Kia ora whānau
As Tokerau throws four seasons at us in one day, we can be thankful we are not suffering the flooding and extreme conditions being experienced by whānau further up the country. Our thoughts are with whānau affected by adversity at this time. If you have enjoyed a birthday in the last month or have new additions to your whānau, congratulations and here is wishing you all good health and prosperity for the year ahead.
Riverton Primary School kapa haka group
Riverton Primary School’s kapa haka group performed at the school’s memorial concert, which was held at the Riverton R.S.A. Throughout the term the school has been learning about the war, and the concert was a way of commemorating Anzac Day.
The pupils performed old wartime songs including a stirring rendition of Māori Battalion. Some pupils recited war poems that they had written, as well as The Ode of Remembrance. The pupils also exhibited their war- themed artworks which remained on display until after Anzac Day.
Riverton Primary School kapa haka performers.
Pupils exhibit their artworks for Anzac Day.
Anzac Day
The Colac Bay and Riverton Anzac Day parades featured renditions of the Ode and the National Anthem both in Māori and English for the first time. These services also included signing for the deaf. Ra Herewini recited the Ode and Lydia Matenga signed for the deaf. Billie Hunia also delivered a powerful rendition of Arahina. Both these parades were run by Dene Cole.
Dene Cole, Lydia Matenga, Dr Emma MacCallum, Ra Herewini and seated, Billie Hunia.
Development of a te reo Māori strategy
Calling all Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka whānau and members – this notice is calling for expressions of interest from rūnaka whānau and members, who would be interested in coming together to meet and discuss our rūnaka whānau visions, goals as well as aspirations in relation to learning and speaking te reo Māori – either at home or on the marae. If you are interested then please contact Joe Wakefield on 021 832 137 or you can email him at [email protected]
Te Kāhui Wāhine Wānaka
A small rōpū of Ōraka Aparima wāhine met at Takutai o te Tītī for a wānaka to discuss tikanga according to Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka Inc. Although there are many kaupapa to be discussed, we managed to cover two in the short time. It was the first of many wānaka we hope to stage. It was great to have our tāua present. Their knowledge and guidance is greatly appreciated.
Nau mai haere mai wāhine mā of Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka. Our next wānaka is on Saturday 7 June. Pot luck tea and sleep over if you wish, as our monthly rūnaka hui will be held on Sunday 8 June. Please contact us at the office if you wish to attend.
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