Te Arawa Fisheries Nominations
Kia ora koutou,
We have received the nominations for our Trust election.
A physical election will be required for the seats that have received more than one nomination. These are Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rangiteaorere and Ngāti Whakaue.
Voting documents will be sent out to all adult registered members of Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rangiteaorere and Ngāti Whakaue. Voting can be done online or by post and closes at 5pm on 16 September, 2022.
Nominations for the remaining seven seats did not exceed the number of vacancies, meaning these candidates have been automatically elected to the Trust.
Ngā mihi,
Roku Mihinui
Chairman
Tūhourangi Calendar: August 2022
Here are the upcoming Tūhourangi and Te Arawa events for August 2022 to add to your calendar and keep in the know;
Every Tuesday, our kōeke are picked up and come into the Tuhourangi Tribal Authority offices to catch up, kōrero, kai, play cards and bingo and share their wisdom.
Tūhourangi Ngāti Wahiao kapa travel to Rarotonga to join in the celebrations for Te Maeva Nui.
Tūhourangi Ngāti Wahiao kapa will perform at Te Koroneihana mō Kīngi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII
For all events relevant to Tūhourangi, please visit the ‘Events’ page.
Tūhourangi Registration Drive
We’re on a journey to create a better and more up to date Tūhourangi register for you and our iwi.
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority is committed to connecting to all our whānau but we need to know where you are in the world. To help us on this journey, we are offering all new and existing beneficiaries the chance to win one of 2 x personalised iPad Airs (64GB wifi enabled).
To enter, new beneficiaries must complete a registration application and send to admin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz for review*. For existing beneficiaries to be eligible, you must complete the Beneficiary Personal Details form here .
Here’s a few reasons why you should register...as a registered TTA beneficiary, you can:
• Vote in Trustee elections
• Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley for free
• Receive Pānui and other related TTA communications direct to your mailbox
• Participate in cultural and historical wānanga
• Kaumātua services
• Receive discounts from Tūhourangi business partners
For more information about registering and to download a form, visit https://www.tuhourangi.iwi.nz/rehita/
This promotion runs from 9.00am (NZDT) Monday, 18 April 2022 until 5.00pm (NZDT) Monday, 18 July 2022. Winners will be announced via an electronic random barrel draw at 5.00pm (NZDT) Monday, 18 July 2022.
*only validated applications will be permitted for entry.
Expressions of interest – Te Arawa iwi Māori Partnership Board
Te Tira Haere a Pūhaorangi (Te Arawa Iwi and Hapū delegates) are looking for Board members to join the Te Arawa Iwi Māori Partnership Board.
The Board will represent Te Arawa and play a vital role in the design and delivery of health services in a Tiriti o Waitangi based partnership with the Māori Health Authority and Health NZ.
Purpose of the Board
The purpose of the Board is to exercise tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake for planning and decision-making for health services and to represent Te Arawa in the development of regional and national approaches.
Board requirements
Seeking a broad skill mix on the Board, and members who are able to collectively represent Te Arawa aspirations for Hauora in a Tiriti based relationship.
Successful Board members will be appointed to represent Te Arawa and must commit tomaintaining their accountability to Te Arawa through Te Tira Haere a Pūhaorangi and toimplementing the Te Arawa Health strategy, Te Ara ki Tikitiki o Rangi.
Knowledge and understanding of Te Arawa kawa and tikanga are foundation competencies required of all Board members.
The selection process will seek to ensure the Board has a mix of skills and expertise to form a strong voice for Te Arawa hauora.
The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill
The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill comes into effect on 1 July 2022. It will enable the Māori
Health Authority and Health New Zealand, to become permanent entities.
The Bill will also recognise the importance of Iwi Māori Partnership Boards and their role to influence locality commissioning. Assessing the health needs of whānau, identifying priorities and monitoring service provision are also core functions of the Board.
Expressions of interest
Expressions of interest are welcomed from members of Te Arawa, Matāwaka, rangatahi and
the community.
The Application Form, Job Description and Information pack can be downloaded from www.atahaia.com
To submit your Expression of Interest please forward your completed Application Form, CV and covering letter to Lyn Harrison at atahaia@actrix.co.nz
Applications close on Friday, 15 April 2022.
New Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Trustees
Thank you to all of those TTA beneficiaries that voted in our 2022 Elections.
The votes have been counted and the trustees joining Deliah Balle and Kirikowhai Mikaere are:
Watu Mihinui
Wārena Morgan
Rangitihi Pene.
Thank you to all of our whānau who put themselves forward for nomination, we are encouraged by the engagement and aspiration to serve.
