Review of Rules of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki Inc. Society.
This is early notice of two opportunities to discuss possible changes to the Rules of the Rūnaka Incorporated Society on Thursday 5 June, 7–9pm at Puketeraki Marae, and at Wigram, Christchurch Thursday 12 June, 5–7pm. More information about the meetings and the changes will be circulated after Easter. You are welcome to register your interest in this kaupapa with the rūnaka office.
Te reo Rangatahi i Otago
The rūnaka has had its contract with the Ministry of Education for Te reo Rakatahi i Otago extended for another two years. By the time you read this, we should have a new LEOTC facilitator on board and be looking to make enhancements to the programme, including involvement in a science pilot that is being developed by the Royal Society.
Day skippers/VHF course
On 27-30 March, the Day Skippers/VHF course was held at Te Taumata a Puaka (The Old School). Rob Hewitt (Ngāti Kahungunu) came down to facilitate the course and shared his knowledge and wisdom on how to become better equipped and safer on and around Takaroa. Rob has had lifetime experiences with Takaroa, serving over 20 years with the navy. He also relayed his real life story of being swept out to sea for more than three days, surviving only on karakia ( the ex-Te Aute College student Lord’s Prayer) and a couple of kina. His experiences were able to connect us with how to handle real life situations in and on the water. We had a great turn-out from young and old, near and far. By the end of the wānanga everyone received their Day Skippers/VHF certificate. Tēnā koe Rob kōrua ko Anne-Marie i whakahaerehia tēnei wānanga hei whakarangatira i a tātou i te wao o Takaroa. Nei ka mihi.
Day Skippers/VHF course participants outside the old Karitane School.
Te Harinui
This year marks the bi-centenary of Samuel Marsden’s landing in the Bay of Islands and the first proclamation, by Marsden and Ruatara, of the Gospel in Aotearoa. In keeping with their original Christmas Day message “Te Harinui” of “Good News of Great Joy”, Bishop Kelvin is walking the length of Otago and Southland to announce again the great news. Bishop Kelvin and his enthusiastic walking companions arrived drenched after walking through persistent rain from Waitati to Puketeraki Marae on Saturday 5 April. Following pōwhiri, kai and prayers, they continued on their hīkoi, which took them to St John’s Anglican Church at Waikouaiti. Bishop Kelvin started the hīkoi on Rakiura. Bishop Kelvin will complete the journey when he reaches the northern extremity of his diocese at the Waitaki River.
Bishop Kelvin and fellow Te Harinui walkers meet David Ellison, Upoko and other Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki members.
Ngā Pūmanawa at Puke
This month we showcase the interest and passion that some of our rangatahi around Puketeraki are getting involved with.
Huriawa Tuhiraki William Parata-Ellison is 17 and attends East Otago High School. He has grown up on the pā and enjoys writing poems/raps. He has offered to share one with us.
My name is Huriawa.
This is for the rūnaka and Huirapa,
The Ellisons and the Paratas.
All others under the Kāi Tahu cover.
Extended whānau, the friends and all the bros,
People at East Otago, and everyone else that I know.
You people I meet gave me what I needed to succeed with the rhymes you read.
Nobody knows where this paths gonna lead.
Maybe back down memory lane, memories leaking from my brain.
Thinking about back in the days when nobody knew my name,
till now where you have attention to pay because my lyrics are down on a page, and you wanna hear what I have to say.
Four years ago, I didn’t know which road to roll, but I’m glad I’m on the one I chose.
The way I rose to show the skill I hold.
Watch it unfold, making your doubts change to hope.
Certain events have changed my life.
Made me strive to survive aiming for further heights. higher than the skies.
when I reach it I will claim my prize, having my name up in lights and seeing the look in your eyes when you realize my skill been recognized.
I’m leaving my disguise, lyrical skill I will no longer hide.
Till my lyrics get sold and I’m growing old and my blood going cold.
Till the fire in me has burnt out, and I have made you proud.
Too those mentioned at the top that have helped me out.
helped me get up off the ground.
helped my sound be heard and found.
It’s because of you I will no longer falter or cower because this is my hour. Like the sun to the flower, you give me the power to keep on moving on like a marathon runner, and I’m an up and comer.
What a bummer it’s the end of summer, but there will always be another . . . just like rhymes and whānau I love ya.
That’s all for now goodbye. Have a good day and night. Also any feedback would be nice.
Huriawa Parata-Ellison.