He pēpi

A big congratulations to all the whānau who have had babies in the last couple of months, apologies to anyone if I have not mentioned your name but a big mihi to you all.

Ellie-Paige Maheno Millar arrived on 7 July at 6.15am weighing 8Ib 5oz. She is the third daughter for Andrea Read and Michael Millar, baby sister to Tilly-Jane and Rosa-George, moko number 15 for proud Tāua Rititia Read.

Baby Ellie-Paige.

Baby Ellie-Paige.

Welcome to our world, Aliyjah Francis Taylor born on 19 June at 7.15 am weighing 8Ib 2oz.

Congratulations to her proud parents, Shannon Tamainu, Jermaine Taylor, and grandparents Nathan Tamainu, Maria Loper, Tina Taylor and Jeffrey Brown and great-grandparents, Ina and Jerry Pu. Much love to you all and we hope everything goes well for your new family.

Baby Aliyjah.

Baby Aliyjah.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Maaka Mahuika (son of Nicole Wilson and Brent Mahuika, both of Makaawhio descent) for his recent stellar sporting achievements and recognition of his leadership potential.

Maaka was picked to co-captain the Tasman Titans under 15 league team where they placed second in the South Island tournament. He has also been picked to represent the Nelson Bays in their under 15 rugby team. Ka mau te wehi e tama.

His report from Nelson Boys College, where he is senior student and boarder, acknowledged him as a current and potential leader and role model within both the school and hostel. Well done Maaka – we are all very proud of you.

Maaka (centre) with fellow Tasman Titan players.

Maaka (centre) with fellow Tasman Titan players.

Childcare centre opening

On 11 July 2015, we joined MP Damien O’Connor, centre staff and board members and locals to celebrate the completion and opening of the Kidsfirst Glacier Country Early Learning Centre in Waiau (Franz Josef).

Bathed by the rays of Tamanui-te-raki, Kāti Mahaki welcomed the large crowd and after Kidsfirst board chair Carolyne Grant spoke, followed upoko rūnanga, Rev Richard Wallace who blessed the building. MP Damien O’Connor officially opened the impressive facility, as tamariki tested out the playground and the many toys and resources. This was followed by a shared kai, which gave everyone an opportunity to look around the centre at their leisure.

The centre is a much needed facility for the Waiau community. The roll was full well before the starting date of 20 July.

Rev Richard Wallace welcoming everyone at the mihi whakatau.

Rev Richard Wallace welcoming everyone at the mihi whakatau.

Paul Madgwick, Hon Damien O’Connor, with his daughter and Makaawhio Tumuaki, Susan Wallace.

Paul Madgwick, Hon Damien O’Connor, with his daughter and Makaawhio Tumuaki, Susan Wallace.

Couch whānau in Vancouver

Three branches of the Couch whānau were represented at a recent whānau barbeque in Vancouver. Rosalie (Rosie) Plaskett, daughter of Bill Couch, and her daughter had returned from a cruise to Alaska. Rewi Couch (moko of Tog Couch) with his wife Marilyn were in town to help their daughter Nepeya settle in at her course at Vancouver Film School. Donald, son of Arthur Couch, and wife Dorothy are in Vancouver for the northern summer. Donald’s son Peter and wife Leanne along with their children, Evan, Maren and Oliver hosted the barbeque. Also present were Donald’s daughter, Katherine, her husband, Ian and their children, Kalan, Kara and Kirianne.

All of the whānau together. Back row, Rosalie and Donald. Fourth row, Marilyn, Rewi and Dorothy. Third row, Katherine, Nepeya, Peter, Oliver, Judith and Leanne. Second row, Ian and Evan. Front row, Kalan, Kirianne, Kara and Maren.

All of the whānau together. Back row, Rosalie and Donald. Fourth row, Marilyn, Rewi and Dorothy. Third row, Katherine, Nepeya, Peter, Oliver, Judith and Leanne. Second row, Ian and Evan. Front row, Kalan, Kirianne, Kara and Maren.

Marae visit

It was nice to be gifted a beautiful day at Rāpaki while Pōua Pat Hutana’s moko visited with a roopu earlier this month.

The visiting rōpū.

