He pēpi

Huge congratulations to Lorry Price and Dawn Carter on the arrival of their precious taonga, Shem Marlon Price. Shem was born 6.12am on 27 May in Grey Base Hospital weighing 7lb 10 oz. A new baby brother for Jaxon and Lukas, a new moko for Tāua Tania Pu and Pōua Russell Price, (the late) Nanny Elizabeth Wilson and Granddad Bryce Carter. A huge mihi to you all and we hope you try for a girl in the near future (hehe).

Shem Marlon Price.

Shem Marlon Price.

Theresa and Barry Rooney are proud and delighted to announce the arrival of their granddaughter, Edith Mackenzie Ellis born 8 June weighing 9lb 12oz. A special congratulations to the new parents Erin and Richard Ellis. Welcome to the world Edith.

Edith Mackenzie Ellis.

Edith Mackenzie Ellis.

Tuia Te Tai Pountini hui

On 26-28 May we had the marae pumping with about 40 tamariki excited to re-connect with friends and whānau at the start of their three-day hui.

Tuia Te Tai Poutini is a locally-based programme that works alongside West Coast schools to support and encourage senior Māori students. The aim of the programme is to promote a positive sense of self-worth and cultural identity as Māori, as well as improving achievement in NCEA to ensure students make the most of the opportunities available to them. We are looking forward to seeing all your faces again in the near future.

Tuia Te Tai Pountini hui.

Tuia Te Tai Pountini hui.

Hīkoi rowi ki Waikawa

At the end of last month, members travelled to Waikawa Marae to tautoko and support the release of nine juvenile rowi chicks. The chicks were released into a new kōhanga site at the head of Picton Harbour, Kaipūpū Point Sounds Wildlife Sanctuary.

This is an exciting development in our drive to save the critically endangered rowi. The need to find a new area is due to the success of the kiwis from the ‘kiwi ONE’ programme, which has seen an increase in the number of rowi being hatched from eggs collected in Ōkārito Forest. As a result, the existing kōhanga island, Motuara can’t accommodate them all.

Makaawhio, Department of Conservation (DOC) and our rowi were welcomed to Waikawa Marae by Te Ātiawa who will act as kaitiaki of the rowi for the time they remain in the area, under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between DOC, Kaipūpū Point Mainland Island Society, Te Ātiawa and Makaawhio, signed on the day.

It was a great opportunity for those who have not yet seen these manu taoka up close, to be involved in the blessing ceremony and the release onto Kaipūpū Point Sounds Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tamariki get to see the rowi up close.

Tamariki get to see the rowi up close.

Hīkoi rowi arriving at the marae.

Hīkoi rowi arriving at the marae.

Mr Explorer Douglas

Queen’s Birthday weekend saw a range of events marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Westland explorer, surveyor and map maker, Charlie Douglas. These events drew a large crowd of dedicated followers to Hokitika.

The opening of an exhibition at the local museum launched the weekend, with the museum bursting at the seams with people. A mihi whakatau led by our upoko rūnanga, Richard Wallace and Makaawhio whānau preceded a ceremonial meeting of Te Koeti Tūranga and Charlie Douglas.

The exhibition provided a wonderful mix of information, maps and kōrero, including our own Ruera Te Naihi who was the topic of our presentation for the next evening at the “Who was Charlie? Mr Explorer Douglas” hosted at the Hokitika Regent Theatre.

Tumuaki, Susan Wallace, one of eight speakers, delivered a kōrero written by Paul Madgwick, called ‘Ruera Te Naihi, porter and guide’, which was very well received. This presentation was followed up with an article in the local Hokitika Guardian.

Charlie Douglas with whānau.

Charlie Douglas with whānau.

Annual wero mātauraka

Its nearly that time of year again – the winter reading challenge for Makaawhio tamariki and rakatahi will be taking place 11-22 July. Whānau are invited to pick up the challenge and enter. It’s simple, all you need to do is read something every day of the school holidays and tick the form to acknowledge you have.

There are no rules around what you read, it can be anything (for example; a few pages of a book, a magazine, newspaper, online apps). You don’t need to read a whole book (unless you want to), just set aside time to read each day.

Every entry gets a prize and all names go into a draw for two major prizes. Contact the office for entry forms.

Whaea Bronwyn Te Koeti with 2015 reading challenge participant Karera Wallace Jones.

Whaea Bronwyn Te Koeti with 2015 reading challenge participant Karera Wallace Jones.

