AWHI Magazine - Issue 14

ISSUE 14

ĀTIHAU-WHANGANUI INC. MAGAZINE

WHIRINGA-Ā-NUKU 2021

AWHI

Breaking the glass ceiling: Ann Waitai TOITŪ TE MANA

TOITŪ TE WHENUA

TOITŪ TE TANGATA

Whiti Ora: 50 years of Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation

Taiao Strategy ‘can take us to a different place’

Trial to help kaumātua declared a success

AWHI

Contents ISSUE 14 / 2021

ĀTIHAU-WHANGANUI INC. MAGAZINE

TOITŪ TE MANA

5 WHITI ORA: ĀTIHAU-WHANGANUI INCORPORATION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Whnauandwhakaapa-anighttoremember

16 HISTORY OF RESUMPTION: HOW ĀTIHAU BEAT THE ODDS IN 120-YEAR BATTLE Astoryof acheivement andsuccess

NGĀ PĀNUI ĀTIHAU-WHANGANUI INCORPORATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Friday,10December201 Venuetobeconfirmed Fullagendaanddetailswill beincludedintheAGM InformationBooklet,whichwill besentinNovember.

TE ĀTI HAU TRUST SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday,31October201 Applicationformsonlinehere: www.atihau.com/te-atihau-trust

FEATURE ARTICLE 10 BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING – ANN WAITAI MeetthefirstelectedwhinetositontheCoM

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TOITŪ TE TANGATA 28 TRIAL TO HELP KAUMĀTUA DECLARED A SUCCESS Grantapprovalprocessimproved

19 AGREEMENT REACHED ON FIRST RESUMPTIONS IN SEVEN YEARS 2,679hectaresbackin Morihands 24 MAKING SURE THE STORY BEHIND THE NUMBERS IS CLEAR...

AS HONEY Revenuefiguresclarified

29 LAW STUDIES SHOW PATH TO THE FUTURE MeethighflyerNicolaWalsh

20 WELCOME NEWS ON NEW FRESHWATER REGULATIONS AWHIfarmswellsetup forcompliance

21 TAIAO STRATEGY ‘CAN TAKE US TO A DIFFERENT PLACE’ Kaitiakirolemandated

32 SMALLEST PLAYER, BIGGEST HEART Olympicaspirationsforleagueteen

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Editor’s Pānui AWHI MAGAZINE Editor Mavis Mullins Deputy Editor Polly Catlin-Maybury Creative Director Sheree Anaru Photography Quentin Bedwell Graphic Design Dae v Pope

ŪTIHAU-W HANGANUI INCORPORATION oP stal PO Box 4035 Whanganui 4541 Physical 16 Bell Street Whanganui 4500 Ohakune 2 yA r Street Ohakune 465 2 elpT hone 6+4 )6( 348 1 27 3 aF x 6+4 )6( 348 7482 Email nubd?HshgHt-bnl vvv-HshgHt-bnl

E rere ana ngā roimata mō kautau kua huri ki te pō

iSTUDIOS MULTIMEDI A T L D oP stal PO Box 8383 MdvOkxlntsg/32 Phyisical B 7 Deo v n Street East MdvOkxlntsg/ 0 23 elpT hone 6+ 4 ) 6 ( 5 7 8 1863 Email hmen?hrstchnr-bn-my vvv-hrstchnr-bn-my

COVER PHOTO ISSUE 14

ĀTIHAU-WHANGANUI INC. MAGAZINE

WHIRINGA-Ā-NUKU 2021

AWHI

Breaking the glass ceiling: Ann Waitai TOITŪ TE MANA Whiti Ora: 50 years of Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation

TOITŪ TE WHENUA Taiao Strategy ‘can take us to a different place’

TOITŪ TE TANGATA Trial to help kaumātua declared a success

AnnWaitaiholdsasignificant placeinItihau-Whanganui Incorporation'shistory.

CONTRIBUTORS Kris Boult Polly Catlin-Maybury Moana Ellis Eruera Rerekura Virginia Winder

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Ka tangihia kautau e mātou ngā waihotanga Haere atu rā ki te iwi nui i te pō Okioki mai rā

Huri mai ki tātau te mōrehu tangata Tēnei te mihi kau me te aroha nui

Haere mai rā ki tēnei wahanga o te tau, ki te koanga.

Tēnā katoa tātau.

Aswemovefromwintertospring Finally,Iwanttoacknowledge theweatheragaindictatesthe thepassingoflovedonesoverthe paceofmahi.Warmerdays,spring pastlittlewhile.Ihesitatetobring flowersandfloweringfruittrees,names the tothefront,butitwouldbe callofnewbornlambsandthewaftwrongnottomentionourmostloved oflambtailscookingontheopen andamazingwahinetoaEsther fire.

Tinirau.Herthesistowardsher MastersofArtinMoriStudies WecelebratedwiththeWhiti fromMasseyUniversity20 5titled Oradinnerandpresentationof – Te mõrehu whenua, te mōrehu tangata: ataongatokoroMarkGray.We Morikaunui Incorporation,tihaumarkedourfirstyearinthetrendy WhanganuiIncorporationstandsas DrewsAvenueWhanganuio{ce, acornerstonepieceofmahiensuring accessible,cosy,friendly,welcoming. wearealwaysinformedand Wearelearningwhatitmeansto thereforepreparedforourfuture. livewiththeDeltastrainofCOVID Moemairetetuahine. andtheongoingchallengethis bringstoourmanywhanau.We arepleasedthatourdiversification Ngmihimahana,enjoy. strategyhasbroughtinitiativeslike MavisMullins theTaiaoStrategytotheforefront Chair ofouractivities.Thereis,asalways enoughtokeepusbusy.

WHITI ORA: Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation celebrates 50 years

On a cool winter evening at the end of July, the Whanganui War Memorial Hallwelcomednearly40shareholdersofthetihau-Whanganui Incorporation to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The event, Whiti Ora, was also an opportunity to acknowledge 8uanga,ortheMorinewyear.

fromtihau-WhanganuiInc.farms, theymadethesacrifice.Willthose thestagewassetforsixwhineto t dpunabepleasedwithus’Ireally krero,andprovidesomebanterand hopetheyare.)ndinfact,I’msure entertainment. theyarebecausetheirkaupapalives withinusstill.”