A special mihi to Manutai Schuster who has served on the TTA board for a number of years, and who graciously returned to help us navigate a difficult 2021 year. She has always brought valuable insights and contribution to the many kaupapa she touched.
What to do if your taitamariki or pēpē gets COVID-19
First – Don’t panic. This isn’t your fault. Omicron is highly contagious.
If your taitamaiti hasn’t been tested but they’re showing the following symptoms – stay home until they have been tested. Call the COVID-19 line 0800 358 5453 to get a test or visit your nearest testing station. You can find your nearest centre here
Symptoms of COVID-19
Fever
Cough
Trouble breathing
Gastrointestinal problems - sore tummy, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
Headaches
Muscle aches
Loss of taste and smell
Cold symptoms e.g sore throat and/or sneezing
Omicron is a weird virus – some tamariki will get very sick, some tamariki won’t have any symptoms at all.
Testing
If you think your taitamaiti has symptoms of COVID-19, call your family doctor or phone the COVID-19 line on 📞 0800 358 5453. They will give you the most up-to-date information on testing.
If your taitamariki tests positive for COVID-19
You must isolate with them for 10 days. You will be sent a link to complete an online form, which will help identify locations you have visited and people you have come into close contact with.
How to isolate with your COVID-19 positive taitamariki
If possible, isolate with your taitamaiti and ONE parent or caregiver in another room from the rest of the whānau. Wash your hands often. Wash doorknobs and surfaces. Wear a mask as often as possible. Keep windows open to help with air flow and ventilation. If you’re hapū, see if you can have another caregiver or parent look after your tamariki so you can limit contact.
If you have a high-risk adult or taitamaiti in your whare, consider having them isolated in another room, another area of the whare, or at another family member or friend’s whare. If this isn’t possible, they should always wear a mask and limit interactions as much as possible.
Keep other people and pets in the whare away from your taitamaiti as much as possible. If you can, have your sick taitamaiti use a different bathroom from others. If that isn't possible, wipe down the bathroom often.
Keep other people and pets in the whare away from your taitamaiti as much as possible. If you can, have your sick taitamaiti use a different bathroom from others. If that isn't possible, wipe down the bathroom often.
High risk means:
• Unvaccinated
• Immunocompromised either from disease or medications
• 65 years old and older
• Hapū / pregnant
• Chronic lung disease including moderate to severe uncontrolled asthma, BPD from prematurity, Interstitial lung disease, Pulmonary hypertension, COPD
• Heart Conditions
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Down Syndrome
• Smoker/Vaper
If a high-risk person in your whānau gets COVID-19 contact their specialist or hospital care team immediately.
If your whānau gets COVID-19 despite taking precautions – remember, it’s very contagious. It’s not your fault. Be kind and gentle with yourself!
If your whānau gets COVID-19 despite taking precautions – remember, it’s very contagious. It’s not your fault. Be kind and gentle with yourself!
How to look after your COVID-19 positive taitamariki
You’ve got this. Stay calm. It’s likely your pēpē has been sick before, and you’ve been able to handle it. COVID-19 is no different.
• Keep them well-hydrated.
• Monitor nappies and wees to make sure they’re drinking enough.
• Don’t worry if they’re not hungry.
• Rest often. Use paracetamol for fevers. Some tamariki might struggle with oral paracetamol if they have a sore throat. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about rectal paracetamol.
• Use nasal suction or steam.
• Make sure they rest as much as possible – screen time is fine!
• Keep a close eye on their breathing – if they have any pauses in breathing, seem to be straining to breathe or have irregular or fast breathing, or if they’re too out of breath to talk or are out of breath after walking or if they turn blue or faint – call 111 immediately.
When to get help
If your taitamaiti has a disability or is high risk – contact your paediatrician or care team as soon as they’re diagnosed.
If your taitamaiti doesn’t have a disability, is vaccinated and is not high risk take them to hospital or afterhours if:
• your taitamaiti looks really unwell – you’re their parent, trust your instincts
• they are confused or very sleepy
• they have chest pain
• they are cold, sweaty, pale or have blotchy skin
• they are dizzy
• they have very bad belly pain
Look for contractions on their chest, like pulling in between the ribs or the nostrils puffing with their breathing. If they have breathing problems: go to hospital.
If you’re not sure – call the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free on 0800 358 5453
Again: Call 111 immediately – if your taitamaiti has any pauses in breathing, seem to be straining to breathe or have irregular or fast breathing, or if they’re too out of breath to talk or are out of breath after walking or if they turn blue or faint.
