E ngā kahika, e te iwi whānui, nāia te mihi kau atu i runga i ngā tini āhuatanga o te wā.
Descendants of Ārai-te-uru waka, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, me Te Rūnanga o Moeraki are for the first time hosting Hui-ā-Iwi 2015 – Maraka Maraka together in the Otago region.
The festival will run from Friday, 20 November to Sunday, 22 November in Ōtepoti (Dunedin) and all whānau are urged to put the date in their calendars and start planning your hīkoi to Ōtepoti.
Hui-ā-Iwi 2015 will be a celebration of all things Ngāi Tahu and it will be an opportunity for all to share in whakawhanaungatanga and experience the best of Ngāi Tahutanga, so come along and join us for music, kai, wānaka, culture, laughter and fun.
Paulette Tamati-Elliffe of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou says the three rūnanga are excited to be able to host the hui and are working collectively to ensure the occasion is enjoyed by all.
“There will be something for everyone.
It’s a festival to celebrate Ngāi Tahutanga and for those who have not engaged with the iwi that much it will give them an idea of what we are about – an opportunity to make connections.”
Suzanne Ellison, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki says Hui-ā-Iwi will be held in the city, so she hopes there will be a vibrant presence of Ngāi Tahu in central Dunedin.
“We had the privilege of hosting Hui-ā-Tau back in 2010 – it was great and we are looking forward to hosting a cultural hui for Ngāi Tahu whānau,” says Suzanne.
Hui-ā-Iwi 2015 will provide whānau with the opportunity to participate and contribute during the festival. If you feel you have a kaupapa that you would like to share with festival-goers, or if you would like more information please contact the events team at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu: [email protected].
Updates and information regarding the festival will be published in future issues of Te Pānui Rūnaka and be available on the Ngāi Tahu website.