“To bring to Light”
Cyril Chapman: celebrating a te reo
Māori
te kūkupa news
te kūkupa, the Tai Tokerau regional news service collaboration between Ngāti Hine FM, Te Hiku Media and Tautoko FM, will be holding Māori media and journalism wānanga over the next few months, commemorating trailblazers in te ao papaho including Hirini Henare, Rereata Makiha, Waihoroi Shortland and Pierre Lyndon.
Kia maumahara tonu tātou: Before 2024 ends, we pay tribute to our whānaunga, te reo Māori advocate and iwi Māori radio icon, Cyril Chapman (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi) who gifted us the name ‘te kūkupa’.
Cyril Tainui Chapman passed away in September this year, from cancer.
A humble whānau and hāpori leader, Cyril was a staunch advocate for environmental, human, and Māori rights. Born in Hokianga, he was one of 22 tamariki of Dooley and Raumati Chapman, growing up in Mangamuka, Mangataipa, and Tutekehua.
At 19, Cyril carried the pou whenua during the 1975 Māori Land March led by Dame Whina Cooper. He later joined the theatre group Maranga Mai, which toured New Zealand in 1979-1980, dramatising Māori land rights protests.
advocate and iwi Māori radio icon Huaki
Photo:CyrilChapmancarriedthepouwhenuaduringthehistoricLandMarchleadbyDameWhinaCooperin1975(Photo:JohnMiller) Andagain,in2015,atthe40thcelebrationsofTeUngaWakaMaraeinTamakiMakaurau(Photo:JosWheeler)
Cyril was an active member of the Waitangi Action Committee and Te Kawariki, leading annual journeys from Te Reinga to Waitangi between the late 1980s and the 2000s.
He also helped establish Radio Tautoko, with his brother Hori, in the late 1980s and led the Mangamuka-based iwi station, until his death.
Radio Tautoko, now Tautoko FM, was one of the first Māori radio stations to broadcast on FM, was rebuilt after a fire in 2014 He repurposed the former Mangamuka Pub into the Mangamuka Hub, a vibrant community space designed for whānau and hapū initiatives.
A descendant of Te Kohatutaka, Te Ihutai, and Ngāti Tama hapū, Cyril was deeply involved in local activism, including opposing 1080 poison and protesting
the desecration of wāhi tapu. He also resisted the Te Rarawa Treaty settlement, advocating for his hapū rights.
One of his last campaigns involved erecting a pou whenua at Omakura near Tutekehua, where he now rests.
E Kara, e Cyril, pēnei i te kūkupa e whai ana i tōna miro, ko koe hoki tēnā kua hoki te māra o ōu tūpuna. Moe mai rā, e te rangatira.
New whānau-centric funeral service opens in Whangārei
A new funeral home with a strong focus on whānau support has officially opened its doors in Whangārei, offering a culturally grounded and compassionate approach to funeral services.
On Monday 25th November, Eternal Tides Funeral Services – Nga Tai o Te Ake Ake – welcomed whānau and hapū to its Clyde Street location with a moving dawn karakia, followed by waiata himene and hakari at Kaka Porowini Marae
Co-founders Haami Tohu (Ngāti Hine) and Kauangarua Kingi (Ngāti Kahu o Torongare) have created a space where whānau can come together to grieve, reflect, and connect with their loved ones in a peaceful and supportive environment Haami says, “We want to give back the power to families so that they’re able to make their own decisions - but in a space that is calming, not in a space that is rushing them to make that decision ”
Eternal Tides offers flexible service packages designed to meet the diverse needs and budgets of whānau across Te Tai Tokerau Haami highlighted that this initiative is aimed at easing the financial pressure on whānau during a difficult time
Eternal Tides do not charge extra fees for services held on weekends This approach aligns with the recommendations of the advocacy group, Death Without Debt, who argue that families should not be charged more based on when their loved one passes away relative to a Saturday or Sunday
“At the heart of our funeral service is a deep commitment to our values a
foundation of aroha (love), manaakitanga (care and hospitality), and whanaungatanga (connection)
We believe every individual deserves a farewell that honors their unique story, cultural identity, and the wishes of their whānau (family)
We are here to provide not just a service but a taonga (treasure) a farewell that uplifts, comforts, and truly honors Together, we strive to set a new standard in the industry where everyone feels valued and cared for during life’s most challenging times ”
Apiculture | Fencing | Horticulture
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Commercial Transport • Beauty Therapy | Barbering
Hairdressing • Business | Business Administration Carpentry | Construction
Civil Engineering | Plumbing • Conservation | Environmental Science | Pest Operations • Cookery | Food and Beverage | Bakery | Hospitality
Nursing
Services |
and Wellbeing • Sport and Recreation Study and Career Preparation • Toitu Te Reo (Māori language)
• Toi Te Wai-ngarahu (Māori Arts) Travel and Tourism
Photo:Co-foundersKauangaruaKingi&HaamiTohu
A korero with two cops!
