Dawn blessing
Our Upoko Rūnaka and his wife (Richard and Mere Wallace) represented our rūnaka at the dawn blessing and opening ceremony of the new Takaka District Memorial Park, built where the Takaka Library had stood before being burnt to the ground.
The ceremony unveiled the new waharoa entranceway – a weeping wall commemorating 70 fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen from the region; nine columns representing each of the conflicts New Zealand have been involved in – with one recognising former foes; and a pounamu touchstone, gifted by our rūnaka. This followed an approach by the Golden Bay RSA two years ago, seeking a touchstone for inclusion in the memorial park.
We were happy to be given the opportunity to tautoko the RSA as a means of acknowledging the takata whenua of Takaka and Onetahua Marae, who wove and gifted us a wonderful whāriki, which graces our whare tipuna, Kaipō; and the connection to our Kā Roimata o Totoweka kaupapa.
Richard and Mere pictured next to the new waharoa.
Richard and Mere pictured with local kaumātua in front of the memorial wall.
Rūnaka annual general meeting
The lead-up to Hui-ā-Tau (AGM) is always extremely busy and this year has been no exception. In addition to the usual preparations, we held elections for four rūnanganui (executive) positions and received notices to amend our constitution.
Our hui held on Saturday 24 October, was well attended with more than 50 gathering in our whare tipuna.
Reports presented were well-received, with plenty of questions, ideas and alternative views expressed, along with some healthy debate.
In terms of the proposed changes to the constitution, two of the three were passed. These will be lodged shortly with the societies office.
Congratulations to Marie Mahuika-Forsyth and Willie Wilson who were elected as executive members and to Kara Edwards, who retains the position of deputy chairperson and Stuart Barr, who remains our treasurer for a three-year term.
A key change supported this year was moving the Hui-ā-Tau date from the Saturday of Labour Weekend. A resolution was passed moving it to the last weekend of the school holidays during the term three break. Mark your calendars now – 8 October 2016.
Whānau gather inside our whare tipuna.
Kai time during our Hui-ā-Tau.
Maramataka
Mark your calendars. If you need more information, please contact the office. Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai.
Executive meeting
Our next hui rūnanganui will be held on 28 November at our wharemahi in Hokitika. Please let the office know if you are attending for catering purposes. This will be the last hui for the year. Next year’s hui schedule is yet to be confirmed.
Hākari kaumātua
Our annual kaumātua Christmas celebration dinner will be held on Saturday 5 December at the Wests Rugby Football Club in Hokitika at 4.30pm. Invitations will be posted shortly to all registered kaumātua living in New Zealand.
The dinner has become a highlight for our kaumātua and we would welcome kaimahi and kaitautoko to help us to make the evening another great one for them. If you or your whānau are available to help out on the Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday please contact the office.
Annual Christmas pool party
We will be holding our annual Christmas pool party on Sunday 13 December from 12pm until 4pm at Hokitika Centennial Pool. Whānau are invited to join us at the pool for a fun-filled, politics-free afternoon with our tamariki and rakatahi. There will be games, prizes and giveaways, as well as an early visit from Hana Kōkō.
Kūmara races
Mark 9 January in your calendars and come and join us at the Kūmara races. Put on your glad rags, bring your own kai and drinks to share, and enjoy a fun day. You’ll find our tent close to the finish line.
Hokitika races
The Hokitika Races will be held on 13 January (mid-week), following the Kūmara races. The Hokitika races are a half-day event starting at 10am. We’ll have a tent and the barbeque heated up, so bring kai and drinks to share. and join us for another day at the races.
Marae open day
We will be holding an open day at the marae on 6 February to acknowledge Waitangi Day. The day will start with a pōwhiri around 10.30am and will end with poroporoaki around 5.30pm at the latest. We have a number of workshops planned, along with a hāngī to feed the masses. The day is open to everyone, so come and spend the long weekend with us, Te Tauraka Waka a Māui will be the place to be.
Makaawhio picnic and sports day
After our open day we will head back to Hokitika to prepare for our annual picnic and sports day held at Woodstock Domain, Rimu on 8 February. Make a note of this in your calendar now whānau and save the date.