Mavis,whowasoneofthesix,said

.romkaumtuatorangatahi,and those in between, it was a special occasion for everyone with the „ItwasgreattobeonthecouchwithThatkaupapawillcontinue,too, ladies in their glad rags and the men thosestroppywomen,totalkabout withup-and-comingiwileaders looking dapper - all dressed up for a theirchallenges,andheartheirembracingthehistoryofthe nighttoremember. honesty,theirveryblatanthonesty,organisationwhilelookingintothe abouthowtheysawthefuturefor Mavis Mullins, the chair of the future. theirtamariki,theirwhnauandthe incorporation, said there were +onnorand+rub8auroof6gti several things that really stood out widerMoricommunity. :uakaand6g8aerangidescent forherabouttheevening.

Theoccasionwasalsoan are!-1 year-oldidenticaltwins opportunitytore˘ectonthe “It was about food, it was about whohaveaspirationsforthe journeythethetihau-Whanganui festivities,itwasaboutwhnau, incorporation.

Incorporationhasbeenon,andhow it was about whakapapa, and itstandstodayfromwhenitwasfirst +onnorsaid"„Ithinkthatwhat what a privilege it was to be part theincorporationisdoingatthe establishedmorethanhalfacentury of the o j urney, to reach our 50th ago. momentwithrangatahiisawesome. anniversary.”

With)whiwhenuathecadetship# „Itwouldneverhavebeenforeseen u B t one of her main highlights ourrangatahilearninghowtobe bythet dpunawhosetitup,” was the special recognition that farmers. said,ana*lackburn,former kaumtuaMark/rayreceived,as incorporationgeneralmanager. beingoneoftheeldestshareholders. „)lso,I’dliketoseeourrangatahi „Thecardsweredealtagainstus goonthelandandworkingsicit “Seeing him there, seeing him somuchtheyneverwouldhave likeourt dpunadid,suchaseeling with;har)mner Mark/ray’s envisagedusgettingtothisstage.like ” ourancestorsdid.” mokopuna) and close whanaunga, and the taonga he received holding Mavisagreedandpaidtributeto Maviswelcomedhiswords,saying, to thatkindofenergythatyoung it above his head like it was a gold thedeterminationthet dpunahad„It’s ploughtheway. medal,itwaswonderful.” peoplebringthatmakemehappy While the audience was being served dinner that included beef

aboutthefutureofthetihau„Theyhadvisions,theyhad aspirations,theyhadcourageand WhanganuiIncorporation.”

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A night of kai, kōrero and celebration for shareholders and whānau at the Whiti Ora dinner.

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Breaking the glass ceiling – Ann Waitai She was a woman in a man’s world … thefirstfemaleelectedtothetihauWhanganui Incorporation’s Committee ofManagement–andthefirsttoadmit farming was not her natural domain.

She let none of that stand in her way, pioneeringaplaceforMoriwomenin agribusiness governance. Moana Ellis talks to Ann Waitai.

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tihau-WhanganuiIncorporation Thattakessomecourage,Mavis Purposeful,organised,dedicated ChairMavisMullinsknowsathing says,withfrankadmiration. andneveronetominceher ortwoaboutpavingthewayfor words,Annwaskeenlyinterested “Whenyou’rebeingvotedonto womenintheworldoffarming. inthechallengesfacingtihautheseentities,ourpeoplestillhave Thefirstwomantoleadthe aculturalhierarchy.Ithinkabout WhanganuiInc.Shesethersights incorporation,oneofthebiggest ongettingontotheboardinthe howmuchshewouldhavehadto farmingbusinessesinAotearoa, early90s,determinedtodowhatshe overcome.Talktohernowandshe hasutmostadmirationforAnn couldtohelpinthebattletowrestle saysshemadealotofmistakes, Waitai,thefirstfemaleelectedto madesomefriends,madesome backcontrolofthetihaulands. theincorporation’sCommittee of enemies butshelearntfast.”

Management.

“Atthetime,Ididn’trealiseIwas “Shewaspreparedtofrontupand thefirstwomantostand.Acouple “Backthen,theywereallfarmers growherowncapabilityinaworld ofmonthslater,awomansaid,‘You ontheboard.Ann’snotafarmer– thatwasn’thernaturalworld.” realiseyou’rethefirstwomanwho’s she’sthefirsttosaythat.Inthose everbrokenthatglassceiling?’ times,havingawomanontheboard “Herappointmentwasprobablyone Ididn’tknow.IonlyknewIwas ofthefirststepstotheIncorporation wasunheardof.Eventoday,it’s theretoworkandfindoutwhatthe stillnowherenearthenorm,”saysunderstandingfarmingasabusiness, problems were.” as opposed to farming as a farmer. ” Mavis.

Theboardchairhasalways “Inthosedays,ifyouwerea appreciatedAnn’sforthright boardmemberyoubecamea farmconsultant.Youtookonthe approachandrock-solidsupport. “ That’s what kept on responsibilityofaproperty,so Annhasalwaysbeenvery “Ann eating at me – and when hadtogoandlearneverything. supportiveofmeandmyrole.She’s the so-called 99-year Whenyouthinkaboutthe notscaredtogiveyouacliparound leases were to expire, technicalitiesoffarming–stock theears,notscaredtoacknowledge only the Pākehā would classes,seasonalvariations,feedifyoudidwell.She’sstraightup. benefit, not Māori.” budgets,climate,etc.,–Annhad You’renevergoingtodieguessing Ann Waitai tostepintothatworldandmakeit whatshe’sthinking,”Mavis hers.” acknowledges,wryly.

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Above: Ann (middle) joined current Incorporation Chair Mavis Mullins (left) and Hari Benevides (Chair, Morikaunui Incorporation) (right) on the couch at the recent Whiti Ora dinner celebration.

Left: The 1991 Whanganui Trust Committee of Management Back Row: M. Tinirau, W. MurphyPeehi, A.M. Phillips, R.K. McGregor, N.E. Bates.

Front Row: M.H. Gray, H. Peina, R. Peehi (Chair), TeA.A. Waitai, C.E. Moodie.

Absent: H. Bennett, TeK Wallace

Orphanedin941 9attheageof no–I’mcomingwithyou!Heused five,Annwassentthroughher topickfruitoverthere.Thetrees connectionstoNgtiHautothe wereloadedwithbigapples,pears SistersofCompassionattheconvent andnectarines.” inHiruhrama,Jerusalem.Hertime thereisrememberedfondly. KingiTopia’ssonMngaiJim Kingi–whnauoftheTopiaTdroa “MymotherdiedofTB.Iwas lineandPatutokotoko–andJim’s broughtupinJerusalemwiththe wifeKathfosteredAnnandshe nunsattheconventuntilIturned becameapgirl,spendingherlater ”0,1 Annsays. childhoodandherearlyadulthood atRtanaP.Jimwasinvolved “Ilovedit.Iloveditsomuch.I wouldgotomyAuntyWehiWallace withtheMoriLandCourtand andUncleTom.WhenIsawUncle variousincorporations,andshe Tomwalkingdowntotheriver,I grewupawareoftheirpurposeand knewhewouldbegettingintohis functions,evenbenefitingwithan big,longwakaandgoingoverto occasionalgrant.