The visiting rōpū.

He reo korokī, he reo korihī

On Friday 27 June, two mokopuna of Ngāi Tūāhuriri competed at the Waitaha regional Ngā Manu Kōrero competition.

Both Te Rakitaunuku Tau (St Thomas of Canterbury College) and Tia Reriti (Rangiora High School) took part in the senior English section, which required both of them to deliver a prepared and impromptu speech.

Both had fantastic feedback from the crowd and their peers. Notably for their excellence in delivering their kōrero, speaking with authority on their chosen topics, being wildly humorous and maintaining the representation of Tuahiwi by looking their best.

Congratulations to you both for not only representing yourselves, whānau and school but also our hapū and iwi. It’s comforting to know that the next generation of Tuahiwi leaders are competent and willing to step forward.

How prophetic is it having Rik Tau’s moko compete against Aroha Reriti-Croft’s moko aye – it’s in the whakapapa. Hope to see you both compete again next year and continue to make a mark on the world. Nā Reriti Tau.

Te Rakitaunuku Tau and Tia Reriti.

Te Rakitaunuku Tau and Tia Reriti.

Congratulations

Congratulations to siblings Ngawhatuhuia and Hitaua Arahanga-Doyle have achieved incredible milestones. Both were selected to play for the New Zealand Māori Hockey team at the 2015 International Oceania Tournament in Napier. Ngawhatuhuia has been a New Zealand Māori representative for almost 10 years and over the last four years she has been captain.

Prior to the tournament, Ngawhatuhuia had been playing professional hockey in Singapore and immediately after the 2015 International Oceania Tournament in Napier she returned to Perth and took-up a second year of professional hockey as goalie and captain.

Hitaua completed a scholarship at the University of Cologne in Germany and in May graduated from Otago University with a double degree in Commerce and Psychology.

Both Ngawhatuhuia and Hitaua are very proud of their whakapapa to Taumutu and Ōtākou. They dearly appreciate the support they have received from their rūnaka, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and whānau.

Ngawhatuhuia and Hitaua Arahanga-Doyle.

Ngawhatuhuia and Hitaua Arahanga-Doyle.

Wairewa Rūnanga also extends congratulations to newlyweds Iaean Cranwell and Keela Atkinson who ran away to Rarotonga with whānau and friends last month to marry.

While we were suffering through minus four and minus six degree frosts the Cranwell whānau were enjoying the sun and beauty of this South Pacific paradise.

Following the wedding the whānau enjoyed a well-deserved holiday. Our love and blessings go to Iaean and Keela and of course their children, Te Kaio and Metua.

The happy couple surrounded by their bridal party.

The happy couple surrounded by their bridal party.

He pēpi

Harley Lewis Antoni Docherty was born on 23 May, weighing 8lb 14ozs. He is the son of Mahinarangi Nicholas and Hayden Docherty, mokopuna to Maria and Sam Mako, and little brother to Isla Rose Docherty.

Baby Harley.

Baby Harley.

Big sister Isla Rose with Harvey.

Big sister Isla Rose with Harvey.

School holiday programme

Another fun, well-organised tamariki school holiday programme was held on 14-17 July, with another welcome visit from the Te Taitimu Trust roopu from Hawkes Bay.

The rōpū and some of our tamariki had a great day in the city, visiting the Physed School with Dr Anne-Marie Jackson (and having a go on the Physed School flume). The second day was full with 55 children and accompanying adults going to the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony. They were treated to sights of the birds flying and some chick action as well as a tour of the disappearing gun.

They stopped off at Ōtākou Marae for lunch where Dougie Ditford hosted the roopu. A visit to Leap Trampoline Park rounded off the day and there were some very tired tamariki (and adults) by the end. It was James Marshall’s birthday so there were two giant cakes to consume when they got back. Ron Bull came out to hold a couple of workshops on the Tītī Islands and Sport Otago also came out to play games.

Tamariki at Leap Trampoline Park.

Tamariki at Leap Trampoline Park.

It was all fun and games at our 12th tamariki school holiday programme.

It was all fun and games at our 12th tamariki school holiday programme.