Self-care
This is a scary time for you as a parent. Remember to fill your cup if you can. Talk to your whānau and friends by phone and ask for help with deliveries of groceries.
Be kind and gentle to yourself. Consider this karakia by Mero Irihapeti to protect your heart as you care for your tamariki and whānau.
Hā ki roto | Breathe in
Hā ki waho | Breathe out
Kia tau te mauri e kokiri nei | Settle the mauri that stirs inside of me
I nga piki me ngā heke | Through the ups and the downs
Ko te rangimarie tāku e rapu nei | It is peace that I seek
Tihei mauri ora!
Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustee Election Nominees
Ānei rā, here are the nominees who have put themselves forward for the upcoming Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustee Elections.
Kataraina HAMIORA-REWETI
Kataraina (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao) mokopuna nō te whānau Hamiora is an extremely passionate hapū member. Currently with the Ministry of Justice specialising in Māori Strategy and Strategic Relationships she focuses on building Māori Crown relations that enables innovative approaches to the design and delivery of Justice in our District Courts.
Recently, she led Iwi engagement for the Ministry of Health enabling access for Iwi and Māori organisations across the Country to Māori Covid vaccination Data.
Currently an active member of Te Kapa Haka o Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao. She finds fulfilment in kaupapa that are beneficial to the growth and development of Tūhourangi such as Tikanga and Te Reo Wānanga, and our bi-annual Tūhourangi Ahurei.
She invites the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of TTA through kaupapa that foster and nurture our culture, our hapū and our history while providing a Rangatahi voice and focus to further maintain the mana of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority into the future.
Āku whakamiha,
Kataraina
Tamihana HAMIORA-REWETI
Tēnā tātau, ko Tamihana Hamiora-Reweti tōku ingoa (Tūhourangi Ngāti Wahiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Ranginui) I’m the Mokopuna of Te Waru & Maata Hamiora.
I have a back ground in Whenua Maori with time at the Maori Land Court and currently with my Mahi at Te Tumu Paeroa (The Office of the Maori Trustee) administering around 100 Ahu whenua trust within the Bay of plenty rohe. I am also a part of the community engagement team for the Electoral commission.
Since being home I have made strong efforts to reconnect with my Iwi my pa participating in various iwi events, Kapa haka, attending wananga facilitated by our Marae trying in anyway to be an active member of our iwi and this is my opportunity to give back.
Ngā manaakitanga, na
Tamihana Hamiora-Reweti
Te Arawa, Ngati Ranginui
Pererika MAKIHA
Tēnā tātou katoa
He uri ahau nō Makiha Hemana raua ko Te Paea Hinemahanga
Ko Pererika Makiha tōku ingoa
Representing our Tuhourangi whānau would be both challenging as well as rewarding. I believe I am able to meet the challenges so we can reap the rewards for the benefit of our Iwi. I bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the role of Trustee as I believe I am a good listener, clear thinker and respect others opinions.
I have vast experience in the education sector as a Secondary School Teacher and Tutor for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I have held numerous managerial positions as an operations manager for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Ministry of Fisheries, Harbourmaster Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Kaihautū for numerous double hull voyaging waka throughout the Pacific.
My current employment with Coastguard NZ and Coastguard Boating Education (Kaihautū Māori), Water Safety NZ (Advisor) and NZ Army (Pou Kōrero) requires me to engage and build relationships with iwi around the country, therefore as a result I have developed extensive iwi networks thoughout the country.
I actively support and speak on many paepae and taumata in Te Arawa and Ngāpuhi.
I am on the following Trusts; Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League (President). Te Whakarewarewa Military Remembrance Trust (Trustee), Te Arawa Waka Taua Trust (Trustee), Ngā Waka o Te Taitokerau (Te Arawa Rep), Tangaroa Ara Rau Advisory Water Safety NZ (Advisor) Te Pūhara Mana Iwi Advisory Coastguard NZ (Advisor)
Ngā mihi,
Pererika Makiha
Watu MIHINUI
I have a wealth of experience and skills in community and hapū development after 40 years in the public service and 68 years as an uri of Wāhiao and Mutukuri Waretini. At heart, I remain a whaka blonde penny diver.
From a young age I was always at the wharekai learning/slaving away at the ins and outs of manaakitanga, a legacy now entrusted to my uri. We were in fact sent to the marae to be there for our father who sat on the pae but was not of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao descent.
In 2010 I founded the Te Whare Korero o Tūhourangi komiti, responsible for the renaissance of Tūhourangitanga at Te Pākira marae. This komiti became the whangai of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority in 2016, my second term as a trustee. The outcomes continue to stack up. I pay tribute to my dear friend Muriwai Ihakara who unstintingly shared his expertise and skill with our paetapu.