Twhitinui.Iusedtorunawayfrom “Inthosedaysyoumightgetfive schoolattheconvent,callingout pounds ‘waitforme,waitforme!’You’ve got –thatusedtobuymy togoback,he’dtellme,butI’dsay, uniform.”

“ ... a woman said: ‘You realise you’re the first woman who’s ever broken that glass ceiling?’ I didn’t know.

I only knew I was there to work and find out what the problems were.”

Ann Waitai

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“ I’ve supported her [Mavis Mullins] from the time she got in because I knew she had the vision to take it forward.”

Ann Waitai

Shebuiltonherchildhood weregivenbacktothemtheyhad evermeetaboardlikethatagain. overtheleases.TheThemenofthosedayswerereal understandingandexperienceno ofcontrol the government hadthrownatthem: gentlemen.Theycamefromthe incorporationsasakeenattendee at here’stheland,it’sallunderleases tihau-WhanganuiandMorikau dayswhererespectandmanawas thathavebeenalteredto99years, important.IcanhonestlysayIlearnt annualgeneralmeetings,and youin don’tcontrolitandyoucan’tdo becameincreasinglyinterested alotfromallofthem.” anythingaboutit.That’swhatkept theirwork,challengesandprogress.

Shemovedwithherfamilyfrom oneatingatme–andwhentheso- Shehasnothingbutpraiseforthe called99-yearleasesweretoexpire, RtanaPtoLowerHuttandthen incorporation’sfirstfemalechair– only thePkehwouldbenefit,not “I’vesupportedherfromthetime Gisborne,periodicallyreturning for Mori.” incorporationmeetings. shegotinbecauseIknewshehad Thedecisiontostandforaseat Theresumptionprogrammewas thevisiontotakeitforward”–but wellunderwaywhenAnnjoined shehopesboardsoverthenext50 ononeoftheboardswasmade yearswillprioritiseeliminatingdeb withaviewtoapplyingmoreofa theboard,withmultiplefarmleases returned.Althougheachresumption andborrowing. businessfocustotheincorporation’s wasamilestonetobecelebrated, operations,shesays.Shehadgained Shewouldalsoliketoseenewland therewasalsocontinuedfrustration. industryandgovernmentexperience useventures. duringhertimeinWellingtonatthe “Theyhadtokeepbuyingbackthe FordMotorCompany,whereshe “I’dliketoseenotonlyaprofitable land,buyingbackthestockand workedherwayup‘fromscratchto farmingbusinessbutnewbusiness thehouses–overamilliondollars cashier’,thenatSteelandTube,the eachtime.Itwasfrustrationafter ventures…marketgardens,rongo, taxdepartmentandMoriAzairs, frustration.Theworstpartwasif tourism…youcandowithitwhat whereshewasacoordinatorforthe wewantedourlandbackunderour youwant.AndIwouldlovetosee businessdevelopmentschemeMana control,wejusthadtositthereandourpeoplehoused:Iwouldlove Enterprise. bearit.” toseeourpeoplewalkoutoftheir Onceontheboard,itwasasteep Theresumptionstrategywasand houseandgostraighttomahionthe andswiftlearningcurve.She continuestobeanexpensive, lands.” wasbackfromGisborneevery painstakingandmethodical weekendtoreviewdocumentation “Iknowitcanworkforourpeople. approach,andatestofpatience, –‘thousandsofpapers’–atchair Thislandcanbewhateverwe tenacityandperseverancewiththe RobinMurphy-Peehi’shomeat wantin ittobe.Ithinkourpeople wellbeingoffuturegenerations Tirorangi.Someofthehistorymade havesuzeredandgonewithout mind. sadandfrustratingreading,and enoughthattheyshouldbeentitled earlyboardmemberswouldhave “Shareholderswerehappytoget tohavingthosehousesbuiltfor foundthemselvesbetweenarock thelandback,thatIdoknow,”Ann them,mahiforthem,foodtoeat, andahardplace,Annsays. says. educationforourchildren.Theland “Ourboardmembers’hands Ofherthreeyearswiththeboard, andtherivercanbeeverythingfor weretiedbecausewhenthelands shesays:“IcanonlysayIwillnever,them.”

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A history of resumption: how Ātihau beat the odds in 120-year battle

Thehistoryofthetihau-WhanganuiIncorporationisan extraordinarystoryofa0year -2 1 battletosafeguardmore than 40,000 hectares (101,000 acres) of ancestral land and the desperateezortsoftangatawhenuatohaveitreturned.

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Itistheshamefulstoryofrepeated Puketotara,Poutahi,Urewera,and Thefirstleasesexpiredandwere renewedinthe921 0sundera Crownandlesseeattemptsto Ngapakihi.By901 4,Whanganui newvaluationmethodwhich alienateMorilandthatwasvested Morihadvested5,01 acresin ingoodfaithintheAoteaDistrict theCouncilin6lots.

23 TheCouncildisadvantagedlandowners.

MoriLandCouncilbythousands groupedlotstogethertomakeupFollowingdecadesofpetitionsto theCrown,aRoyalCommission oflandownerstoprotectitfrom the tobeleasedandsettledfor anarea investigatedthechangesin951 ,1 Governmentandsettlerfarmersatfarming. findingthatrentpaymentswerenow theturnofthetwentiethcentury.

Whenthevestedlandswere insu{cienttocoverthecostofthe Aboveall,andagainstallodds,itis ozeredforsettlement,theCouncil compensationrequiredtoresume astoryofachievementandsuccess, immediatelycameunderpressure theland.TheCrownagreedto with38,50 hectaresnowbackin fromtheCrowntochangethelease financethecostofcompensationbut thehandsofshareholders. termstoincludeperpetualright ofnothonourthiscommitment.In did renewal.

Mori council members Keytothedrivetoresumecontrol 951 2,theMoriTrusteereplaced ofthevestedlandsisaprocess refused,butnewleasetermswere theAoteaDistrictMoriLand calledresumption,whichsimplyagreedin901 4settingleasesat1 2 Board. yearswitharightofrenewalfora describestheactionofanauthority In951 5,theMorikaunui further1years.

