Pā picnic
On 6 February, 80-100 whānau gathered down at the pā field for our annual picnic. Matua Eli Weepu started our day with a karakia, and then the fun began. The sun was beaming down on us, everyone was covered in sun block and our kaumātua were all under shade. Everyone loved being together for a good catch up and a fun-filled day.
This year we had a huge waterslide for the kids, (which they didn’t get off for the whole day), a bouncy castle, Mr Whippy, games for all ages (spot prizes for the winners), lolly scramble, snow ice cones and a barbeque through the day with mussel patties and sausages.We all gathered in our regular spot for our whānau photo and then made our way back to the field for our hāngī tea. After cleaning up, some of the whānau stayed back and we took our kids down the awa for a relaxing swim – a beautiful way to end our day. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae would like to thank all whānau who chipped in to make this day go so well. Kia ora anō whānau.
We will be having our pā picnic every year on Waitangi weekend whānau, so if you are from out of town, make sure you book this time off. It would be lovely to have many more whānau attend. If you would like any more information regarding this please, feel free to contact us in the tari.
Whānau photo.
The water slide.
Kids tug-of-war.
Whānau playing a game of touch.
Te Kāwana Tianara o Aotearoa
On 23 February we had the pleasure of hosting the Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine. Whānau gathered in the wharenui with the Makaawhio and Hokitika bilingual class and also the Mayor of Hokitika (Mike Havell), to welcome the Governor-General onto our marae.
After the pōwhiri we all gathered in Papakura (wharekai) for some kai and a hot drink and a chance to mingle. The Hokitika bilingual class sang beautiful waiata as we ate and I think I even saw a sparkly tear in the Governor-General’s eye. Sir Jerry and Lady Janine continued on their journey to Hokitika to visit some local businesses. After visiting the marae they went to the Waewae pounamu shop, the Westland Milk Products site, Hokitika Museum, Pacific Wide and they also met people from the arts and crafts sector at the old fire station, West Coast Wine Company.
Whānau with Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine.
Te Kura o Papatahora
West Melton School, Te Kura o Papatahora, is excited to be able to build a new classroom block to meet the significant population growth in the local area. Kaumātua, education sub-committee members, pupils and members of the community joined Justin Tipa in blessing the site of the new building.
From left: Liz Brown, Denise Sheat, Daphne O’Connell, Marg Jones, Pat Nutira and Justin Tipa.
Kura reo Rakatahi
On 19-23 January myself and a number of other Ngāi Tahu descendants embarked on a journey. We were given the opportunity to improve our te reo, learn about Kāi Tahu history and stories, visit pā sites and participate in a number of awesome activities. Some of these activities included whale watching, kayaking, taiaha, creation of a waiata and haka and many more. Kura reo Rakatahi provided me with knowledge of my iwi, amazing experiences and the chance to meet life-long friends. To anyone who is of Ngāi Tahu descent looking to either learn or improve their te reo or learn more about where they come from, I highly recommend going to the next Kura reo Rakatahi – it’s an amazing opportunity and something that will never be forgotten.
Nā Hannah Clark.
One of the activities at Kura Reo Rakatahi.
Governor-General visits Poutini
The Governor General, Sir Jerry Mataparae and his wife Lady Janine had a jam-packed itinerary while here on the coast, starting with a pōwhiri at Arahura Marae on 23 February, where Poutini Kāi Tahu jointly welcomed him.
Later in the afternoon he met with students, board members and staff at Westland High School. Students shared their experiences following the Waitangi Day fire, which made national headlines and displaced students and staff, who have been continuing their learning journey across multiple halls and venues in Hokitika. It will be some time before they return to the school. Staff, students and the community have pulled together to meet the challenges presented and most importantly, students do not feel their learning has been compromised.
The next day, Sir Jerry took to the air with Sir Hannibal Hayes, to enjoy the sights, including the amazing Amethyst River and their Hydro Power scheme; and our glacier, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Following that, we welcomed his party in Waiau (Franz Josef) at the Kiwi Wildlife Centre. Sir Jerry and Lady Janine visited the final two hatched chicks for the season, naming a 14-day-old chick, Huru (feather).
The centre plays an important role locally in the ONE Kiwi programme managed by the Department of Conservation. Our rūnanga has been involved in the strategy, introduced to try to save the two most critically-endangered species of kiwi, both found in our rohe – the rowi and the tokoeka. They work in partnership with DOC, taking viable eggs from kiwi burrows, incubating them, raising the hatched chicks until they go to a predator-free island and finally being released back into the wild when they are large enough to fend off predators.
They also paid a visit to the new Department of Conservation offices in the Ngāi Tahu-owned building Te Ao Mārama. We worked on and developed interpretation in the new office, based on Ki uta, ki tai and the stories of our people. Te Ao Mārama will be officially opening next month.
Tawini Governor-General and his party are welcome to Te Tai o Poutini at Arahura Marae.
Governor-General pays a visit to Westland High School.
Moeraki Christmas party
Our Christmas party was held on Saturday 5 December, this was a fun night for everyone. The children enjoyed the bouncy castle even though it blew over in the winds later in the afternoon. Thank you to everyone who made this a memorable night.
Kace Palmer Kean.
125cc team race winners
It was the first time “Ōreti Guns” had entered in the 125cc team race held at Moore Park Speedway on 30 January. Ryan Colvin, Cormack Buchannan, Hayden Brookland and Dakota Crengle won the team event. Good one boys. Kia kaha. Nā Aunty Shona Fordyce.
Dakota Crengle is pictured wearing the red winners sash. Dakota’s parents are Ricky and Alisha and Royd and Pam. His grandparents are all so very proud of Dakota and his team.
The ‘Ōreti Guns Team’ Left to right is: Ryan Colvin, Cormack Buchannan, Hayden Brookland and Dakota Crengle.
Dakota Crengle.
Tātou ki te whutupōro
“Ōtākou” “Karawhuia Kotimana” and “Rutua” were heard booming from the North Stand as the Highlanders took on the Hurricanes on Saturday 5 March at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. There were over 40 KMK supporters cheering for the Highlanders, amped by the electric atmosphere of the first home game for 2016.
Tātou ki te whutupōro is a KMK initiative that brings whānau together to learn some rugby reo and strengthen our networks with other whānau who have a passion and interest in learning and using te reo as an intergenerational language.
It was awesome to gather together for this kaupapa and of course the win for Otago capped a great night off.
Fans meet and greet.
Young members of the whānau meeting the players.