The journey to becoming a police officer is as diverse as the people who choose to wear the uniform I recently sat down with Ash and Nikki, two fresh graduates from Police College, to discuss their motivations, experiences, and hopes as they begin their policing careers Heres how that conversation went
For Ash, the drive to join the police was fueled by a long-term goal: “I want to be a detective, and this is the pathway I need to take ” Nikki, on the other hand, was drawn by a deepseated sense of community: “Seeing the police out and about, I’ve always felt a sense of pride and wanted to be a part of that ”
Their motivations are personal yet resonate with: the desire to make a difference Both agree the journey to the police force begins with a commitment to the values embodied by the PRIMED principles Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Commitment to Māori and
Tiriti o Waitangi, Empathy, and Diversity
The decision to join the police isn’t without its hurdles Nikki shared her concerns about balancing the demands of training with being a parent to a four-year-old son “Having people like my mum and others to guide and support me made all the difference,” she said They both echoed the fears many recruits face, such as doubts about coping with intense situations or succeeding in training
For those doubting their toughness or bravery, the officers highlight that policing isn’t about physical strength alone “You don’t need to be big and tough to make an impact,” Ash pointed out “A lot of the foundational skills you learn at college help you de-escalate situations without needing to get physical ”
Police College was both a challenging and transformative experience
Living in shared barracks for five months tested their patience but also built camaraderie Ash found joy in mastering interviewing techniques, aligning with her interest in psychology and aspirations to become a detective For Nikki, running scenarios with the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) was a highlight “It was like a big game of cat and mouse, and I was the mouse,” she laughed “When else can you say you’re running from AOS legally? It’s also about being able to give back to your colleagues while they try to move forward in their careers too”
While the constant being around people was tough, both officers agreed that focusing on their goals helped them persevere “It’s just five months,” Ash reminded herself “You push through, knowing it’s what you signed up for and what’s waiting for you at the end ”
Now back in their communities, both officers are experiencing the rewards of their new roles Ash proudly shared the satisfaction of completing her first case file and reuniting with her colleagues in intel Nikki, still settling in, teased, “Theres plenty more to come ”
Both officers take pride in their ability to
make a tangible difference “Just having a presence in the community makes people feel safer,” Nikki explained “Its strange at first people watch you do the simplest things like eating or getting gas but you get used to it ”
Their advice to anyone considering the police force is simple: take the leap “It’s highly rewarding, and there’s something for everyone,” Ash said From negotiation teams to Search and Rescue or canine units, the possibilities are as varied as the people who serve “Skills can be taught,” Ash added, “but attitude is key ”
For Ash and Nikki, joining the police wasn’t just a career move it was a commitment to serving their communities and building a safer future for everyone If youre passionate about helping others, their advice is clear: “Reach out to Joe or jump on the New Cops Facebook page You won’t know until you give it a go ”
As the officers mentioned, if you’re interested, reach out to the Northland Recruitment Coordinator, Joe, joseph.teao@police.govt.nz
Te
We've been caring for Northland for over three decades
In that time we’ve carried over 30,000 people to safety Whether they’ve been locals, other Kiwis holidaying in the area or overseas visitors to our beautiful region – we answer the call for help when we’re needed
We operate thanks to the support of people like you
We’re a non-profit registered charity, owned by the Northland community We’re funded by local sponsors, individuals, families, businesses and organisations
So please, help us to help you
NRC scholarship recipient says council great place to kickstart career
A Northland Regional Council (NRC) Tū i te ora Scholarship recipient says the paid work experience opportunity gave him a kete of knowledge to complement his future career aspirations
University of Auckland second-year student Te Karira Ruakere-Norris (Ngā Mahanga A Tairi, Te Parawhau, Taranaki Iwi, Te Atiawa, Ngāpuhi) received one of NRC’s scholarship packages last year.