2 Rentwasbasedon (inthiscase,tihau-Whanganui theunimprovedvalueoftheland.Incorporationwasformedwhen Incorporation)toregainpossession landwasreleasedfromGovernment Toresumethelandaftertheexpiry oflandsorrightspreviouslygranted controlto250 owners.The toanother(inthiscase,lessee ofalease,thelandownerwouldhave foundingchairmanwasTe farmerswithlong-termleases). tocompensatethelesseeforany RangitkukuMetekingi.In961 0, improvements.

ThestorybeginswithCrowntheMoriTrusteeresumedOhorea, decoratedsoldierTaitokoTe Despitethis,pressureforperpetual a40 -acreareaofOhotuC2 1 and in Rangihiwinui( MajorKemp),who leasescontinuedunabatedandled an advisorycommitteerepresenting 901 5totheCouncilbeingdisbandedownerswasformedtoworkwiththe foughtfortheCrownagainstMori andreplacedbyanAoteaDistrict MoriTrusteetooverseethefarm. between861 5and871 . 1 MoriLandBoardcomprising By880 1 ,hisviewshadchanged TeRangitkukuproposedin threeGovernmentappointees,only andhewasurgingMorinottosell 961 2thattheownersconsider oneofwhomwasrequiredtobe theirland.“Ifyousellyourland,” amalgamatingtheOhotublockand Mori.Thesenewarrangements hesaid,“youwillbecomeslaves.”In in961 4,Ohoreaownersmetwith the890 1 shepennedlettersurgingmeantthatmorethan0 1, 0acres theDepartmentofMoriAzairsto ofWhanganuiMorilandwere NativeAzairsMinisterJames discussthereturnofOhoreatothe now CarollandPremierJohnBallance toheldunderradicallydizerent owners’control.TheWhanganui the LandsAdvisoryCommittee protectMorilandforMori,and conditionstothoseunderwhich Vested land had been vested. in897 1 CarollmetwithWhanganui wasestablishedsoonafter,madeup

MoriatPkaitoretodiscussthe ofmembersoftheOhoreaAdvisory By901 ,virtually 7 alltheAotea issue.TeRangihiwinuiiscredited VestedLandshadbeenleased.In Committee,andinJuly961 4a withthewords‘MueTimi,te meetinginOhakunedecidedto 911 3,theBoardswerereducedto mrehutangata,temrehuwhenua’ twomembers,bothofwhomwere amalgamateallthevestedblocks, ( Toyou,James,Ileavetheremnants o{cersoftheNativeLandCourt, latertoincludeOhoreaStationand ofthepeople,andtheremantsof the be named“tihau-Whanganui removing therequirementfor Mori Vested LandBlock”. land). representation.

ThesolutionozeredwastheMori LandsAdministrationAct901 0, whichcreatedtheAoteaDistrict MoriLandCouncilmadeupof twoCrownandthreelandowner “ Māu e Timi, te mōrehu tangata, te mōrehu whenua” representatives,andameetingat (To you, James, I leave the remnants of the people, Jerusalemin901 2whichproposed and the remants of the land). vestingthefollowingblocksinthe Taitoko Te Rangihiwinui Counciltoprotectthem:Morikau 2,Whitianga2,Waharangi,241 5,Whakaihuwaka,23Ohotu 1 ,238,1 Ngarakauwhakarara, TOITŪ TE MANA

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‘Māu e Timi, te mōrehu tangata, te mōrehu whenua’ (To you, James, I leave the remnants of the people, and the remants of the land).

Taitoko Te Rangihiwinui

TheMoriLandCourtdirectedinOhoreawasattheheartofthefirst In990 1 ,NgpukeandPahHill wereresumedfollowedin994 1 by 961 7thatanamalgamationorder CommitteeofManagement’splans TePaenga,andthenOhot dand beissuedwithallofthelandstobetomethodicallyresumemoreland Tohungain999.

1 Waipunawas heldincommonownershipunder asleasesexpired.Thefirsttihauresumed in 20 4,Papahauain20 5, oneequitabletitlebyalltheowners WhanganuiIncfarmstationwould ofthelands. setthepaceoftheresumption Hapuawhenuain20 6and TeKwhaiandOperikiin.4 1 20 programme,withprofitsfrom Followingtheexampleof thefarmhelpingtofundfurtherThisyear,theincorporation Morikaunuileadership,ameeting resumedafurthertwoblocks of07ownersattheWhanganui resumptions. betweenKoronitiandMatahiwi, OperaHousein961 9resolved Inhisfirstreporttoshareholdersin totalling9762 hasee ( storyopposite). unanimouslytoincorporate, 971 0,TeRangitkukuannounced Thelatestresumptionsbring andlaterthatyearthetihauthecommittee’splantoresume38,40 50 haof2,40 haoftotalland Whanganuiblockwasrevestedin acresintheruakukuruvalley ownershipundertihau-Whanganui the40 beneficialownersandan knownastheMcGregorandMalpas Incmanagement,withonlyabout orderofincorporationwasmade.

530 halefttoberesumedatalater tihau-Whanganuitookoverfull properties.TheWilson’sproperty wasaddedtotheplansthefollowing date. administrationthefollowingyear, year,andin971 5nearly90 0 includingtherunningofOhorea Station,rentcollectionsand acreswasresumed,toberunasthe administrationofabout20 leases. Tawanuiandmereistations.

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Agreement reached on first resumptions in seven years InthefirstmajorresumptionssinceOperiki intihau,4 1 0 2 WhanganuiIncorporationhas resumed two large blocks on the Whanganui River.

Theblocks,totalling9762 hectares thatwillallowustoincreasehiveTheMarshallresumptions betweenKoronitiandMatahiwi, numbersbyquiteabit.” bring38,50 hectaresof2,40 wereleasedseparatelybythe hectaresoftotallandownership Thefamily,whichhasbeenonthe Marshallbrothers,KevinandBarry. undertihau-WhanganuiInc blocksforsomegenerations,will withonlyabout530 alsocontinuetoplacehivesonmanagement, the Incorporationchiefexecutive hectares yet to beresumed–twoland,atleastintheshort-term,and AndrewBeijemansaid willshareanyrevenuewiththe thirdsofwhichsitsintheforest compensationpayabletothelessees, block. basedonanagreedvalueofthe organisation. lesseeimprovements,is254. 1 $ The Thislatestagreementislikelyto be Incorporationwillincreaseits million,payableintwo2,1507$ apiary thelastofthelargeresumptionsfor stazasitsustainablygrows tranches,thisyearandin2.0 hivenumbersandisconsidering sometime.Thereareafewsmaller housingonthelandforsixorseven whichcouldberesumedsoon, Theresumptionisbeingfundedleases out workers. ofcashflowandwillnotincreasecoveringlessthan60 hectares debt.

acrosssixleases.