In October 2021 five Tūhourangi taonga were unveiled at Te Pūtake o Tawa, a project two years in the making, which I managed on behalf of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority. A spectacular event produced entirely by our hapū- tohunga whakairo/toi, tohunga karakia, tohunga whakapapa, pou korero, pou karanga, kapahaka superseded all challenges. Nga mihi rawa atu kia ratou katoa.
I am offering myself for a final term as I believe that I still have the goods to help in the development and sustainability of Tūhourangi te iwi.
Ngā mihi
Nā Watu Mihinui
Wārena MORGAN
Ko Wārena Morgan tōku ingoa, nō te whanau Morgan, Wikiriwhi, Hiini, Hatō, Haira mē Wīhapi, ōtirā nō Tūhourangi ahau. He mokopuna au ō Eruera raua kō Rangiātuhi (nee Haira) Morgan, Te Autiti raua kō Kahukura (nee Hemopō) Wikiriwhi, mē Karaneihana raua kō Kerera/Niki (nee Hatō) Hiini.
I am the Reliability and Machinery Safety Technician for Carter Holt Harvey at the Kinleith Plymill in Tokoroa, responsible for the reliability, guarding/safety of machinery, also I have some other responsibilities which involve security systems and camera systems.
I have held several senior positions on committee groups and organisations.
• President of the Whakarewarewa Community Sports Inc: 2018 – 2020
• President of the Rotorua Rugby Sub Union: 2020 – 2021
• President of the Central Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub Union: 2021 – 2022
• Member of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Judicial Panel: 2021
• Chairman of the Rotokākahi Board of Control: 2021
I have also been a past committee/board member for all the above entities.
I am an accomplished and energetic professional with a solid history of achievement in management and decision-making. A motivated leader with strong organisational and prioritisation abilities. Areas of expertise include financial-delegation, health & safety and communication.
My decision to seek election to become a trustee, stems from my whakapapa and to represent our iwi with passion and integrity, developing strong networks and relationships enhancing the mana of Tūhourangi and I look forward to contributing my skills and dedication for the betterment of my iwi.
Rangitihi Darrell PENE
Nō Ngāti Hinemihi, nō Ngāti Huarere ōtirā nō Tūhourangi ahau.
Ko taku tūmanako kia pūtaiki, arā kia kotahi ai te hoe!
I am self-employed and work in the education sector. I once worked for the Ministry of Education and taught Te Reo Māori at Rotorua Lakes and Raukura. I was also once Head of Te Kura Māori at Toi Ohomai / Waiariki.
I sit on the paepae of both Te Pākira and Hinemihi Marae and as part of Te Whare o Tūhourangi, organize hīkoi and wānanga for Tūhourangi. I compose for Te Kapa Haka o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Raukura and Ngāti Tarāwhai.
One of my other passions is coaching basketball, I am President of the Rotorua Association and help run the National Māori Basketball Tournament.
I am chairman of the Hinemihi Marae and led the 2019 delegation to London, that convinced the National Trust UK to return our precious Hinemihi carvings. I am also one of Tūhourangi’s elected trustees on the Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
As a Tūhourangi Tribal Authority trustee, I am acutely aware that we have not yet achieved Equity, as an affiliate of Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa. Equity is about gaining financial fairness and satisfaction from Te Arawa’s Treaty settlement. In particular, an account needs to be taken of our population, resources, the number and value of our claims. I am determined to help our people achieve Equity for the betterment of all of our people for generations to come.
Ngā mihi
Manutai SCHUSTER
I bring to Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and our iwi many skills from a varied professional background. This has included business management and administration, education, film and television, broadcasting and communications, strategic and business planning, government entity funding, legal and reporting compliance.
Even though I am now retired, I still provide consultancy advice in the film and television industry. My particular areas of interest include reo and tikanga Māori, environmental awareness, iwi growth and development.
I have previously served two terms on Tūhourangi Tribal Authority from 2013-2019 and recently returned as a Trustee following the sad loss of Allan Skipwith.
Even though I am now retired, I still provide consultancy advice in the film and television industry. My particular areas of interest include reo and tikanga Māori, environmental awareness, iwi growth and development.
I have previously served two terms on Tūhourangi Tribal Authority from 2013-2019 and recently returned as a Trustee following the sad loss of Allan Skipwith.