StudentTeKariraRuakere-Norris
He says this was encouraging to see and he was excited to work more in this space in his own urban planning career.
Mayor Vince Cocurullo Announces Bold Vision for Whangārei’s KEA Hub
Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a Knowledge, Education, and Arts (KEA) Hub, transforming the city into a leader in education, innovation, and culture.
“This has been the ambition of our District’s leaders for a long time It’s about delivering real opportunities for Northlanders,” Mayor Cocurullo said. “The KEA Hub will bring education, job training, and creative activities together in one place It’s designed to lift our region and give people the tools they need to succeed right here at home.”
Centred on Forum North, the KEA Hub will be a collaborative effort between education providers businesses, and the community. It aims to support skills development, technical training, and professional growth while incorporating student accommodation and plans for a state-ofthe-art medical training facility.
Cocurullo. “This isn’t just about attracting students—it’s about giving them skills to succeed in the real world and keeping that talent here in Te Tai Tokerau.”
Community-Focused Leadership
A strong Steering Board, chaired by business leader Graeme Kerr, is driving the project. The board includes Deputy Chair Councillor Ken Couper, Councillors Scott McKenzie and Marie Olsen, arts representative Terry O’Connor, education leader Dr. Doug Sutton, and hapū representative Taipari Munro Trevor Griffiths, a respected figure in construction, is also serving in an advisory role.
“This team understands what Northland needs to thrive,” Mayor Cocurullo said. “Their expertise ensures we’re building something that works for everyone.”
Delivering for Northland’s Future
It included $4000 to assist with study costs plus a paid work experience opportunity, which Te Karira spent with NRC’s Māori Relationships Team (MRT).
He says while he had no idea what to expect from the opportunity, the experience had been eye-opening.
“A lot of these projects were meaningful to me, because I know the places and people where these projects were being carried out,” Te Karira said.
Te Karira says he was impressed by NRC’s commitment to genuine and strong partnerships with local iwi and hapū through its Tāiki ē strategy.
“For the last 20 years, conversations about Māori planning have been implemented through many councils and I think it’s gotten to the point now where we’re at the evaluation stage.
“So far we’ve been using Māori planning schemes, and I feel like we’re coming into our second era where we get to improve on what’s been done which is exciting ”
For anyone considering applying for NRCs scholarship, Te Karira says to go for it.
“Don’t be afraid to apply, because a place like NRC is the perfect opportunity to get the best mentorship, with people who are willing to teach you.”
Strong Partnerships and Support
The KEA Hub has already secured backing from the Northland Mayoral Forum, Northland Inc., and key education providers. Government Ministers Grant McCallum, Shane Jones, and Shane Reti have also expressed their support.
On 23 August, the Council signed an agreement with the University of Auckland, giving the University a key role in the project. Collaboration is also underway with Te Pūkenga and other tertiary providers to ensure the Hub meets the community’s needs
“We’re laser-focused on delivering practical, hands-on learning and training,” said Mayor
The KEA Hub aligns with a broader vision to improve skills, grow jobs, and retain local talent. Long Term Plan funding has been allocated to keep Forum North fit for purpose, and collaboration with groups like the Forum North Trust is ongoing.
The KEA Hub is part of the larger Knowledge Precinct Plan, covering Forum North, the Civic Centre, and Cafler Park Public consultation will begin in 2025.
“This isn’t just another project—it’s a cornerstone for our region’s future,” Mayor Cocurullo said. “It’s about investing in people, building industries, and making Whangārei a place where talent thrives and opportunities abound.”