Iaean Cranwell and his whānau travelled to the Sunshine Coast, Australia along with over 550 kaihoe from New Zealand, to compete in the 17th IVF 2016 World Elite and Club Waka Ama Sprint Championships held in May. Joining Iaean were Adrian Tukaki and Craig Pauling from Te Taumutu, who competed with Aoraki Matatū from Te Waka Pounamu in the Masters Men 40 V6 and V12.

Having qualified first in their section at the New Zealand nationals earlier in the year, Aoraki Matatū were in a good position to place in the medals, with Tahiti being the main team to beat. Combining with Auckland based team, Pineula Hoe, who had placed second (behind Aoraki Matatū) at nationals, they formed Pineula Matatū for the Masters Men 40 V12 races.

Their first and most successful race was the 500m, coming in second qualifier after the heats behind an awesome Tahitian team. Pineula Matatū knew they would have to improve to be able to beat the Tahitians. Having had few opportunities to practice together over the months, the dedication and focus of the two teams paid off. Getting a good start in the finals, Pineula Matatū managed to hold off both Tahiti and New Caledonia to claim the gold medal. Iaean and Aoraki Matatū went on to win silver medals in both the Masters Men 40 V6 500m and 1000m. Sadly they had won the finals of the V6 500m only to have it voided due to a judges error and had to re-race at the end of the day. Capitalising on this, their old foe Tahiti unfortunately shut Aoraki Matatū out of the gold.

Iaean also had the privilege of watching his nephew, Kiliona Tamati-Tupa’i, who he and team mates of Aoraki Matatū had mentored – win gold in the Junior Men 18 V12 500m. Aoraki Matatū performed “Tēnei te Ruru” following Kiliona’s medal ceremony. Naturally Kiliona and his whānau returned the honour to Aoraki Matatū following the Master Men V12 500m medal ceremonies.

This is the first year New Zealand has excelled in a competition normally dominated by Tahiti, Hawai’i and New Caledonia. New Zealand topped the medal table winning a total of 79 medals, 30 Gold, 27 Silver, 22 Bronze. Promoting hauora, whakawhanaukataka, te reo me ōna tikaka, it’s no wonder Waka Ama popularity is growing stronger within Māori communities. Iaean’s goal for the future (following a well-deserved rest) is to start training to gain a place at the next nationals of course.

Iaean and whānau.

Iaean and whānau.

Members of Aoraki Matatū with whānau.

Members of Aoraki Matatū with whānau.

Japan trip

My name is Tahu Russell, son of Sharon Russell and moko of Maurice Nutira. I am a 17-year-old, deputy head boy at Kaiapoi High School.

Two years ago I travelled to Chengdu, China where I stayed for seven days. This was a project run by the Christchurch Educated team and I was honoured to have been one of the six lucky students selected from the hundreds of nominated students.

I was the only Māori student selected for the China trip and was able to stand and teach 2,000 Chinese students a haka. I have been invited to travel overseas again to the small town of Sendei in Japan from 8-22 July. This town holds our sister school and we hope to forge a stronger relationship with them. The purpose of the trip is to strengthen our education, to expand our culture and to give them a greater understanding of New Zealand and our people. As the only Māori student invited I am proud of my Kāi Tahu heritage and I want to introduce them to many aspects relating to Māori culture, including Kāi Tahu haka and waiata.

I know this trip will be invaluable as I am in my last year at High School. I am looking at a career in the Army but plan to do a commerce degree first to strengthen my academic record.

I recently stood on ANZAC day and delivered two speeches that were very well received and I earned high praise from some distinguished service men. I would love to come to a meeting or speak to some young Kāi Tahu about experiences and how to stand tall as a young Māori man when we are the minority.

I would like to thank the Taumutu Rūnanga for their continued support, and I hope to give a little back in the future.

Tahu Russell, deputy head boy off to Japan.

Tahu Russell, deputy head boy off to Japan.

Kapa haka hui

Over the weekend 10-12 June, Koukourārata’s Cultural Advisor (Nani-Pērā Moka) organised a kapa haka hui for whānau to get to know each other, walk the hills of Koukourārata and of course see the pou.

An update with details on our next kapa haka hui will be posted to our Facebook page, along with a programme. At this stage, we are looking at 8-10 July.

We hope to see you there whānau. Email Nani to register your interest: [email protected]

Auē, I had no idea we had so many young tamariki but look at them all in this photo below.