“Withthisland,we’realso increasingourpresenceontheriver TheblocksarenotadjoiningbutThenextbigoneswillbethe Itraisesthefuturepotentialfor 50 -hectareRokelease–theonly areclosetoeachother,separated diversificationintotourismonthe oneinperpetuity–whichcan’tbe byprivatelandownedbyoneofthe landsuchashuntingoperations, resumed unless the lessees wish to brothers. giveupthelease,andthe99-year horsetreksorwalks,”saysAndrew.

Andrewsaidnegotiationstookplace “Thelandlinksintothebackof leaseona320 -hectareforestry forabout81 monthswiththehelp Papahaua,sothereisinteresting blockonthePipiriki-RaetihiRoad. offormerchairDanaBlackburn, HeldbyforestrycompanyErnslaw potentialforawalkingrouteand beforeanagreementwasreached One,itexpiresin. 7 20 hutsfromPipirikitoParikino.” earlierthisyear.

“TheMarshallshavebeenvery goodtodealwithduringtheprocess, andlinkingintoDana’sexperience withpreviousresumptionswas definitelyhelpful,soitwasa relativelyeasyresumption.”

Theblockswerefarmedinthe pastbutarenowpredominantlyin mnuka.tihauwillusetheblocks foritsmnukahoneybusinessand leasebackgrazingrightsforoneof theblockstotheMarshallfamily.

“It’sadecentarea–about6percent ofourtotalarea,”Andrewsaid.

“Comparedtopastresumptionsit’s nowherenearthesamecost,because themajorityisinmnuka.However, TOITŪ TE WHENUA

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Welcome news on new freshwater regulations A change in government policy was all it took for winter grazing to become much easierforthetihau-WhanganuiIncorporation.

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Taiao strategy ‘can take us to a different place’ tihau-WhanganuiIncorporation’s commitment to its role as kaitiaki ofwhnau-ownedfarmlandisbeing formalised in a Taiao Strategy.

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Thestrategy,whichhasbeen “Thisthinkingbringsyoubackto BoardchairMavisMullinssays underdevelopmentformorethan theTaiaoStrategywillconsiderthe all basics.Ifyouhaveunhealthysoil ayear,willsetoutamanagement aspectsoffarming,seta‘platinumyouwillnothavehealthypastureor frameworkforhowtheincorporation standard’forbestpracticeand animals,butourfertiliserbillcame willexercisekaitiakitangaof2,40 establishamandatedpositionon downlastyearasaresultofbeing hectaresofwhenuafromOhakunekaitiakitangatoinformbusinessmorepreciseaboutapplication.” toWhanganui. decisions.

Shesaystheaimforsometimehas Theframeworkwillalsodescribe “Althoughprevailingfarming beentodomorewithless. howtheorganisation,asone philosophycamewiththesettlers, “Lessimpactmeansfewerlivestock. ofAotearoa’sbiggestfarmers tangatawhenuahavemaintained We’vepulledbackstocknumbers, –responsiblefor0,7 sheep, adeepconnectionwiththe aimingtodobetterwiththeoneswe 40 beefcows,07dairycows, naturalworldandcanfront-foot have.Stockunitshavedroppedbut 30 beehivesand287 hectaresof futurebusinessthroughthelensof productivityhasrisen.” woodlots–willseektoachieveWhanganuitanga, this ”shesays.

“We’veretiredlandthatisn’t inacommercialenvironment.

Thepasture-basedfarmingbusiness suitableforpastoralfarmingtolet EnvironmentalplannerTinaPorou workshardtoensureeveryone itregeneratebackintothekindof hasbeenengagedtohelpdevelop involvedunderstandsthekaupapa ngaherethatitshouldbe.Someis amtauranga-ledstrategybased andtikangathatshareholderswant usedtoharvestmnukahoney– ontihau-Whanganuivaluesand appliedtoeverydaybusiness. sometimesyougivesomethingup principles,anditsdeterminationto “TheTaiaoStrategywillcodify andyougettwiceasmuchback.” ensurethatactivitiestocreatewealth wheremtaurangaandfarmingbest “Attheendofthedayourpeople andwellbeingformorethan90 0 practicemeet.Ourexpectationsasa needtofindbenefit.Howdowe shareholdersareenvironmentally kaupapa-drivenwhnaubusinessare respectfullycausenoharmto sustainable. thatouractivitiescausenoharm.”

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“ At the end of the day our people need to find benefit. How do we respectfully cause no harm to Papatūānuku but provide benefit to our hapū and whānau?

Do dividends come at the expense of Papatūānuku? Where do we lie on that?

Hard questions will be asked.”

Mavis Mullins

Papat dnukubutprovidebenefit Thedraftwillprovidetheimpetus Thedraftstrategyproposes toourhapdandwhnau?Do forwiderdiscussiononanapproach measuringandtrackingtheprogress dividendscomeattheexpenseof whichTinaPoroudescribesas ofsome30kaupapataiaoinan Papat dnuku?Wheredowelieon ground-breaking. initialfive-yearworkplan. that?Hardquestionswillbeasked.

“Whattheincorporationisdoing Itisnotaquick-fix,short“Oncewehaveworkedthrough istryingtodecoloniseagribusiness. termapproachbutamajor, thesethings,ourTaiaoStrategywill Manyothertrusts,incorporationsintergenerationalpieceofworkthat becomeapouforstrategicplanning, andmainstreamfarmsareinterested willbringlong-termfinancialand investmentdecisionsandsetting inwhethertheycanuseasimilar culturalrewards,Tinasays. milestones.” model,”Tinasaid.

