Over the weekend of 16-17July a contingent of keen ex-Aoraki Bound participants gathered in Huia (west Auckland) for a weekend of whakawhanaungatanga, celebration of Matariki and the awesomeness that is Aoraki Bound. It was a time to reflect on and celebrate the value of that experience in our lives, and to hear each other’s’ stories. This one was initiated by Rangimārie Mules and Tui Hawke-Tohiariki and co-facilitated by Tui and Jonathan Sargisson.
We began on Saturday morning at Huia Beach with a beautiful karakia by Blackie Tohiariki, followed by mihimihi, with everyone introducing themselves with their pepeha, and which Aoraki Bound course they had been on. We then headed off to do the Omanawanui ridge/cliff top walk led by Jonathan, near the mouth of the Manukau Harbour, before descending down to the car park at Whatipu. The next morning Blackie opened with a dawn karakia. We fuelled-up with breakfast, cleaned and packed up the lodge. We also discussed plans for future hui before our a waiata wānanga where whānau learnt a proud waiata about Aoraki, our maunga tūpuna.
He mihi nunui ki Te Puni Kōkiri i tō koutou pūtea tautoko mai. We are very grateful for the financial support of Te Puni Kōkiri. Tēnā rawa atu koutou. Ngā mihi nui ki a Donna Takitimu me te whanaunga i tō kōrua tautoko mai, thank you for all your mahi and supporting us. Ngā mihi nunui hoki ki a Tui Hawke-Tohiariki koutou ko Rangimārie Mules, ko Blackie Tohiariki i tō koutou mahi rawe, mahi aroha hoki mō tēnei kaupapa. Shout outs to Tui, Blackie and Rangimārie for initiating this and for all the kaha, heart and dedication you all give to these kaupapa. Nō reira, ki a tātou katoa i huihui ki reira, tēnā rawa atu koutou katoa.
The next hui for all you awesome ex-Aoraki Bound folks (yes you) and whānau in/outside Auckland will be over a weekend in mid-October. Let’s keep this amazing kaupapa alive. Mauri Ora. Nā, Jonathan Sargisson ([email protected]) and Tui Hawke-Tohiariki ([email protected]).
The Aoraki Bound rōpū off on the hīkoi.
Stopping to catch the scenery.
The Aoraki Bound rōpū off on the hīkoi.