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.
Māori Education Trust Scholarships
The Māori Education Trust have released their tertiary scholarships for 2021.
Click here for the full list of scholarships available.
Whānau, your student doesn’t need to be the top student to achieve a scholarship – they just need the dedication and commitment to succeed. We need our rangatahi to step up to grow our people, to be the future leaders of Aotearoa.
Please encourage your tauira to look at these scholarships to assist their career aspirations.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive!
Nominations wanted for kai vouchers
As we head into the festive season it can often be a difficult time for whānau. We recognise this time is going to be even more challenging given the year that we’ve had.
So, we would like to ask for your help so we can support some of our whānau through this time. We're asking for your nomination of Tūhourangi whanau members who you know would appreciate a small kai voucher to help.
Please email your name, name of person/whānau you're nominating, the number of people in their household and their contact details by Friday, 11 December.
Email: ngarepo@tuhourangi.iwi.nz
We hope that next year we might be able to provide this support a kanohi with a new initiative ‘rua wiki’ to have regular kai tahi with you all in 2021.
Ngā mihi maioha,
Your TTA Trustees
TARIT Waka Tira Hoe Excursion
A warm invitation to interested TTA beneficiaries.
Join us for a three day or part/s of a TARIT Waka Tira Hoe Excursion down the Waikato River.
For details and bookings, please email: admin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz
POSTPONED: Joint Tūhourangi | Whakaue Wānanga
Friday, 20 November 2020
Preparation for 21st Pōhiri
Tūhourangi at Te Pakira | Whakaue at Tunohopu
Saturday, 21 November 2020
Hīkoi to Pakotore and Maketū
All gather 9.00am at Te Pakira
Sunday, 22 November 2020
Workshop and Tūhourangi Book Launch
All gather 9.00am at Te Pakira
Please reply to ttangarepo@xtra.co.nz or txt 027 291 3002 if attending.
TTA - Annual General Meeting 2020
This is an invitation to the Tuhourangi Tribal Authority AGM on Thursday, 10 December 2020, 5.30pm – 7.00pm at Te Pakira Marae
AGENDA:
1. Karakia
2. Previous Minutes
3. Audited Accounts
4. Appointment of Auditor
5. Chairman Report
6. Operational Report
7. General Business
8. Light Supper
If you wish to add an item of general business to the agenda, please contact Ngarepo@tuhourangi.iwi.nz. All general business must be received by 5pm Sunday, 22 November 2020. No general business items will be taken from the floor.
Please also contact Ngarepo if you would like a copy of the Annual Report sent to you.
Fonterra Apprentice Programme
Recruitment for Fonterra’s January 2021 intake of their Apprentice Programme begins next week, with applications opening on Tuesday, 27 October.
They are looking for apprentices across four different disciplines including – Electrical, Mechanical, Heavy Automotive, and Dairy Processing.
These roles will be based at their manufacturing sites right across Aotearoa, from Kauri in Northland right down to Edendale in Southland.
Anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship can click on this link to set themselves up with an account now and then apply when the advertisements go live next week.
For further information about this opportunity please go to https://www.facebook.com/FonterraEarlyCareers/ and follow the posts being shared by the Early Careers team.
Te Pūtake o Tawa
Te Pūtake o Tawa is a mountain bike hub located within the Whakarewarewa Forest and is currently owned by Central North Island Iwi Holdings Ltd (CNI).
Although mana whenua belongs to Tūhourangi and Ngāti Whakaue, it is CNI who make all decisions in relation to what the forest will be used for. CNI represents 8 iwi, including Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa on behalf of all Te Arawa affiliates. They also work closely with the Rotorua Lakes Council who hold the recreational Crown Forestry License.
What this means is that Council also make decisions along with CNI when it comes to providing access to forest users including mountain bikers.
CNI and RLC recently ran a public process that called for businesses to operate food, beverage, retail and mountain biking services at the new hub. We’re excited to have been successful in our bid to offer food, beverage and retail services and will be working closely with Tūhourangi-owned local businesses to provide these offerings.
This is a monumental time for Tūhourangi because it’s the first time since prior to the eruption where we’ve had our own people operating businesses of significant scale on our whenua, particularly within the forest.
However, the main driver in our pursuit of this opportunity was that it positioned us well to support our whanau in business, and their kaimahi, as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19. We know all too well of the affects suffered by closures at places like Whakarewarewa Village.
The concessions for businesses to operate will be in place for the next two years after which they have the right to renewal for a further year. We believe this is in place as plans to have a more permanent commercial base are worked through by CNI and Council.
Whilst this concession isn’t forever, we believe as mana whenua, it’s the best possible step in the right direction and we’re delighted that CNI have acknowledge the contribution our people can make to the hub.
A ceremony at the hub took place on Thursday morning, hosted by CNI and RLC and will begin operating on Labour Weekend. Make sure to pop out and have a look with the whānau!
Mauri ora!
Tauira Job Opportunity at Scion
Scion is seeking to recruit a student of Te Arawa descent to work on a photomethanotrophy project.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust will help to identify the student. The hourly rate for a summer student is $17.50 for 2nd year and $18.50 for a 3rd year.
Although a student with some microbiology background would be ideal, this is less important than having a science/engineering student with a great attitude.
Start date is on before 16 November 2020 (this is the induction day for all Scion summer students).
Check out the Job Description here.
If you’re interested in this position please send your CV and cover letter to:
jobsfornature@tearawa.iwi.nz
SUBJECT: Scion Internship
**Closes 30 September 2020. Please also tell any tauira studying science or engineering about this opportunity.
Te Whare Kōrero o Tūhourangi
Tēnā koutou e te iwi! Anei ētahi karere o te wā:
1. Thu-Fri 30-31 May, Wānanga ki Ruatāhuna.
Last year Tūhoe came to Pukekaikāhu to share stories & whakaaro. We have been invited to Ruatāhuna to hear their kōrero and walk the whenua. This will run from about midday Thur (leave Rotorua) to mid afternoon Fri (arrive back).
2. Tūhourangi Ahurei
After considered discussion, the Ahurei venue has changed. Thank you Apumoana for your mahi in organising and planning thus far. The venue and time will now be Te Rau Aroha Wharekai, Whakarewarewa, Sunday 9 June 2019, 10am. All are welcome!
Contact me for more information.
Mauriora!
Hākopa
Call for Artists
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is going to be installing an outdoor art trail in the valley from 24 October. They’re giving local artists the opportunity to submit their designs and ideas to be considered as one of 12 finalists whose artwork will be displayed across summer for manuhiri to enjoy.
Prize money is on offer in two categories:
People’s Choice Award $1,500
Judge’s Choice Award $1,500