Ngā mihi
Hui-ā-iwi : Taiao February 2022
Date: Sunday 27 February 2022
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: online via zoom /limited numbers in-person at Whakarewarewa Village Office
We have decided to hold a space at the Whakarewarewa Village Office for up to 16 of our vaccinated whānau to attend this hui in-person. Firstly, our Koeke will be prioritised. Secondly, anyone without access to a device.
We have created an online RSVP register for those who wish to attend in person.
If a person you know is in one or both of these categories and unable to access this email or the link then could you please indicate this to us or please enter their details (with their permission) into the register on their behalf.
Rehita mō te hui ā-tinana / Register to attend in-person using the online RSVP register
Hui location in-person:
Whakarewarewa Village Main Office - 2nd Floor Boardroom
17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010
Time & Date:
10am - 3pm
Sunday 27th February 2022
Hui link via Zoom:
This meeting will be a recorded session for note taking purposes and TTA’s reference only. We will create a Dropbox link at a later date for the hui to be viewed and downloaded by our whānau that attend. Please feel free to indicate whether you would like to be sent this link:
Meeting ID: 851 8450 1453
Agenda
Mihimihi/Karakia
Purpose of Hui
TTA Strategy / Pou Taiao Komiti
Update on Key Mahi
Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Puarenga Consents and Activities Update
RM, Freshwater Reform & Three Waters
Tuhourangi Taiao Plan
Update on Other Mahi (time permitting)
Ngapuna Pollution Issues
Punaromia Upgrade
Whirinaki Valley Rd Restoration Project Update
Iwi-led Great Walk Proposal
Lunch
Wānanga
Taiao updates from hapū
Karakia / Whakamutunga
Election of Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustees
Following the AGM on 5 March, the Trustees of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority invite you to join them on Sunday, 6 March for a Trustee Election.
When: Sunday, 6 March 2022 at 10am – 3pm.
How: Electronic, post, or through a drive-through option at Whakarewarewa Rugby Club.
At this time, a ballot vote will be held to select three of the nominees posted below for a position as trustee on the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority.
PROXY VOTING IS NOT PERMITTED UNDER THE RULES SET DOWN BY THE TRUST DEED, THEREFORE:
1. Those wanting to vote must be registered on the TTA Beneficiary Register which closes at 4.30pm on 24 February 2022.
2. Those voting on the day in person MUST present themselves at the registration table.
3. On the day, only ONE ballot per person will be accepted.
4. Those wanting to use a postal vote MUST first request a ballot form from the TTA office and the ballot MUST be received by the Returning Officer by 4.30pm on 4 March 2022. Only one voting form per envelope will be accepted.
5. Those wanting to electronically vote MUST first request a ballot form from the TTA office and it MUST be received by the Returning Officer by 4.30pm on 4 March 2022. If received via any third party, it will be deemed invalid.
6. Those wanting postal voting forms MUST send a request stating your full name, address and date of birth to:
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA Office)
P.O. Box 6161
Whakarewarewa
ROTORUA
7. Those wanting electronic forms MUST email your request to:
NB: Returning Officer details will be displayed on the ballot form.
The Nominees are:
1 Kataraina HAMIORA-REWETI
2 Tamihana HAMIORA-REWETI
3 Pererika MAKIHA
4 Watu MIHINUI
5 Warena MORGAN
6 Rangitihi Darrell PENE
7 Manutai SCHUSTER
A hard copy can be mailed out with the requested ballot form.
Note:
Due to the current Omicron outbreak we have moved the in-person voting for the Elections to a drive-through option at the Whakarewarewa Rugby Club. More details to follow.
Tuhourangi Tribal Authority AGM
The Trustees of the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority invite you to join them on Saturday, 5 March for the Annual General Meeting.
When: Saturday, 5 March 2022 at 10am - 11.30am
Due to the current Omicron outbreak, we have moved our AGM online.
You will need to register using the form link here
AGENDA:
1: Karakia
2: Apologies
3: Previous Minutes
4: Chairperson’s Report
5: Operational Report
6: Annual Accounts
7: Appointment of Auditor
8: General Business
A copy of the Annual Report is available by emailing:
Whakarewarewa Board Pānui
Te Whakarewarewatanga o Ngā Ako o te kura Term 4 Board Talk pānui welcomes the new principal, Jackie Meha, who will start in Term One of 2022 and a farewell to current principal Hinei Taute.
The pānui also provides property update, information on 2022 board elections and summary of a survey that was conducted to guide the board in the appointment of Tumuaki.
Protect our Whakapapa: Whānau Plan
As we all knew it would eventually, COVID-19 has arrived in our rohe.
Right now, it’s important we keep up our tikanga hauora to prevent further spread and protect our communities.