AUNTY’S GARDEN
HanuiLawrence
PORK BONE AND PUHA STEW
Aunty Hanui Lawrence reckons pork and puha is something to dish up anytime.
Ingredients
5 meaty pork bones
1 large onion
A bunch of puha Wash, break up and rub the puha
The puha is naturally bitter
The rubbing takes out the bitterness
2 large kumara and potatoes, cooked and diced separately. Don’t overcook. Salt for seasoning
Method
Boil the bones until meat falls off the bones, cool then remove as much meat as possible Add into another p with fresh water, re-boil the meat then add the prepared puha, salt and simmer for 10 minutes then add the potato and kumara and simmer for another 3 minutes.
PAENUKU Year 1-6 (Preference for tamariki previously in reo enivronment) LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE
PAETATA Year 7-8
PAETAWHITI Year 9-10
PAERANGI Year 11-13
Bus services to/from Kawakawa for both kura sites in Whangārei for whanau wishing to send their tamariki from further north
Whānau finish significant coastal projecthip
Carol, Stan and Tracey Walker are justifiably proud of how their family are giving back to the whenua at Ōruawharo, near Kaiwaka
CarolandTraceyWalker-ŌruawharoIncorporation
In fact, their planting regime is one of the most comprehensive coastal margin planting and inland estuary fencing projects completed since the formation of KMR
nz
With newly-funded fencing already in place, Kaipara Moana Remediation worked with he family to support the planting of 20,600 native trees and grasses (mānuka kānuka tī ōuka and kāramuramu) over winter
The Ōruawharo project was a joint effort between KMR, Te Ārai Native Nursery eco-sourcing seeds and growing the trees), ongstanding Kaipara locals the Rountree amily working for Team Vegetation (site preparation for the project), and Kaipara Uri father/daughter team Paul and Ruby Paikea (planting close to 21,000 stems on the project whenua)
ike thousands of farms in the 640,000 ha Kaipara Moana catchment in Northland and Auckland, Ōruawharo Incorporations lands drain into nearby waterways and eventually he Kaipara harbour itself
While high levels of erosion and sediment oming from the land are threatening the health and mauri of the 8,100 kilometres of rives and streams flowing into Kaipara Moana, the Walkers are playing their part to hange that
The Whenua Whānui Fund offers:
“Doing the mahi with KMR is about the next generation and showing them what the land was like in the past and what the future can look like This is what we want to do and do well I want our creeks and rivers to flow like they used to,” says Carol
She says they are determined to keep bringing back balance with an increased mix of natives to stabilise land, alongside healthy pasture and profitable farming operations to provide food, employment and income for current and future generations
For Tracey, the partnership with KMR has been a blessing
“We are so thankful KMR came to the party and guided and supported us and took the lead to make things happen quickly and thoroughly
“It is nice to know by doing what we have done for the land we have left something that will make a difference for others” says Tracey
KMR supports groups to protect and restore the Kaipara Moana
Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Whenua Whānui Fund supports groups to participate in projects that protect the Kaipara Moana
Our projects support people, places, and nature KMR invests in projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land
Our projects:
• Help valued species to thrive
• Restore mahinga kai
• Diversify on-farm income
• Help meet environmental standards
• Increase resilience to storms and extreme weather
The Whenua Whānui Fund is open to all groups including iwi/hapū, marae, landcare groups, catchment groups, kaitiaki, schools and trusts administering land with multple ownership.
• A Site Visit - a KMR Field Advisor walks the whenua with you to understand your aspirations and sediment reduction options and priorities
• Project Funding – KMR can fund up to 70% of the estimated project works including fencing, site preparation, planting and plant release costs.
• A Sediment Reduction Plan – your Field Advisor prepares a Plan to unlock KMR funding Once a contract is signed, the mahi can begin and a first instalment invoiced and paid
• Community engagement and project management – KMR can assist with some of the costs of running your project
Advice & Support – your Field Advisor can assist you through the project to help the mahi stay on track.
If you are thinking about planting near waterways or on erodible hillsides this winter, get in touch with KMR as soon as possible.