Matariki wearable arts show

A vibrant and creatively charged celebration of Puaka and Matariki was held on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 July at Puketeraki Marae when we held our wearable arts show. This show saw a mix of both returning and emerging designers.

The opening performance was once again by the wonderfully talented Karitane School, with their celebration of all the people, with many differing ancestors, who call Aotearoa home.

The Friday show was extra special as we were treated to a catwalk demonstration at half time by a group from Gasworks Guild of Gadgeteers, Ōtepoti. Their costumes were breath taking and they certainly take wearable art seriously. Both shows were a sell-out and there is no doubt that the quality and work that goes into making the costumes is increasing by the year.

Supreme winner of the show – Soldier of Neptune, by Rohina Brinsdon. Modelled by Brittany Young.

Supreme winner of the show – Soldier of Neptune, by Rohina Brinsdon. Modelled by Brittany Young.

A rousing welcome to Puketeraki Marae by Ngā Uri o Tūmatauenga Maurakau Roopu.

A rousing welcome to Puketeraki Marae by Ngā Uri o Tūmatauenga Maurakau Roopu.

People’s choice award winner – Eating the Land, by Lynley Workman. Modelled by Gus Workman and Liam Thorne.

People’s choice award winner – Eating the Land, by Lynley Workman. Modelled by Gus Workman and Liam Thorne.

Immersion Māori language hui

First, second and third year Māori studies students from Te Tumu University of Otago held a noho marae at Ōtākou from 31 July-1 August. The hui was sponsored by Megan Pōtiki and it was with fun company, great kai and the warm venue made up for the dull winter weather, and ensured lots of learning was accomplished.

The students practising a waiata at the marae.

The students practising a waiata at the marae.

The tauira hard at work.

The tauira hard at work.

Archaeology visit

A group of fourth year archaeology students from University of Otago visited the marae on 22 July, to conduct an experiment using a very abstract approach in archaeology known as phenomenological archaeology.

Phenomenological archaeology draws on anthropological theory to focus on landscape, how it is ordered and how groups of people may experience that landscape and the structures or monuments within it.

The approach grew out of work published by Chris Tilley, a British archaeologist who used the theory to determine how Neolithic people may have interacted with Stonehenge and its landscape.

The purpose of the experiment was to assess whether an ‘uninformed’ group interacted with the landscape and structures on the marae in a different way to an ‘informed’ group, and how the landscape and structures influenced movement around the grounds. (We have a chocolate fish for the first person who can phone into our office 03 478 0352 and say the word phenomenological correctly).

One of the lesser known ‘structures’ on the marae that influences movement – the old sled track that went over the hill from the marae to Pipikaretu Beach.

One of the lesser known ‘structures’ on the marae that influences movement – the old sled track that went over the hill from the marae to Pipikaretu Beach.

Fourth year archaeology students from the University of Otago.

Fourth year archaeology students from the University of Otago.

Statue unveiling

On Sunday 12 July the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (NZSL) unveiled the statue  of sea lion matriarch ‘Mum’ and her pup. Around 80 people braved the cold and attended, including Robyn Aston and George McIntosh and his son from the Moturata whānau, Taieri.

‘Mum’ was the first sea lion in 150 years to give birth on the mainland some 20-years-ago along the Taieri coast.  She produced pups on the Otago coast until 2010, when she disappeared at the age of 24. When ‘Mum’ first gave birth it was on or below Georges property at Taieri Mouth, George looked out for them, sometimes spending hours on the beach protecting them.

At least one pup named Whetu Rere is known to have died. Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger Jim Fyfe and NZSL Trust chairman Steve Broni hope that research into this small community of New Zealand sea lions on the Otago Peninsula could shed new light on why these critically endangered mammals are doing well here but far worse on the Auckland Islands.

George McIntosh from Taieri Mouth and Dunedin City Councillor Jinty MacTavish unveiling the statue of ‘Mum’ and her pup. Photo by, Councillor Neville Peat.

George McIntosh from Taieri Mouth and Dunedin City Councillor Jinty MacTavish unveiling the statue of ‘Mum’ and her pup. Photo by, Councillor Neville Peat.

The tamariki enjoyed sitting on the statue. Photo by Neville Peat.

The tamariki enjoyed sitting on the statue. Photo by Neville Peat.

