka kākau kā tauira. Ki a koutou, te puna waiora o Te Rangi, te kaipupuru i te mauri o te iwi, i te mana o te takata kei te mihi. Ko kā whakahaeretaka me kā akoraka he mea whākai i te hinekaro me te wairua.

Tēnā koutou kā kaihāpai i te kaupapa Kotahi Mano Kāika, e kore te aroha e warewaretia. Tae noa ki kā tauira katoa me kā mokopuna i hiki i te manawa o te takata, kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi. Arohanui, nā Robyn, Gael, Emma, Kim, Kirsty me Te Whe.

Emma, Kirsty, Robyn, Kim, Te Whe and Gael outside Te Hapa o Niu Tireni.

Emma, Kirsty, Robyn, Kim, Te Whe and Gael outside Te Hapa o Niu Tireni.

Whai Rawa

Meet Miere Manurere Paraone (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whatua), she is the beautiful daughter of Savanah Tukariri and  Kerepeti Paraone. Mere is almost two months old.

Before Miere’s parents had even received her birth certificate, her Whai Rawa pūtea was starting to grow. Pōua had begun contributing to her Whai Rawa account as soon as she was born, encouraging her parents to register her with Ngāi Tahu and open her Whai Rawa account.

Papa, Kerepeti Paraone, has been a member of Whai Rawa since 2007 and with Miere now a member too, the whānau is on the right track to having greater financial independence and choice through Whai Rawa.

Her parents say, “we want her to have the best opportunities in life and Whai Rawa presents an avenue for that where $20 today can equate to a lot in the future. We want to give our pēpi as many options as possible”.

Additionally, as Miere joined Whai Rawa before her first birthday, she will also receive the Newborn Distribution of $60* as well as Matched Savings and further Te Rūnanga Distributions (if applicable).

Miere has yet to receive her IRD number, but the whānau will make sure it gets to us before the end of March. This will mean she can be on the bottom tax rates for PIR and RSCT of 10.5%* rather than defaulting to the highest tax rates and slowing the growth of her account .

If you’re unsure whether your whānau/tamariki are on the correct tax rates contact us today on 0800 942 472 or [email protected].

Remember we need to confirm tax rates for Whai Rawa before the end of March. So you need to be quick, kia tere whānau.

Miere Manurere Paraone.

Miere Manurere Paraone.

Ngāi Tahu whanauka ki Marapana (Melbourne)

Kia ora ki a Ngāi Tahu whānau for the support I received after a major operation to remove a 10cm tumour. It meant cutting out half of my liver with a 50/50 chance rather than the obvious alternative “chemo.” You know how things always happen for a reason? Well, this is one of those reasons. It forced me into taking a much needed break from my busy lifestyle, trying to fit in time to see my own kids in Australia. From this crisis came a blessing, a spiritual bonding and healing that came about through my spending lots of time with my three sons and their families.

Thanks to my Ngāi Tahu cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends who were here for me and especially to my two Muslim sons and their families. My sons Nathan Edward John Barker and Justin Malcolm Scott Barker, finally filled out their Ngāi Tahu registrations, which forced them to question their heritage and whakapapa. Muslims believe that Māori were born Muslim first (House of Shem) according to the Qur’an. However, keeping our tamariki connected to our Māori traditions in Melbourne is an essential task because of the cultural diversity and ethnic influences.

This is what inspired and compelled me to acknowledge Ngāi Tahu rangatira, Maria Parata, who has been reaching out, teaching her love for kapa haka to our tamariki here in Melbourne. I was invited to the tamariki kapa haka concert in December by my first cousin Mallanion Scotty Tokatu-moana (Mal) and Laura Kate Reihana. It was such an honour to meet Maria and all the wonderful Māori whānau of different iwi plus the tamariki who helped to establish Te Hononga o Ngā Iwi – Whetū Matariki o Hawaiki.

I felt equally privileged and proud to watch my niece, seven-year-old Autumn Hokimoana Reihana, and nephew, four-year-old Phoenix Tuku Te Kaha Reihana get up on stage to perform. The tamariki stole the spotlight. After the concert, the real party began with the tamariki disco night and a massive hākari. Apologies to any Ngāi Tahu whānau who are recognised and not named, as it was my first invitation and this photo was an alternative to the blurred ones.

Rosey Tangaroawhai (Eve Timothy).

The Melbourne kapa haka group poses for the camera.

The Melbourne kapa haka group poses for the camera.