Anniversary celebrations feel impact of COVID-19

Plans to celebrate Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation’s 50th anniversary year by bringing whānau together have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and the unprecendented drought.

“The impact of these two events has had a major effect on the business, our markets, processing capability and, therefore, our budget,” says Mavis Mullins, chair of the Ātihau- Whanganui Inc Board. “We are reviewing and revising our operations almost daily as things are moving and changing so fast.

“It is disappointing as we had some really lovely events planned to bring our people together on our whenua so we could acknowledge, celebrate and reconnect, but unfortunately these have had to be postponed in order to keep everyone safe and well.

“But the intention is that all events will take place in 2021, including the Gala Shareholders Ball so don’t pack those dancing shoes away just yet!”

The milestone had already been marked with four delicious and beautifully decorated cakes at the Incorporation’s AGM last year.

“Well, you can’t have a birthday without cake!” laughs Mavis. “And when you have a lot of people, you need a lot of cake!”

The confections were decorated to represent the Incorporation, its beginnings through Morikaunui Incorporation, the Awhi consumer brand and Te Āti Hau Trust.

A commemorative book is to be launched, containing a brief history of the incorporation and insights into the life of Whakaari Rangitākuku Mete-Kīngi. Whakaari was a tribal leader and chair of both Morikaunui and Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporations, and his story will be told through the recollections of his whānau.

A record of the whenua, its landmarks and significance, along with the tribal understanding and knowledge it holds will also be included.

“Fifty years is a significant milestone and we have come a long way in that time,”says Mavis. “It’s been an amazing journey under some amazing leaders, with significant change across all aspects of the business in response to both internal and external influences.”

“The way we communicate with our whānau is also very different to how it used to be because our people are so much more widespread now. We have embraced the digital revolution with our websites and social media presence and our biannual magazine is a quality publication to keep whānau up-to-date with our business and Trust activities.”

While the organisation has to evolve and adapt to an ever-changing, fast moving global marketplace, Mavis is confident that the very fi rst Committee of Management would still recognise the Incorporation they started.

“It’s been a big learning curve for everyone, including our shareholders, but our central kaupapa and vision to be a meaningful part of the lives of our people has remained constant,” she says.

“When the Incorporation was formed all that time ago, the ultimate aim was to protect ownership of the whenua and maintain our connection to it and to each other. That has not changed. I think that fi rst CoM would be proud.”