Good numbers of whānau came from across the Bay of Plenty to Huria Marae and its beautiful wharenui, to welcome the Roadshow rōpū from Christchurch.
As befitting the occasion, it was a clear but cool evening and our gracious hosts did us proud in every respect, and we thank them for their care. As manuhiri, it was our privilege to renew our connection to Huria Marae, symbolised by a certain pounamu hoe that resides forever within the whare.
It was a privilege to hear in person, all the good news that Ngāi Tahu continues to generate on many fronts. We were grateful that Kukupa Tirikatene came to support Kaiwhakahaere Tā Mark Solomon and his team, and for him making a little of his vast wisdom accessible for those among us who don’t have te reo Māori.
This was Tā Mark’s first visit to Huria and he was quick to confirm that the marae, of which he had heard much, was indeed a beautiful taonga. He spoke with his customary ease and ability, recalling detail across many areas, of the progress the iwi is continuing to make. A key part of his message was that progress in all areas has to be rooted in iwi values.
Tā Mark was ably backed by Deputy Kaiwhakahaere, Lisa Tumahai and the CEO of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Arihia Bennett, each adding to the lively kōrero and answering questions. As such taurahere-based gatherings often are, this one was also a whanaukataka occasion, giving us all added reason for feeling good as we drove home afterwards.
Bruce Pelham, Ngāi Tahu, Chairman Ngati Ranginui Iwi Huikakahu Kawe; Ngāitamarawaho Rangatira Morehu Ngatoko (MNZM), Tā Mark Solomon and Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana kaumātua Joe Briggs.