Horoia, whakamarokehia hoki ō ringaringa - wash and dry your hands
Use hand sanitiser
Wear a mask
Use the contact tracing app or record your visits.
Remember, if you’re māuiui, please stay home.
Please talk to your whānau about your own COVID plan.
Check out this link for some great advice and guidance about some of things you’ll need to think about and prepare for. Don’t wait, start now.
Please also remember to update your registration / contact details with us so that we can keep connected as we continue to navigate the pandemic together.
GM Role - Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Our tāonga, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, is seeking a new General Manager to grow the tourism business while maintaining the environmental uniqueness that makes Waimangu so special.
This is a rare opportunity for the right person to take up the role of kaitiaki for Waimangu.
Please share this link with whānau and friends who you think would be interested in this role.
Unveiling of Tūhourangi artworks at Te Pūtake o Tawa
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO - Rotorua Lakes Council | Te hura i nga pou whenua o Tūhourangi - Unveiling of Tūhourangi artworks at Te Pūtake o Tawa
On the morning of Saturday, 30 October five tāonga (artworks) were unveiled at Te Pūtake o Tawa in Rotorua in accordance with Tūhourangi protocol, tā i te kawa. Officiating tohunga, Mataia Keepa of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao conducted the proceedings.
Watu Mihinui, of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, says “Tūhourangi acknowledges CNI Iwi Holdings Limited and Rotorua Lakes Council for allowing us to participate in this segment of the Whakarewarewa Forest Development project, and the powers at the time for the prudent investment that has enabled Nga Pou Whenua o Tūhourangi to be created at Te Pūtake o Tawa.”
The installation of the taonga, which is part of the Whakarewarewa Forest Development project, provides the ability to share kōrero (stories) of tūpuna (ancestors) that are important to Tūhourangi. Te Pūtake o Tawa has now become a place where the public and Tūhourangi descendants can learn about this whakapapa.
The local artists, who have been designing and creating these pieces over the past year, were selected by Tūhourangi and include a mix of both established and up-and-coming artists.
Watu Mihinui says Tūhourangi appreciates the opportunity to share their kōrero of events and ancestors that are central to present and future generations.
“We are sharing our whakapapa through Nga Pou Whenua o Tūhourangi, the Land Markers of Tūhourangi.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to exhibit five examples of Tūhourangi brilliance, flair, technique, skill and courage required to attempt the different media in these creations.
“The five artists are direct descendants of the principal ancestor portrayed at Te Pūtake o Tawa, the Tūhourangi chief - Umukaria, father of Wāhiao and Hinemoa, who are also portrayed here. The other taonga are of Kataore, the pet taniwha that roamed these hills and te kēti, a laser-cut tāniko design.”
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick acknowledges the partnerships that have allowed this project to go ahead and applauds the artists for their exceptional work.
“Again this is an exceptional demonstration of partnership, between Council, mana whenua, CNI Iwi Holdings Limited and central government’s regional economic development and investment unit, Kānoa – REDIU, along with the support of Timberlands, that has enabled this aspect of the Whakarewarewa Forest Development to go ahead.
“Establishing a cultural foundation at Te Pūtake o Tawa, and throughout the forest, has always been a key component of this development and the unveiling of the taonga today really brings to life this very special place.
“Not only do we have a new forest hub and an additional access point to the forest, but we now have this significant story telling element which will be of huge interest to both locals and manuhiri.
“The artworks are spectacular and I commend and thank the artists for their phenomenal efforts to create these unique pieces that help tell the history and stories of the surrounding forest and wider district. We are so lucky to have this local talent and very privileged to be able to showcase it in our recreational spaces.
“I encourage everyone to visit Te Pūtake o Tawa to see these pieces for yourself, and learn about this special place and those that were here before us,” says Mayor Chadwick.
Te Pūtake o Tawa Tāonga
KĒTI TĀNIKO
Artist: Denise Morgan-Koia – Tūhourangi, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Tainui
This taonga created by Denise Morgan-Koia, using sheet steel, is inspired by the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao (tribe of Whakarewarewa) Kapa Haka tāniko pattern.
The laser-cut design in the gate is inspired by the tāniko pattern used in the costumes of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao kapa haka (Māori performing arts group), was designed in the early 1980's.
The gateway represents the rich cultural history of the Tūhourangi people who are mana whenua for this land and, when open, symbolises welcoming arms to all manuhiri (people from other lands) visiting Te Pūtake o Tawa.
The gate has a simple matt black colour to allow the beauty of the natural surroundings to come through the cut-out pieces of the design. The triangular and diamond shapes represent niho taniwha (shark teeth). The angular lines represent Aramoana (pathway of the sea), and signify the migration of the Te Arawa vessel, which carried early settlers to Aotearoa.