Koukourārata whānau Standing: Sade Allan, Jade Turner, Ngarita Briggs, Āwhina Boothman, Nani-Pērā Moka, Stevie, Sade Rangihuna, Waiti Ruru, Karauria Renata, Bailey, Jordan Ruru. Front: Manaia Cunningham, Mercedes Renata, Waihou-Kairo Moka-Johnson, Maioha-Pērā Moka Johnson, Zion Daken, Peter Ramsden, Anareia Deer, Mihiata Ruru, Rahurahu Tungia, Tamehana Tungia, Teiria Tungia.

Koukourārata whānau Standing: Sade Allan, Jade Turner, Ngarita Briggs, Āwhina Boothman, Nani-Pērā Moka, Stevie, Sade Rangihuna, Waiti Ruru, Karauria Renata, Bailey, Jordan Ruru. Front: Manaia Cunningham, Mercedes Renata, Waihou-Kairo Moka-Johnson, Maioha-Pērā Moka Johnson, Zion Daken, Peter Ramsden, Anareia Deer, Mihiata Ruru, Rahurahu Tungia, Tamehana Tungia, Teiria Tungia.

Brooke Aroha Kenny

Since Brooke was 12-years old it has been her dream to compete at Wimbledon. She has already travelled extensively with her tennis and last year attended a tennis camp on the East Coast of the USA in the state of Massachusetts.

Brooke was there for eight weeks where she trained every day, and competed in two six-hour long tournaments. Brooke was able to win both by beating the number one seed in both finals 6:0 6:1 and 6:4 6:4 respectively. Her achievements earned her a sponsorship deal from a company in the US called HEAD who make tennis racquets. She has met many top celebrities overseas including Ken Rosewall, a top Australian tennis player in his time who watched her win the Junior Tennis Tournament against Australia’s top seeded player. Ken went and congratulated Brooke following the win and had a photo taken with her.

Last year Brooke won the trials for girls under 14 to represent New Zealand at the WTA Road to Singapore Future Stars 2015 tournament – another success for Brooke, with many more to come.

Brooke Kenny.

Brooke Kenny.

Congratulations

It was with great pride that the McLean/Thomas whānau were able to be there to celebrate Caley Ngarimu Te Wera McLean (Ngāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Porou) graduate with a Bachelor of Education in physical education and Māori. Caley’s proud parents, Jo and Colin, his nephew Sonni Te Urukaio Te Moananui and brother Jamie (both of whom had travelled over from Melbourne), along with his sister Hana were also there to awhi his wonderful achievement. Caley is one of five children and spent many school holidays at Waihao Marae as he was growing up. He is the Grandson of Richard and Dawn Thomas, who travelled down from Wellington to be at the graduation. Caley is now teaching māori and P.E at Aranui High School this year. He is also assisting at the League Academy.

Caley with proud whānau at the graduation ceremony.

Caley with proud whānau at the graduation ceremony.

Graduation

Tiaki Umalia Te Au Cameron graduated from Te Whare Wānaka o Otago with a Bachelor of Arts, major in music and minor in Māori studies. Tiaki is 24-years-old and grew up in Murihiku. He descends from Kāi Tahu me Ngāti Porou hoki and is the moko of Mrs Marcia Te Au-Thompson and son of Jodi Cameron and Shawarma Tautau. In his spare time, Tiaki plays rugby for Alhambra Union and also enjoys playing his gat. His long-term aspiration is to be employed as a secondary school music teacher. His connection to Moeraki is through his Tāua, Mrs Marcia Te Au-Thompson. Koia kai a koe e kare.

Tiaki and his niece at the Graduation.

Tiaki and his niece at the Graduation.

Marae bookings

Ōāmaru Intermediate School visited the marae over two days 10-11 May as part of the Learning Education Out of the Classroom (LEOTC) imitative. Thanks to Alex and his LEOTC team for the activities that were enjoyed by Ōāmaru Intermediate School.

Ōāmaru Intermediate School students with harakeke.

Ōāmaru Intermediate School students with harakeke.

Taiaha wānanga

Kei aku rau rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. On 3-6 June Puketeraki held its third annual taiaha wānanga. We had an awesome turnout with whānau from Milton, Wānaka, Ōāmaru, Ōtepoti and our local whānau. There are some photos and videos on the Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka Facebook page.

