Events in the city
Two blessings were held recently, one at the old Dunedin Prison where renovations have commenced, the second was the blessing of the new Department of Conservation (DoC) office site at Wickliffe House on Princes Street. Annie Wallace is the DoC Coastal Otago Operations Manager and has ensured her staff have consulted with Ōtākou on all aspects relating to Kāi Tahu such as representation. DoC hope to move in to their new premises in December, all going to plan.
From left: Anne Robertson TRO Komiti Coordinator and Annie Wallace (DoC Coastal Otago Operations Manager) listen as Edward Ellison (4th from left) blesses the new DoC office site.
Events at Ōtākou
Hui held on the marae have been steady over this period with many local groups holding their events here. These groups include: Whare Hou Ora, Child Youth and Family, School of Occupational Therapy, St Gerard’s School, Kura Reo Rakatahi, Univeristy of Otago Peace and Conflict. The ‘Dunedin 60 plus’ came for their marae visit with Doug Ditford as their sponsor and tour guide.
Erena Russell-Harris lives at the kaik and attended the Russell whānau reunion which was held over four days on the marae. She particularly enjoyed the catch up with the whānau and listening to stories about their older people and how they managed their lives. The kai was great especially done in the kai cooker. To the cooks – George, Jason, Karl, and the rest – you guys were fantastic.
Whānau planting trees on Russell land.
Dinner at the Russel whānau reunion. Left to right: Back Row – George Russell, Joe Russell, Lloyd McMillan, Liz McMillan, Maru Russell, Michael McMillan, Shane Kereama, Zane Kereama, Jason Russell, David Meager, Keith Holmes. Second Row – Rowland McMillan, Tim Russell, Monique Russell, Felicity McMillan, Lis Holmes Fiona Russell, Nathan Meager. Front Row – Adam & Jimmy Russell, Harper Russell, Mahana McMillan, Irihapati McMillan-Meager, Lucy Russell, Karl Russell, Neihana McMillan Meager, Caleb Holmes.