UMUKARIA (Chief)
Artist: Tukiri Tini - Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hinekura, Tainui, Ngāi Tahu
This tāonga depicts Umukaria, a great chief of the Tūhourangi tribe, who lived on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua at Hinemoa Point six hundred years ago.
Artist, Tukiri Tini, has chosen the traditional form of toi whakairo (art of wood carving) to carve the four metre-tall tōtara.
One day Umukaria was invited to a meeting of chiefs at Motutawa on Rotokākahi (Green Lake). He thought the purpose was to put aside differences and try to establish peace among the tribes.
Umukaria and a small group made their way to Motutawa, but were surprised in an ambush and killed. Their bodies were laid together in a pile and that place became known as Te Pūkainga – the place where the dead were piled up. Umukaria’s head was later found in a cave at Lake Tarawera.
It was later discovered that the killing of Umukaria and his group was in response to his son-in-law, Tūtānekai, taking the lives of two brothers from that area.
Wāhiao, son of Umukaria, avenged the death of his father by leading the Tūhourangi people to victory in battle, including conquering Motutawa. To this day the island remains part of the Tūhourangi tribal estate.
WĀHIAO (Son of Umukaria)
Artist: Iwi Le Comte - Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Rangiteaorere, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāi Tuhoe
This tāonga is a modern interpretation of the Tūhourangi warlord, Wāhiao, son of tribal chief Umukaria and younger brother of Hinemoa.
Iwi Le Comte created this sculpture utilising a ten tonne lava rock deposited in the forest during the 1886 Tarawera eruption and affixing a bronze mask recognising Wāhiao’s leadership, mana and strength.
Whilst his father lived at Hinemoa Point, Wāhiao lived on Pukeroa Hill in central Rotorua where the Rotorua Public Hospital now stands. When news of his father’s assassination reached him, Wāhiao was devastated but his people demanded he lead them to avenge the slaying of their chief, Umukaria.
A massive Tūhourangi war party assembled on Pukeroa Hill then marched to Whakarewarewa Village (2kms south of Rotorua township) to undertake training and then on to Rotokākahi (Green Lake).
Tūhourangi were victorious in battle at both major fortified settlements of Rotokākahi and Tarawera. They eventually settled the lakes of Rotokākahi, Tarawera, Rotomahana, and Ōkāreka. These areas remain part of the Tūhourangi tribal estate today.
KATAORE (Taniwha)
Artist: Tāwhanga Rika – Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Rangiwewehi
This tāonga represents Kataore, an ancient massive lizard known by Māori as a taniwha. He lived in a cave on nearby Mount Moerangi and roamed freely upon these lands. Artist, Tāwhanga Rika, has created this sculpture using corten steel and mātai. The disc has a four-metre diameter and sits three metres high.
Tangaroamihi, who was the first settler in this area, made friends with Kataore who played with the children of his tribe. Soon Kataore became the tribal pet. As Kataore aged and grew to an enormous size, he spent more time alone and stories began to spread of travellers disappearing in the Moerangi area.
Eventually Kataore became uncontrollable and devoured a young woman who was making her way to Rotorua. Her fiancé was so upset that he raised a war party within his tribe that lived at Pukeroa Hill (in central Rotorua where the Rotorua Public Hospital now stands) to seek revenge and killed Kataore. Tangaroamihi mourned his pet but believed that he was the real target and that Kataore’s death was to trick him into battle.
Several fights followed, during which Tangaroamihi became a victim. However, the travelling war party was eventually defeated to such an extent that they left the Rotorua area.
HINEMOA AND TŪTĀNEKAI (Historical Romance)
Artist: Okiwi Logan Shipgood – Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūmatawera, Ngāti Kahu Upoko, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Hinekura
The children of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai are the main ancestors of the Ngāti Whakaue nation, prominent within the Confederation of Te Arawa Tribes. The historical romance of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai has been immortalised in this 3.5-metre-high cement taonga (artwork) sculpted by Okiwi Shipgood.
Hinemoa, daughter of Umukaria and older sister of Wāhiao, grew up at Hinemoa Point on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua. She was a famous puhi (woman of high rank) destined for a marriage that would bring political benefits to her tribe. She was also a woman of strong opinions who had already selected her true love, Tūtānekai, and eloped by swimming 3.4 kilometres across Lake Rotorua to join him on Mokoia Island.