It was a blessing to have Tuari Dawson here to lead out on the wānanga. Tuari had us up every morning at 5.30am cleaning, exercising and training on the beach. Tuari is a great mentor and role model for these boys. We look forward to having him back next year. Ngā mihi nui ki ngā kaiāwhina, ki ngā ringawera, ki ngā whānau, tae noa atu rā ki a koe e te toa matarau Tuari. E kore e oti noa ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa.
Nā, Waiariki Parata-Taiapa.

Graeme Pepper’s story
My name is Graeme Pepper and I am 66 years old. My great-grandfather was Te Whao Rangitupoki of Ngāti Mutunga who was a follower of Te Whiti and was arrested for ploughing fields at Urenui. He was trialled, sentenced and transported to Dunedin. After his release he stayed and married Katarina Turora, daughter of Wi Turora and granddaughter of Rawiri Kurukuru. My grandmother, Turama Te Whao, was born and raised in Puketeraki. She married Joe Hampton and they resided in the Haka Valley where he was a shearer and rabbiter.

Sadly, Turama passed away in 1929 at the age of 27 after giving birth to her fifth child, my mother, who went to live with her Irish grandparents. After that she had no further contact with her Māori side of the family. I spent my school years in Dunedin and was not aware that Puketeraki existed until I was in my mid-thirties and went out to the marae to attend a couple of Riki Parata’s birthday parties with Wayne Parata.

Since that time I had no further contact with the marae except for some land meetings and a couple of the whakapapa wānanga. As far back as I can remember I have always felt something was missing in my life and I was always seeking a place to call home. During my working days I moved from place-to-place and job-to-job and always felt unfulfilled, even when I went to Puketeraki I never had a feeling of belonging.

Last weekend I attended the taiaha wānanga with one of my tama and four mokopuna. What an amazing weekend, to be acknowledged by others attending as whānau, to train, run and play with the boys was something special. I took my boys over to the old house site and we shared the marvellous view and on the Sunday we all went up to the urupā. When I looked out over the coast I said to my boys what an amazing view it was. One of the mokopuna said, “I could live here.” That was when I realised I could stop looking, because I am home.

Then to top it all off, we were acknowledged later in the day with a taiaha for our family. It was amazing and something we will treasure as a family heirloom forever. A heartfelt thanks to all of those involved in the organising and running of the wānanga and a special thanks to Tuari, Rongomai, Waiariki and Jake.

taiaha 4

taiaha 1

taiaha 2

taiaha 3

Some shots from the Taiaha Wānanga held at Puketeraki Marae.

Celebrating ten years

On Friday 27 May, kaiako, tamariki and whānau celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Te Rourou Whakatipuranga o Awarua.

Leading up to the celebration tamariki and kaiako went on a hīkoi to Argyle beach in Bluff. There they gathered resources such as shells, sea-washed glass and beach stones for ten stepping stones, which they helped to make for the celebration. These stones were laid around a tree that was planted to commemorate the centres 10 years.

The wider Te Rourou community were invited to join them for a shared kai with tamariki, who finished the celebration with a birthday cake.

Tamariki and kaiako at Argyle Beach.

Tamariki and kaiako at Argyle Beach.

Te Rourou Kaiako and tamariki with the anniversary cake.

Te Rourou Kaiako and tamariki with the anniversary cake.

Kaiako watched by tamariki placing the stepping stones.

Kaiako watched by tamariki placing the stepping stones.

The IVF world championships

Jessica Terekia (He uri nō te whānau Cross – Waihōpai and Awarua Rūnaka) recently competed at Lake Kawana on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Club teams from Aotearoa had to qualify at the National Waka Ama event held annually at Lake Karapiro.

As a member of Horouta Waka Hoe, Jessica was a key member of the Horouta J16 Women’s Squad and raced the V12 500m sprint, the V6 1000m turn race and the V6 500m sprint race. The event held from 10 – 15 May saw Jessica and her fellow crew win silver in the V12 500m sprint final, silver in the V6 1000 final and gold in the V6 500m final.

These are the rewards achieved after 18 months of training which included gym work, running, swimming and water-based work in preparation for the regional and national campaigns prior to qualifying and selection for the 2016 worlds campaign.

Jessica Terekia at the Worlds Championship in Australia.

Jessica Terekia at the Worlds Championship in Australia.

Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki

Matariki tāpuapua, Matariki ahunga nui, ka rere kā mihi o Matariki. It’s been a busy couple of months for Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki. Our weekly waiata practices are going well at Tū Roa kōhanga, 6pm-7pm every Wednesday evening. Big mihi to Gael Paki for running our sessions, and Amiria Stirling and Raiha Cook for your help too. Nau mai haere mai if you’re interested in learning some new waiata or practicing some old favourites.

Some of the whānau of Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki after waiata practice.

Some of the whānau of Kāi Tahu ki Ōtaki after waiata practice.

Kia Kūrapa ki Tuahiwi

E te huka pikoko ki tō tātou reo, he mihi tēnei ki a koutou i tae tawhiti mai, i tae tata mai ki tō tātou wānaka, arā Kia Kūrapa. Ahakoa kā taero o Tūtekoropaka, kia kaha rā. Tūwhitia te hopo. Okea ururoatia.

Another successful Kia Kūrapa was held at Tuahiwi Marae on the weekend.

Kia Kūrapa are marae-based weekend reo learning opportunities for adults from an absolute beginners level right through to intermediate level learners.

Friday night started with pōwhiri and mihimihi to introduce the many whānau who had travelled from near and far to increase their te reo skills. Waiata-ā-rika was enjoyed by all, and helped to put us all at ease while still extending our learning.

Our Poureo for this Kia Kūrapa were Te Rau Winterburn, Karuna Thurlow, Corban Te Aika and Kare Tipa – all of whom presented the learning groups with an array of activities, games and lessons to each level, that were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

He raki mokopuna. Our tamariki were kept busy with our facilitators on the tamariki programme – laughing and playing in the fine but crisp winter weather. This year’s programme included an afternoon excursion to Kaiapoi Pā with our Ngāi Tūāhuriri guest speaker, Joseph Hullen, who provided us with a highly informative tour of the Pā and an insight into our Ngāi Tahu history of the area.

While our talented kaiako filled our kete mātauraka, our puku were satiated by the delectable food provided by Tania Wati and the rikawera team – he kai namunamuā. Wow, those noodle cakes and Southern cheese rolls. Student evaluations included comments such as “Challenging, yet inclusive and safe environment for learning” and “Really valuable – very rich learning experience” with almost everyone expressing the desire for longer hui and more.

KMK team are pleased to say that we have been busy planning our yearly calendar to increase the number of Kia Kūrapa around our Ngāi Tahu takiwā. We have anticipated running five over the next twelve months, so please keep an eye out on our Facebook page, website and future Te Pānui Rūnaka for more details. He mihi tēnei ki a koutou katoa i kaha tautoko mai i te hui nei. Mei kore ake i a koutou.

Kia Kūrapa ki Tuahiwi whānau 2016.

Kia Kūrapa ki Tuahiwi whānau 2016.

Tahua Taunaki Akonga

Learner Support Fund
Nicole Harper (13) has just been awarded the trophy for the most improved Year 7 and 8 student at Aquinas College in Tauranga. Nicole has done incredibly well to achieve this accolade and although she has faced some difficult times – has continued to improve in her academic studies. Well done Nicole.

Nicole says “As the winner of the Year 7 and 8 most improved person at Aquinas College in Tauranga, I would like to thank Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu for the financial support for my Out of School Tuition. The assistance was of a great help and I hope that the support will continue. It has been a tough year for Mum and Dad and the financial help has been a real benefit for our family and my success at school. Once again, thank you.” Nā Nicole Harper.

Applications for the next round of the Tahua Taunaki Akonga — Learner Support Fund are to be submitted at least two weeks prior to term commencement in which the tuition is to be undertaken.

Provision is also available on a case by case basis. For further information please contact us at: [email protected] or 0800 KAI TAHU (0800 524 8248).

Nicole Harper with her trophy.

Nicole Harper with her trophy.

Pēpi packs

We are pleased to announce we have recently started to distribute our first lot of pēpi packs. However, due to the overwhelming positive response to the pēpi packs since the launch, the number of applications have far exceeded our expectations.

We apologise for the delay, and really appreciate your patience and understanding while our team works incredibly hard to meet this demand.

Nau mai e rea kia mihi atu tō Iwi ki a koe
Weaving our newest strands of Tahu.

For further information please contact us at [email protected] or call 0800 KAI TAHU (0800 524 8248).

Lauren Gannaway.

Lauren Gannaway.

Henry Eagle.

Henry Eagle.

Charlie Hickland.

Charlie Hickland.

Anita Claire Cameron.

Anita Claire Cameron.