Nā Squirrel on the hill

Kia ora Waihōpai whānau, me ngā whānau o Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha. I hope you are all well, fit and happy. Waihōpai Rūnanga, kia ora to your whānau and to whānau who are in the North Island or overseas, aroha nui.

To all the whānau who are having, or will be having a pēpi, congratulations to you all. Also, to all the whānau who are celebrating birthdays this month have a great time and enjoy it, it’s your day.

To our whānau who are māuiui, aroha nui to you all. Team Waihōpai has moved along slowly this last month. We held various hui on the marae, such as the Kōhanga Reo concert, Te Ao Māori Programme and our 12-week graduation. Awesome, well done team.

We continue to hold our weekly (50 plus) kapa haka group, Thursday roasts, Wednesday cards day for the tāua; this all helps to keep the marae alive.

Now listen here Waihōpai whānau, are you not reading this pānui? Where are the recipes and stories? We need them so we can put them in the pānui. Ka pai?

I would also like some photos of our whānau here or overseas, with little stories to go with them. Don’t be shy please send them in. Remember whānau, the pictures will only come out in black and white.

On 7 October, the marae unveiled its new waharoa. Thank you to James York who carved the waharoa and thank you to all his helpers who made it possible. To all those who were able to attend this event – you made it very special. We are very proud to have our waharoa completed.

I must say the spring weather has turned to custard. Blooming cold, wet, windy, never mind, it’s the right time to cuddle-up and keep the whānau warm and safe.

Well, that is all from me for now. Check you all out next month or see you on the West Coast at the Ngāti Waewae marae opening; we are definitely looking forward to it.

Ngā mihi aroha ki a koutou te whānau o ngā mate aroha nui, aroha nui, aroha nui. Time for me to go. Whānau help to keep each other safe, healthy, warm and happy. Ka pai. Nā Squirrel on the hill.