On a wet, wild and windy day our small delegation from the deep-south began their hīkoi to Te Tai Poutini to support Ngāti Waewae for the opening of their whare tipuna, Tūhuru. Wet weather followed our rōpū northwards to Christchurch and westward to Hokitika.

The morning of the opening was also wet and cold but the beauty and craftsmanship of the whare tipuna was a sight to behold.

Awarua Rūnanga and Te Rau Aroha Marae whānui wish to congratulate the hapū of Ngāti Waewae on their beautiful building.
You have set the bar high for other rūnanga who are in the process of upgrading their marae facilities.

Despite the weather, our rōpū enjoyed the manaakitanga and whanaungatanga extended by Ngāti Waewae. The kai and our hosts were great. Ka mau te wehi.

Whānau in front of the iconic Hokitika Beach sign. From left, Gail Thomspn, Ana Beaton, Kate Eruera, Joanne Pera, Thomas Aerepo-Morgan, Anthony Fowler, Louise Fowler and Bubba Thompson.

Whānau in front of the iconic Hokitika Beach sign. From left, Gail Thomspn, Ana Beaton, Kate Eruera, Joanne Pera, Thomas Aerepo-Morgan, Anthony Fowler, Louise Fowler and Bubba Thompson.

Whānau during a pit stop at Arthur’s Pass.

Whānau during a pit stop at Arthur’s Pass.

From left, Dean Whaanga, Louise Fowler, Bubba Thompson and Gail Thompson.

From left, Dean Whaanga, Louise Fowler, Bubba Thompson and Gail Thompson.