Kia ora koutou. This month we were pleased to be able to celebrate rūnaka chairman and upoko, Michael Skerrett’s Queen’s Service Medal award. We had an afternoon tea for Michael at the marae on 28 March, a couple of days after Michael and his whānau went to Auckland to officially receive the QSM. A huge range of the community were present and made this day very memorable for Michael and his whānau. Again congratulations to Michael on this significant achievement. It is good to celebrate such positive things happening at our marae, rūnaka and iwi. Also thank you to everyone who made the day a success, especially Ora Barron and Marcia Te Au-Thomson, and the ringawera.
Our tangata tiaki held their annual report back hui on the 18 March. Waihōpai would also like to acknowledge all the work done by those involved in the recent orca stranding. Tremendous effort from everyone involved.We have established a couple of working groups that will be organising our marae tikanga and kawa hui. Also, through the Ngāi Tahu Fund, we are starting a series of hui/wānanga on topics particular to Waihopai and Ngāitahutanga. Please keep an eye out for these hui, that will be held after the tītī season.
The marae is working to finalise its ten-year capital plan. The whānau have identified the top five priorities – redevelopment of wharekai, installation of sprinkler system, developing our external cooking area, building a manuhiri shelter and looking at solar energy options. To support the marae, we have also recently employed a part-time caretaker, Malcolm Quinn, and we continue to have Cyril working as the main lawnmower man. It’s a fantastic team to support the marae complex.
The annual Southland multicultural food festival was held at Sport Southland Stadium this year. The whānau staged the usual hāngī stand that is always sold out early.
We also trialed raw fish and rewana bread. Great effort by everyone involved. And yes, the marae Thursday roast lunches are back. Last year we started this and we are back again this year, kicking off on 27 March. If you are in town on a Thursday, call by the marae.
It has been quite busy at the marae. We recently hosted the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Whai Rawa team and it is fantastic to see them here at a regional level.The Māori Land Court also held one of their regular clinics here. A special thank you goes to Verdon College, James Hargest High School and Miharo kapa haka group, who have all been so helpful at the marae.
PS. Squirrel on the Hill will be back – he’s just on vacation at the moment.
Michael Skerrett.
Congratulations to Michael and his whānau.