“Itismuchmoreexpensivetobe Initialwnangahavebeenheld “I’vedonethistypeofworkfor agoodkaitiakithanitistobea withshareholders,farmmanagers,severalorganisationsbutthe goodfarmer.Someoftheproposed stazandgovernorstounderstand organisation’skaitiakifocushas workstreamswillbeexpensive,such aspirationsforguardianshipandallowedustoreallyextendourselves asreducingherdsizeandchanging protectionofthewhenua.The backtowhoweare.Itallgoes feedcrops.Butovertimethese processofsharing,listeningand backtowhakapapaandwhenua. measureswillbringbenefits,andin discussionhelpeddeterminebaseline tihau-WhanganuiInchasa thelongtermwillreducecostsand kaupapaforadraftstrategy,which boardwithstrongmtauranga-led avoidregulatorymeasuresthatthe isnowbeforetheboardforfurther directorswhoareabletogobackgovernment to lookscertaintobring workbeforebeingpresentedto tikangaandourrelationshipwithin.” shareholders.

Papat dnuku.Thatcantakeustoa dizerentplace.”

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Making sure the story behind the numbers is clear... as honey Theannualfinancialstatementsareavital tool to understanding how well an organisation isperformingbut - it’snogoodifthewaythe numbers are presented is confusing.

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25

Questionsandconcernswereraised Attheendofeachyear,the supplyandminimalchangeto atlastyear’sAGMabouthowthe Incorporationvaluesitshoneydemand using levelshasmadeitharder to ( the honeyrevenuefortheyearhadbeen thelatestmarketinformation.This sellmnukahoneyand globalCOVID-91 pandemicalso reported,andsotheinformation has issourced frompricelistsprovided contributedtothesituation)whichis beenclarified. bylargehoneybuyers,recenthoney whysomuchhoneyremainsinthe sales,andinvolvesunderstanding “BoththeBoardandthe whatishappeningwithsupplyand incorporation’sstorageshed. managementteamlookedatthe demandinthemarket.Thesefactors “Somebeekeepersproducedtwice financialstatementdisclosuresand arethenassessedtodetermine asmuchastheynormallywould thewaywehadexplainedhowwe Atihau-WhanganuiInc’svaluation inthesummerof”20, explained accountforthehoneyrevenueand ( priceperkg)whichisappliedto the Andrew. decidedthathowtheinformation confirmed stock levels. waspresentedneededtobe Buyershavealsochangedhowthey improved,”saysAndrewBeijeman,Reflectedinnote6bisthat: purchasetheirhoney.“Inthepast CEO.“Weknowitisimportant theywouldtakehoneystraightfrom • Atotalof905kgs 1, ofhoneywas thatourshareholdersunderstand thehive.Nowtheywantitafterit harvestedinthe1season 20 / thenumbers,butalsothatthey hasmaturedinthedrumandis valuedat0.3per 72 $ kg,totalling haveknowledgeofthecontributing readytopack.Thishasmeantthat $6.M. 3 factorsbehindtheresultstheyare ourinventorylevelatyearendhas • Duringtheyear,28,47 kgsof presentedwith.” increased.” honeyvaluedat$870per 1. kgwas “Thesefactorsaresomethingweas Findingnewmarketchannelsfor soldrealisingatotalof7M. $3 . amanagementteamarefamiliar AWHIhoneyhasbeenapriorityfor • Thevalueofthe,921 4 1kgsof withandworkonregularly.We theteamoverthepast2months.

1 wantreaderstofullyunderstandthehoneyremaininginstoragefrom thepreviousyeardecreasedby “Wehaveworkedreallyhard,found storywearetellingthem.” anewbuyer,andarebuildinga 7M, . 1 $ or.841 $4 perkg.

Therefore,anadditionalnote strongrelationshipwiththem,”says Thisdecreaseisduetoan 6(b)hasbeenaddedtothisyear’s Andrew. financialstatementstoexplaininexceptionallygoodseason81 months “Thismeanswealreadyhavea agoacrossNewZealandthatmeant moredetailwherethehoneyrevenue contractinplaceforthe1 20/ iscomingfrom. morehoneyinthemarket.Greater

90,155kg

$3.7m in sales

$1.7m decrease value of honey remaining in storage

Honey harvested in 2020/21

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from 42,278kg sold in 2020/21

from 41,921kg honey unsold in 2020

seasonandhavealmostachievedour areaofthebusiness.Thismeans ourkaupapa.Honeyisacrucial budgetedsalesfortheyearahead. anyerrorswouldbepickedup aspectofourcurrentandlong-term strategy–todiversifytoreduce Weareinamuchbetterposition immediately,areassuringmeasure risk,tobroadenourassetbaseand thanthistimelastyearandare forbothmanagement,theboardand toensureappropriatelanduse. lookingforotherwaystode-risk shareholders. the Honeyisanintegralpartofwhat apiarybusiness.”

“Despitethechallenges,ourapiary wedotoday,tomorrowandintothe “Largevaluationchangeseachyear businessremainsasolidinvestment, future.” issomethingwewanttoavoid.But consistentlydeliveringaround Ensuring shareholderunderstanding overtheyearsthatwehavebeena twentypercentofannualincome, ” ofhowthebusinessisperforming producerinthehoneymarketwesaysAndrew. isvital,andbyincludingthe haveexperiencedhowdynamicitis.

“Someofthedi{cultieswefaceare additionalinformationinthe FactorslikeCovidandchangesto becauseit’sayoungindustrythatis FinancialStatements,Andrewand purchaserandconsumerdemands stillmaturing.Buthoneydoesn’tgo histeamseektogiveconfidenceand andmarketexpectationsoccurred, oz,andonechallengingseasonwith assurance. tonameafew.Honeyisunique lowindustry-wideproductionisallit whencomparedtoothermarkets, willtakeforthemarketand ( prices) whichmakesvaluingourproduct tosignificantlychange.Finding di{cult. betterpathstomarketwillalsohelp “Thisyearwe’vebeenmore ustoridethepeaksandtroughsin “ Despite the challenges, our apiary business conservativeinourpricingand amoresustainableway,nowweare remains a solid havebeenabletobaseitona confidentwecansellthehoneythat growingbaseofactualsalesdata, weproduce.Wehavemadealotof investment, consistently delivering around 20% whichshouldreducethedegreeprogress of inthisspaceoverthelast of annual income.” variationinourfuturerevaluations. year.”

Thecomplexityofthehoneymarket “Ourhoneybusinessdeliversmore andthevolatilityinpricingfor thanjustfinancialgaintothe valuinghoneystocks,meansthat organisation.Wehavebeengrowing theIncorporation’sauditorsalso theteamtoo–providingjobsand focustheirreviewcloselyonthis trainingforoururiinlinewith

Andrew Beijeman

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Trial to help kaumātua declared a success The introduction of a monthly grant approval process has meantthatTetiHauTrustismeetingtheneedsofkaumtua much more quickly.

