Rā whānau
If you have celebrated a birthday recently we trust that you had a great day and celebrated it in style.

Rūnanga news
Kia ora whānau, the last month has been a fairly hectic one as the final touches to the office upgrade take place. We have had to fit in various hui and our daily workloads around tradesmen over this period. Apologies if there were any inconveniences to whānau. It is hoped that by the time of publication this mahi will be completed.

Please drop in and see us at the office if there is anything we can help you with, or if you just want a look at what has been going on.

Nursing clinics
On Thursday 27 November, Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust will hold a nursing clinic, from 10am to 2pm at Te Takutai o Te Tītī Marae.

Our registered nurse will be available to provide whānau with information regarding blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, cervical smears, sexual education, as well as offering general health checks. Our registered nurse will also be able to provide whānau with support concerning health and wellness plans, and linkages and referrals.

If wāhine require a cervical smear it is recommended that they make an appointment. To make a booking please call 0800 925 242.

Te reo Māori strategy
In September, we hosted the principals’ hui, the whaikōreroi wānanga and the te reo Māori strategy hui at Te Takutai o Te Tītī Marae.

Regarding the development of a te reo Māori strategy for Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka, so far two hui have been held with rūnaka members who have expressed an interest in this important kaupapa.

A draft strategy has been written and once final comments have been received and any amendments have been made, the strategy will be presented to the rūnaka executives for support and endorsement. Once support and endorsement has been given, a hui will be held to develop an action plan, which will identify how the strategy will be implemented each year as well as measuring the progress to date.

Takahē release
On Saturday 4 October, Sandra Cook and Joe Wakefield represented the rūnaka in supporting the release of 10 takahē to the Tawharanui Regional Park, just north of Auckland, under the kaitiakitaka of Ngāti Manuhiri.

Partners at the event included Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland City Council, Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society Inc. (TOSSI), Mitre10 Warkworth and the Department of Conservation.

Ngāi Tahu author
Nic Low, who affiliates to Ōraka-Aparima through Hikatea (Carolynn) Bull, launched his book of short stories at the Christchurch Writers and Readers Festival in August.

One reviewer described his writing as “machete-sharp” and that his stories “waiver between dark and light, edging towards satire and not shying away from difficult themes.”
I was lucky to have stayed with Hikatea and her family, including Nic. I was really chuffed to have been able to kōrero with Nic and talk about some of his characters and stories. It was a good experience to get an insight into where his thoughts and inspirations come from. Nic is a well-travelled young man and if you like unusual stories without endings and others that leave you hanging, then buy the book and enjoy it. Nā Rangimaria Suddaby.

Nic Low and Hikatea Bull.

Nic Low and Hikatea Bull.

Nic Low’s latest book cover.

Nic Low’s latest book cover.