Pēpi pods

Kaumātua, Daphne O’Connell who weaves wahakura pēpi pods (baby baskets) was recently featured on TV3 News. It is believed the pods have led to a drop in cot death cases, as babies are saved every year by being placed in the hand-woven pods.

A woven pēpi pod.

A woven pēpi pod.

Congratulations

On 9 March, Kathryn Jones (Teihoka whānau) and Daniel Flutey (Flutey whānau) tied the knot after 22 years. The wedding was held at Kate and Dan’s whare and then to the hall afterwards.

The weather was fantastic and everything ran smoothly. Dr Terry Ryan was the celebrant at the wedding; he kept it fun and light-hearted.The wedding party was made up of Kate and Dan’s children, Dan’s brother, Tim, Kate’s cousin, Fiona, and Fiona’s grandson, Cobi who was the ring bearer.

Kate and Dan would like to thank everyone for attending and making the day and night full of laughter and good times. Well done Kate and Dan – its about time.

Kate and Dan surrounded by whānau at their wedding ceremony.

Kate and Dan surrounded by whānau at their wedding ceremony.

The happy couple.

The happy couple.

Land blessing

The sound of karakia and hīmene filled the morning air at Leeston on Saturday 29 August. Led by Matua Henare Edwards, a small delegation of Taumutu kaumātua joined Mayor Coe and the Leeston community to bless the vacant land on Flannery Street.

The land is destined to be used for the Leeston Vintage Village, a 14-bedroom social housing unit for the elderly – a much needed facility for the community.

Gentle rain fell while we sang the hīmene and Mayor Coe, Uncle Pat and others took turns to dig and turn the first sod. It was a special moment. Land preparation and construction will commence soon.

Uncle Pat, Mayor Coe and Matua Henare Edwards.

Uncle Pat, Mayor Coe and Matua Henare Edwards.

On 11 October Te Taumutu held their school holiday tamariki day. We always start with karakia and then the tamariki were asked to do their mihimihi, which they are now adding more to. Our lovely facilitator, Liz Brown, explained to the tamariki what they would be doing– manu taratahi – kite making! [Read more…]

Congratulations to those who have celebrated special occasions and birthdays.

Maringirangi Tamou ready for school.

Rā whānau

Happy birthday to Rangitiriao Nutira, Te Atarau Nutira and Cobi Musson.

Big congratulations to Maringirangi Tamou for turning five and going off to kura. [Read more…]