Kaumtuagrantsaredesigned Thegrantapplicationprocessitself tohelpbeneficiariesexperience hasnotchanged–prospective easierandmorecomfortablelives recipientsmuststillcompletean bymakingitemssuchashearing applicationformcoveringthegener aids,glassesanddentalwork detailsoftheapplication,their azordable.Applicationswillalsoshareholdingcredentialsandaletter/ beconsideredformedicalandquotecontaininganestimatedcostof pharmaceuticalexpenses,andona theequipmentortreatmentneeded. doctor’srecommendation,assistance Theformcanbedownloadedfrom forheatingappliancesormobility thetihau-WhanganuiIncwebsite equipment. atihau. ( com/te-atihau-trust)andthen Previously,thesegrantswere emailed,postedorhand-deliveredto consideredatthequarterlyTrust theIncorporationo{ce. boardmeeting,alongwithother “Weareheretohelpifpeopleneed applicationsforeducational,sports, assistanceincompletingtheform,” art,cultural,andmaraesupport. saysCharmaine.“Wereallywant “AsaTrust,wehavemadethe everyapplicationtocontainallthe changesowecanbetterrespond informationtheBoardneeds.That totheneedsofourkaumtuaby waywecangetthepdtea,where providingthehelptheyneedin approved, a tothepeoplewhoneedit muchmoretimelyfashion,’says asquicklyaspossible.”

SharAmner,TrustChair.“Itmeans Andapprovalcanbegiventoawide applicantscanreceivesupportmuch rangeofrequests. quicker,notinsometimeinthe Mostapplicationsareforhearing future.” andvisualaidsordentalwork,but Theswitchtoamonthlyprocesswas theTrustwillalsoconsiderrequests madeatthebeginningoftheyearas formobilityequipmentorhome atrial,andtheresponsehasbeenso improvementsthatprovideahealth positivethedecisionhasbeentaken benefit. tomakeitpermanent.

“Helpingourkaumtuatolive “Whilethetrialwasputinplace happilyandcomfortablyisimportant toenabletheTrusttorespond totheTrust,”saysShar.“Anditisan morequicklytoneed,themonthly areawhereweareseeingagrowing processalsohasapractical needasthepopulationingeneral element,”explainsCharmaineTeki, ages.Recognisingandaddressing ShareholderEngagementO{cer. thisneedhasbeenakeyfocusfor “Whenpeoplereceiveaquotefor theTrustoverthepastyear,andit theequipmentorworktheyneed, ispleasingthatwehavebeenableto theseareoftenvalidforjust30days. identifyanissueandrespondtoitin Gettingapplicationsgrantedwithin suchapositiveway.” thattime-framemakeseverythingso muchmorestraight-forwardforour beneficiaries.”

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Law studies show path to the future Victoria University student Nicola Walsh has landed an internship that’s allowing her to watch history be made through the law.

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Theyear-2 oldistheinaugural internfortheprestigious BarristersCommMoriand PasifikaInternshipattheBar,which shebeganinJulythisyear.

year, includingattendingParliament, theshereceivedanextra201,$ thankstoasharedgrantbetween CourtofAppealandmore. theTrustandtheuniversity.

“Igottowatchoneofthebarristers “Theyhavesupportedmeright presentattheJusticeSelect fromthebeginning,whichhasbeen CommitteehearingontheCounterOfTeti-Haunui-a-Pprangiand really, TerrorismLegislationBill;the bill reallyhelpful–theyhave NgtiRaukawaiwi,Nicolawas goingthroughatthemoment.I’ddefinitelyhelpedmeandmyfamily oneofthreelawstudentsshortlisted neverbeentooneofthose.” outalot,”saysNicola,whoattended forthepositionattheWellington SacredHeartGirls’CollegeinNew NicolaalsoattendedtheCourt practiceandshewasrapttobe Plymouth. ofAppealfortheBorrowdalev. chosen.

Director- GeneralofHealthcase,“Ihavealwayswantedtobea “It’sbeenreallyamazingactually,looking ” atwhethertheLevel4 lawyerandmyparentsalwayssaidI shesays.“IthoughtwhenIapplied lockdownlastyearwasunlawfulorwouldmakeagoodone,butIthink forit,itwouldbeacoolopportunity thatwasbecauseIlikedtoargue,” not. toseewhatthelaw’slikefroma shelaughs.

“I’mquiteinterestedinpubliclaw barrister’sperspective.” stuz,andwe’dcomeacrossitabit InherdaysatVictoriaUniversity TheBachelorofLawhonours lastyear…sothatwasaperfectone inWellington,Nicoladidn’tfind student,whoisdoingaconjoint togoto.” iteasy.“Ifoundthefirstyearmost bachelor’sdegreewithcriminology challenging.”

“They( BarristersComm)arereally andpsychology,isaninternat Theyoungwomansaysthelaw helpingtoexposemetodizerent BarristersCommfor2hours 1 each areasofthelawandintroducing schoolcohortwasaround0 1 week,and5hours 1 intheuniversity metolotsofdizerentpeople,and allof to those,onlyabout30can break. benefitmeandmyfuturecareer.” continueintothesecondyearand “Theyarereallygood,theyletme shefearedshewouldn’tmakeit.But Alsohelpingheronthewayis knowwhentherearebeneficialtrials shedid.

TetiHauTrust,setuptohelp orcaseson.” tihau-WhanganuiIncorporation Ontheway,Nicolaislearningabout ‘Beneficialmeans‘hottopic’or herculturalheritage.Hermother, shareholdersandwhnaupursue ‘ground-breaking’casesthataretheiraspirationsandgoals.

AmandaTatanabeforemarrying,is helpfulforNicolatoknowaboutfor ofbothTeti-Haunui-a-Pprangi TheTrusthassupportedhersince herlegalcareer.Theinternshiphas andNgtiRaukawadescent. shestarteduniversityin.This 7 1 20 ledtogreatlearningexperiences,

“ I really wanted to pick a profession where I could help vulnerable people or minority groups, particularly Māori.”

Nicola Walsh

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“ They [The Trust] have supported me right from the beginning, which has been really, really helpful – they have definitely helped me and my family out a lot.”