Kōrero competition

The Murihiku pūtake kōrero competition was recently held at Murihiku Marae.

The Davis whānau – Aaron, Amiria and Hana were all place-getters. Aaron finished third in the senior Māori section, Amiria finished first in the intermediate Māori section and Hana finished first in the junior Māori section. Aaron, Amiria and Hana are the tamariki of Rose and Gary Davis. Gary is a teacher at Te Wharekura o Arowhenua.

The Davis tamariki showing off their prizes.

The Davis tamariki showing off their prizes.

Kī o Rahi tournament

Last month, we hosted a Kī o Rahi tournament at Takutai o Te Tītī Marae. This event was organized by deputy principal at Riverton Primary School Nigel Easson. The tournament featured six schools from our rohe, several who entered two teams which brought the total number of participants to 120.

This was an awesome event and it was inspiring to see so many tamariki running around enjoying themselves. The day was a roaring success and thanks must go to those who participated, helped and organised the day. There is an opportunity for another tournament to be held during term four at the marae, which the rūnaka fully supports.

As a result of the rising interest in Kī o Rahi, the rūnaka has purchased six Kī o Rahi sets. On Friday 24 July, Rangimaria Suddaby the resource teacher for Māori, Nigel Easson Deputy Principal at Riverton primary and Riki Dallas General Manager for the rūnaka travelled to Hauroko Valley, Thornbury, Takitimu, Otautau and Waiau schools to distribute the equipment.

Students in action playing on the field.

Students in action playing on the field.

Te Anau wānanga

Three of our whānau recently drove to Te Anau (in the snow) to partner with the Department of Conservation in a wānanga celebrating the ‘Illumination-Light up Te Anau’ and ‘Puaka Matariki.’

Tamariki with their awesome decorative Manu Aute.

Tamariki with their awesome decorative Manu Aute.

Book launch

Wednesday 22 July, saw the launching of a series of books at Te Rau Aroha Marae on stories illustrated in art work around the wharekai.

The stories, Kā Roimata, Tama Rereti, Battle of the Birds and Tunaroa have been retold by Bubba Thompson in English and Māori, in collaboration with Henare Manawatu, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Charisma Rangipunga.

Members of the Ministry of Education, Papatipu Rūnanga and students and teachers from Bluff Community School attended the launch, which was then followed by the gifting of the publications to the schools’ six class representatives, Justis Heron (Takahē), Lachlan Ferguson (Tūī), Ryder Kapene (Weka), Aurora Metzger (Kererū), Mercedes Akuhata (Pukeho) and Vana Savage (Kākāpō).

Students broke into four groups between the wharekai and wharenui and were read stories from the book by teachers and a Ngāi Tahu representative.

Bubba would like to acknowledge the funding he received from Mahere Mātauranga under an agreement between Papatipu Rūnanga and the Ministry of Education, and the assistance from Paulette and Charisma of Kotahi Mano Wawata for guidance and translation services. A big thank you also to Henare Manawatu who was responsible for overseeing that the project came in on time and on budget.

Back row, Bubba Thompson. Front row, from left, Justis Heron, Lachlan Ferguson, Ryder Kapene, Aurora Metzger, Mercedes Akuhata and Vana Savage.

Back row, Bubba Thompson. Front row, from left, Justis Heron, Lachlan Ferguson, Ryder Kapene, Aurora Metzger, Mercedes Akuhata and Vana Savage.

From left, Paddy Daintith and Tory Weatherall reading Māori and English versions of a story to the students of Bluff Community School.

From left, Paddy Daintith and Tory Weatherall reading Māori and English versions of a story to the students of Bluff Community School.

Ngāi Tahu Archives

In the June/July edition of Te Pānui Rūnaka this image was published on the back page, requesting the names of four young kōtiro taken at the Takahanga Marae wānanga/closing of the dining room.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Peter Clayton, Kylie Solomon and Karen Starkey for making contact and providing names.

From left, Hanatia Timms-Waihirere (on tablet), Jane Morgan, Maia Kāhu, Keisha Timms-Waihirere (in pink) and Timeka Clemett.

Last month’s back cover.

Last month’s back cover.