He pēpi
A big mihi and congratulations to the White-Mason whānau on the arrival of their baby boy, Te Ngawari Te Ahikaa Kaitutakitaki I Te Ahikōmau Mason, who was born on 6 October at 11.25pm, weighing 6Ib 9oz.
His proud parents are Miriama White and Te Rua Mason and he is another moko for Tāua Bunty and Pōua Taiki Mason and Meriann and Richard White. He is also a sibling to Whakataerangi White, Henare Mason, Ani Mason and Te Whetu Marama Mason.
Much love whānau and we wish you all the best for the future.
Rā whānau
Lisa Mackey née Russell, Rahera Tainui, Tayejana Coulston, Shiana Meihana, Tonihi Paewhenua, Katene Campbell, Tama Coulston, Arama Weepu, Aroha Tainui, Lawrence Price and Eldon Wilson.
Takitū governance course
In early October, Joe Mason and I attended the Takitū governance course at Waikato Tainui College for Business and Māori Development. It was a three-day course which was attended by Ngāi Tahu, Tainui and Maniapoto representatives.
The course tutor was Professor Steven Cornell, one of the world’s leading authorities on indigenous governance in the CANZUS countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States). Much of his time is spent travelling to and interacting with indigenous people in these countries in an effort to learn about their differing approaches to governance – what works, what doesn’t and why.
It was extremely interesting to learn about other people’s tribal councils, native court systems, conservation strategies, economics and much more. We also had the privilege of attending a poukai at Wāhi Pā, and were privileged to have Tā Tipene O’Regan present a lecture.
It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend everyone participating if they have the opportunity in the future. Thank you to Ngāi Tahu and Waikato-Tainui whānau. I’d like to leave you all with this thought. Who we are? Where are we going and how do we get there? Nāku noa, Ruahine Coakley.
School kapa haka competition
Te Ahurei o ngā kapa haka o Te Tai o Poutini was recently held in Hokitika. The judges for the competition were Te Rua Mason, Tahu Paki, Harata Te Aika and Maatakiwi Wakefield. Susan Wallace and Tihou Weepu held the stage all day and were fantastic Masters of Ceremonies.
All Te Tai o Poutini kura gathered in Hokitika for the annual kapa haka competition and they all rocked the stage with their fierce performances.
This year, there was only one competing section for the intermediate level. A big mihi to Hokitika Primary School for hosting and to all the judges. Everyone worked hard and made the day a big hit. Ngā mihi e te whānau.
Tahi, rua, toru, whā, pūkana – tamariki and rangatahi at the ahurei.