Hui Rakatahi (30 October-1 November) was a weekend for rakatahi to build connections with not only their Puketeraki whānau but also our marae and surroundings.
We were fortunate to have Marcus Akuhata-Brown come and give us a detailed kōrero about his connections to his home in Te Tairāwhiti.
The rakatahi went up Hikaroroa and for some of them it was their first time so that in itself was a blessing.
Saturday evening was dedicated to the celebration and presentations of the Tame Parata Scholarships 2015. Three rakatahi received pūtea that will go towards their future studies.
They each had to present their application essays to the audience, the kaupapa being, “If I was kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu what would I do?” The rakatahi were fortunate to be presented their scholarships by Tā Mark Solomon.
To finish off the formal proceedings of the scholarship presentations, we had a huge hākari and invited community members. There was tītī, pāua fritters, tuaki fritters and more. We all shared waiata and even had our photos taken in the marae DIY photo booth.
It was smiles all around after we found out the All Blacks had won the Rugby World Cup.
We finished the weekend off performing waiata for our pakeke and kaumātua. We enjoyed some laughs and sunshine and each of us received some of the new Puketeraki merchandise.
Overall, it was a beautiful weekend and a huge mihi must go to our awesome rūnaka, our talented rikawera, Waiariki, to our kaumātua, parents, manuhiri, and most of all to our tūpuna for ensuring we all got here and were able to live our lives and continue the legacy they left us. Nō reira, tēnā tātou katoa. Nā Jess Massey.
Rakatahi perform before a captive audience in the wharenui at Puketeraki Marae.
From left, Cairo Te Wahia Griffin, Meg Paterson, Tā Mark Solomon (special guest speaker) and Savannah Flack.
Rakatahi on Hikaroroa, East Otago.