Nicola Walsh

ButherNewZealand-bornparents NicolaenrolledintereoMori anduncle,alsoPaoraTatana,at metinAfricawhileontheirOE,so classesandstudiedsomeMoriNgtiHuiaMarae.Nicolaalso Nicolaandheroldersisterwere specific born papersatuniversity.“Itook wantstodoafull-immersiontereo inGaborone,Botswana.Thefamily aMoricustomarylawpaperandI Moricourse. movedbacktoNewZealandwhen endedupgettinginthetopfourin Whileherfocusisstudying,Nicola shewasabouteightmonthsold. theclassforthat,”shesays. keepsfitbyrunningandgoingtothe “Iwasnotbroughtupinatikanga “It’smademealotmoreconfident gym.“I’malsoverysocial.Iliketo Morienvironment,”shesays. inmyself.It’sreallyhelpedmerun getoz a themotto‘workhard,play “AsI’mgrowingupit’sdefinitely betterideaofwhoIamasaperson hard’.Universitydoesn’trulemylife, becomingmoreandmoreimportant andit’sbroughtmealotclosertobut myitisanimportantpart.” tome.” family,andlotsofdizerentpeople.”

TetiHauTrustsecretary Thespurtolearnmoreabouther Herlearningpathhashelpedcement CharmaineTekisaysNicolaappears Moriidentitywasbeingchosen herfuturedreams. toknowwhathergoalsare,andshe asoneofthepubliclawtutors,and isstrivingtowardsthem.“What “Ireallywantedtopickaprofession particularlytheMori,Pasifikaand stoodoutformeisherlineofstudy whereIcouldhelpvulnerablepeople Internationaltutor.

-criminologyandpsychologyisa orminoritygroups,particularly fieldwedonotseealotofapplicants “Itwasn’treallyuntilthen,whenI Mori.” study.” was,onaregularbasis,teachingand Tocontinuelearningabouther communicatingwithMori,Pasifika TheTrusthopessheexcelsinher whakapapa,Nicolaandhersisters andinternationalstudentsthatIfelt chosenfieldofstudy:“Weare areplanningtovisittheirnanny somethingwasmissingintermsof excitedforNicolaandherfuture MaryWallace,koroPaoraTatana meandwhoIam.” aspirations.”

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Smallest player, biggest heart Hera Maihi doesn’t need to be told to leaveitallonthefield.

Onehundredpercentcommitmenttothemany sportsshelivesforjustcomesnaturallytothepintsizedNewZealandrugbyleaguerep–described asa‘starperformer’byherNewZealandMori Tournamentcoach.

KenLabansayshefirstmet3 year-1 oldHera whenshewaspre-seasontrainingalongside adultsintheWainuiomataWomen’sRugby team.Maturebeyondheryears,shewasnot overawed,intimidated,orchallengedbytheadult environment,hesays.

Hera,amokopunaofJohnandGinaMaihi,isof Tetihaunui- -Pprangi,NgtiPmoana,Ngti Tdera,NgtiHine,NgRauru,NgtiRangi,Ng Paerangi,andothers,andlivesinWellington.

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ShewasselectedfortheNgHau “She’stheplaymaker.She’svery “Beforeeverygame,Istrapmy wrists, eWhoWainuiomataU14ktiro gifted.Andshe’sgotthemongrel. ” writetheirnamesonthetape, and drawamoonformyAunty teamtocompeteattheNewZealand “Hera’sbeenoneofthoseleadersin Wendy,whopassedwhenIwas5.

MoriRugbyLeaguerangatahi touch,basketball,league.She’sone It’sbroughtmeluck:ifIwanttoget tournamentinRotoruainJuly, ofthoseplayerswhobringthebest atry,Ilookatit,andifI’mfeeling coachedbyLaban. outofpeople,that’swhatI’vebeen pressured,Icanlookatitandcalm “Playinghalfbackbehindthebestproudof.She’sanaturalleader.” down.” forwardpackatthetournament, “She’snotthebiggestplayer,she’s Thesmallestplayeronthefieldhas sheexcelledwithherrunninggame, nottheyoungest,butshe’sdefinitely abiggoal-playingSevensforNew passselectionandespeciallyher alwaysthesmallestorshortest.”

ZealandattheOlympics. defence,”Labansaid.

Evenso,HerahasbeenplayingU16 MumMichellesaysthewhnauis Herareceivedasportsgrantfrom touchsinceshewas.She’s 1 played 0 percent 1 behindHera.

TetiHauTrusttoattendthe touch for Wellington U1 0 s and has tournament.

“She’sdrivingitallnowandwe representedWesternBaysinT-ball. supporther.”

TheWainuiomatateamdefeated For Hera, it’s all about getting TainuiandCountiesManukau Moriinpoolplayondayone,andoutsideanddoingwhatsheloves. thenbeatKirikiriroaHornetsin “Ithe justlikegettingoutthere,along semiandCountiesinthefinaltowin withotherkids.Iloveteamsports“ She’s got that fire in thetournament. her belly like her older andplayingwithothers.”

Herawasthesmallestplayeramong Speed,fitnessandballhandling sister, but is also very thesixteamsintheirdivision, skillsareamongherattributes.but humble and calm like her brother.” but‘ahugeheartandhugework perhapshergreateststrengthis rate’earnedherselectiontobeing the Michelle Maihi abletoreadthegame.She NZMoriRugbyLeaguektiro seesthegameinslowmotion:“I U14steamtoplayatthePacific seetheholeswhereIneedtorunor YouthTournamentinAucklandin wheremyplayerneedstorun.”

October.

Below: Mum Michelle and Dad Paeroke MumandDadareherheroesand Typically,theYear9StMary’s are right behind Hera's Olympic ambitions. hergreatestsupporters.

Collegestudentisquicktopointout thatsixofherteammateswerealso selectedforthenationalMoriteam andanotherfortheSamoanteam.

ProudparentsMichelleandPaeroke, whobothrepresentedWhanganui inrugbythemselves,sayHeraholds herownastheyoungestofthreeina fiercelycompetitivewhnau.Lucas playsrugbyandhasrepresented NewZealandinvolleyball;TeAratu playsnetballandhasrepresented NewZealandinsoftball.

“She’sgotthatfireinherbelly likeheroldersisterbutisalsovery humbleandcalmlikeherbrother,” Michellesays.“Sheusuallyplays keypositionslikefirstfive-eighthin unionandstand-ozinleague,but she’lltalkupanyoneelsebeforeshe talksupherself.”

“Sheprettymuchcallstheshotson thefield,”Dadsays.

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“Before every game, I strap my wrists, write their names on the tape, and draw a moon for my Aunty Wendy, who passed when I was 5. It’s brought me luck: if I want to get a try I look at it, and if I’m feeling pressured I can look at it and calm down.”

Hera Maihi

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