The favoured son of chief Whakaue, Tūtānekai lived on Mokoia Island with his father’s tribe. He was a ferocious warrior and quick to take offence. His killing of two brothers accidentally led to the ambush and slaying of his father-in-law, Umukaria at Motutawa on Rotokākahi (the Green Lake).
When Tūtānekai died after a long illness, Hinemoa expressed her deep grief and loss in the waiata aroha (ancient sad song of love) that is still sung by their descendants today. In her sorrow she hinted at no longer having the will to live and sought out her father’s people, Tūhourangi, at Rotokākahi where she lived out the rest of her days.
The final resting place for Tūtānekai is at Weriweri, a tiny settlement on the north western shores of Lake Rotorua at Ngongotahā.
This taonga is sited on the boundary of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Whakaue tribal estates on Mount Moerangi.
This taonga is sited on the boundary of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Whakaue tribal estates on Mount Moerangi.
Image (pictured above): Stephen Parker
Te Pūtake o Tawa background information
Te Pūtake o Tawa (also known as Tawa Forest Hub at 516 Tarawera Road) was developed as part of the Whakarewarewa Forest Development to provide additional recreational access to the forest, as well as opportunity for new commercial developments. The hub opened in October 2020.
To date Mountain Bike Rotorua and Tūhourangi Tribal Authority have both been granted concessions to operate within Te Pūtake o Tawa.
Mountain Bike Rotorua holds a concession for providing bike hire, retail and a forest shuttle service.
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority have partnered with a combination of other local businesses (Whakarewarewa Village, Mitai, and Grounded Café) to provide a food and beverage offering, and retail space.
The Whakarewarewa Forest Development has received a $7.09million Government investment managed by Kānoa - REDIU, which has been used alongside $7.5million from Rotorua Lakes Council, to enhance the forest amenity and improve the experience for all. This is a collaborative project between CNI Iwi Holdings Limited and Rotorua Lakes Council, with the support and guidance of mana whenua. Timberlands has also supported the development of Te Pūtake o Tawa.
For more information on the Whakarewarewa Forest Development project visit visiontoaction.nz.
Government Decision, the Right One
Te Arawa welcome Government decision re MIQ
Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Te Paetapu o Te Pākira Marae, Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa leaders have welcomed the Government’s announcement this afternoon that an additional MIQ facility will not be established in Rotorua.
Letter to Prime Minister
MIQ Hotels in Rotorua
We are aware the Government is considering establishing an additional MIQ facility here in Rotorua – at the Holiday Inn next to Whakarewarewa.
On Friday we wrote to the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and COVID Response Minister Chris Hipkins to express our deep concerns about the proposal and its impact on our people. The complete lack of consultation with us as mana whenua is unacceptable. The negative impact of such a facility right next to our wharekai, Te Rau Aroha, and so close to our tupuna whare, Wāhiao, would be devastating.
We are seeking an urgent response from Government on this matter and won’t hesitate to take it further. We will keep you updated.
Updated Wānanga Calendar
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority are holding a series of wānanga between September 2021 and January 2022.
Planning is still underway but save the dates - more information will follow. All wānanga will be held, or start at, Te Pakira.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Tēna tātau ngā uri o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, tēnā hoki tātau o Te Arawa whānui, e kui mā, e koro mā, nei rā te mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa i tēnei wā, te wahanga o Hine-Ngahuru.
An information hui and opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be held on Tuesday, 25 May (12pm) at Te Pākira Marae.
To register, please email Aneta Stone: tnw.vaccine@gmail.com or text 027 637 6060.
Hui-ā-iwi : Taiao
E nga uri a Tūhourangi hoki mai ki tenei Hui-a-Iwi.
Saturday, 17 April 2021 | 10am - 2.30pm
Te Pakira Marae
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority will be convening a Taiao Focus Hui-a-Iwi next month. The purpose is to share and discuss the national freshwater and Resource Management Act reforms as well as our values, relationships, rights and interests that we as Tūhourangi have with our lakes, rivers, streams and surrounding lands within our rohe.
Amendments to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act
Te Ture Whenua Māori Act is the primary legislation for Māori land. It aims to balance the protection of Māori land for future generations with the ability to use and develop land to meet the aspirations of whānau.
The Act:
promotes the retention and use of Māori land
facilitates the occupation, development and use of that land
ensures decisions made about Māori land are fair and balanced, taking into account the needs of all the owners and their beneficiaries.
In August 2020, the Government passed targeted changes to the Act with Te Ture Whenua
Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2020.
The changes are effective from Waitangi Day, 6 February 2021.
The changes are some practical and technical changes to the legislation, so that it works
better for landowners and supports the Māori Land Court to operate efficiently.