We often get asked what we do in the office. On a typical day Nic will see to correspondence and general enquiries, receive applications such as Polytech Rūnaka Scholarships or for the Methodist Pūtea; accounts management and hui management, manage the website with information such as hui bookings and sponsor forms.
Peter is our groundsman and takes care of the marae, including the grounds, urupā and māra kai. Kate is our wharekai co-ordinator and is often full-on with catering requirements for hui or rūnaka events including; purchasing supplies, liaising with the administrator and hui sponsors; and maintenance of buildings.
Natalie works alongside kā komiti to record their meetings and action decisions made. A typical day might include – compiling agenda, writing a funding application or Te Pānui Rūnaka news. These komiti cover a wide range of organisations to do with whānau activites, tikanga or tangi kawa/policy or wānanga; health, education, social services, justice, cultural institutions ie, museums; local government agencies and Mayoral or local government initiatives. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Treaty third article matters such as the Treaty partnership with DOC, conservation and permits; matters such as areas of shared interests or pounamu; Pukekura or mahinga kai gathering areas; MPI marine protection issues, mātaitai and tāngata tiaki/kaitiaki; archaeological permitting or protection of historic places or taoka and making recommendations to the rūnaka.
Rachel’s typical day might include attendence at any of kā komiti with their portfolios, operational aspects, marae development, managing the rūnaka registrations and whakapapa database, overseeing the election process of the Te Rūnanga Rep or directors; reports and policy, relationship management and financial management or the strategic plan process. She meets people on behalf of the rūnaka or represents us on special projects.