WAI 262 Tiaki Taonga Kānohi Ora Engagement Project Report

Project Report

Introduction

In October 2023, Te Pae Roa, the secretariat for Wai 262 Taumata Whakapūmau contracted Kura Consulting Limited (KCL) to deliver two kānohi ora hui, one in Taranaki and one in Rangitāne. The objectives were to;

• Engage mana whenua and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.

• Deepen understanding of the specific Wai 262 issue and its implications.

• Identifying key relationships, political, cultural, environmental, and social considerations for the Wai 262 Taumata Whakapūmau.

• Collecting feedback on Tiaki Taonga practices and challenges.

• Collaboratively explore potential solutions and strategies.

This report provides a summary of the outcomes from the delivery of the two hui as well as recommendations for further consideration.

Venue

Taranaki Hui - Pukeiti Gardens

Early in discussions Kura Consulting Limited (KCL) recommended to Te Pae Roa (TPR), that the Taranaki hui be held at Owae Marae, Waitara, as the marae is considered a principle marae for Te Atiawa, and traditionally hosts regionally significant hui for the Taranaki rohe. However, after some delays due to plans around the refurbishment of its main wharenui, Te Ika a Maui, it was decided to find an alternative venue.

Located at the foothills of Maunga Taranaki, New Zealand, are the Pukeiti Gardens renowned as a place where beauty, history, and culture intertwine, making it a unique destination.

Founded in 1951 by Sir Russell Matthews and a group of like-minded individuals, Pukeiti has grown to encompass a vast area of about 360 hectares, blending cultivated gardens with native forest.

Pukeiti Gardens are managed by the Taranaki Regional Council as part of the Taranaki Garden Trust and the local manawhenua relationship is with Ngā Mahanga a Tairi, a hapū of Taranaki Iwi. This relationship acknowledges the significance of the land and its history to manawhenua as the gardens are situated on land that holds historical, cultural, and spiritual importance to the iwi of the region.

Ngā Mahanga a Tairi arrived in Taranaki in the early 10th century, where they moved inland to settle in the Ōkato District. In the 12th century, Ngā Mahanga a Tairi formed an identify as two hapū, Ngā Mahanga and Ngāti Tairi, with the latter moving into the Oākura area. Through inter-marriage with those already settled in the District, Ngā Mahanga a Tairi became the dominant iwi, so that by the 15th century, their influence extended as far north as Ōhura.

Given the primary goal of Pukeiti is to be a world-class garden and conservation area, providing insights into our country’s unique flora and fauna as well as the importance of environment stewardship, the garden centre was seen as an excellent venue to host the Wai262, Tiaki Taonga Kānohi Ora hui for the Taranaki region.

Te

THE SMALL BLACK MUSSEL

THAT ADHERES TO THE ROCK. This 16th Century whakataukī relates to the constant presence of Ngā Mahanga a Tairi in this part of the Taranaki region.

toka i tauria e te kukupara.

Programme 8:30 AM

MIHI WHAKATAU 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Introductions

KURA MOEAHU WAI 262 TAUMATA

WHAKAPŪMAU 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

MORNING TEA

Workshop Session 1

TE TAIAO - NGAHINA CAPPER

10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

TOI MĀORI - RANGI KIPA

MĀTAURANGA MĀORI - JEAN HIKAKA 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Workshop Review

KURA MOEAHU 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM LUNCH 1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Workshop Session 2 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM AFTERNOON TEA 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Review Workshops

KURA MOEAHU WAI 262 TAUMATA

WHAKAPŪMAU 4:30 PM

POROPOROAKI

TARANAKI

Located at the foothills of Maunga Taranaki, New Zealand, are the Pukeiti Gardens renowned as a place where beauty, history, and culture intertwine, making it a unique destination.

Facilitators

Taranaki Hui Facilitator

The Taranaki region, is located on the western coast of the North Island, with 8 iwi having well-defined tribal boundaries recognised over centuries.

For the Taranaki region, the iwi are:

Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngā Rauru Kiitahi.

Central to the region is Maunga (Mt) Taranaki presently known as Egmont National Park. However once the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill has passed it will be known as Te Papa-kura-o-Taranaki.

The rohe of each iwi is recognized through

various legal and cultural acknowledgments, including settlements and legislation where boundaries have been crucial in historical and contemporary discussions and agreements related to land, water rights, and conservation efforts.

Understanding the tribal history of the region required a nuanced appreciation and detailed knowledge of the narratives and oral histories of the 8 iwi themselves.

As a result KCL approached highly respected Māori leader, Kura Moeahu to be the facilitator for the hui, given his extensive whakapapa connections to various iwi of the region, as well as his cultural expertise and knowledge of the Wai 262 kaupapa.

Kura Moeahu

Kura is a true orator of his people and is steeped in ancient karakia, whakapapa, and kōrero tuku iho. He and his wife Alishia are a formidable couple, often seen leading many functions throughout Wellington, at Parliament, and at local, regional, national, and international events. We are proud to have Kura provide his expertise for this WAI262 Tiaki Taonga Hui ki Taranaki. As a Cultural Advisor and Consultant, Kura has a strong background in Māori governance, strategic planning, Treaty of Waitangi facilitation, and Iwi engagement

He aha te kai a te rangatira?

He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.

WHAT IS THE FOOD OF CHIEFS?

IT IS COMMUNICATION

IT IS LISTENING

IT IS KNOWLEDGE.

Facilitators continued Workshop Facilitators

NGAHINA CAPPER

Te Taiao

Ngahina lives beneath the majestic Maunga Taranaki on his whānau papakāinga, Te Tāmore. He has a deep passion for te taiao, and understands the relationship of respect and reciprocity that is required to care for the natural world. He embraces the notion of connection, and bringing te taiao and people together to help realise the dreams and aspirations of those gone before us, those in the present, and future generations.

Ngahina is the father of a blended whānau of six children he shares with his wife Arianna Capper.

RANGI KIPA

Toi Māori

A renowned Māori sculptural artist whose creative practice is at the forefront of defining the aspirations of Māori today. Rangi grew up on the outskirts of Waitara, Taranaki at Ngapuketurua pā beside the Waiongona River, a site of great relevance to the origins of the Ātiawa people of Taranaki and skirted by major battle sites of the New Zealand War.

Rangi trained as a tauira whakairo at the Maraeroa carving school in Porirua in 1983-84 working in the style of his ancestors and has since lead a reawakening of the renowned Ātiawa serpentine carving style, which hadn’t been practiced in Taranaki since the early nineteenth century.

MAATA WHAREHOKA AND WHĀNAU (JEAN HIKAKA AND TE AKAU WHAREHOKA)

Mātauranga Māori

Maata began reviving tikanga practices with her late husband Te Ru Koriri Wharehoka. In 2007 Te Ru Koriri was the first recipient of Kahu Whakatere, which uses tikanga and mātauranga Māori in the deathing and tūpāpaku process. Kahu Whakatere also involves physical practices such as creating whāriki, tāura, waka and connects these with spiritual practices that ensure the whānau and tūpāpaku are always well looked after.

Jean has a teaching and Māori/Public Health background and now works alongside her mother, Maata Wharehoka, to retain the knowledge and understanding of Kahu Whakatere.

This Parihaka family has supported over 150 whānau with Kahu Whakatere and continues to teach and support whānau to reclaim the care of their loved ones tūpāpaku and revive their ceremonies while also looking after Papatuanuku.

“Cultural connectedness and Mātauranga allows Māori to restore and reconcile Te Taiao.”

NGAHINA CAPPER

“Ka whati te ti, ka wana te ti, ka rito te ti”Resilient!

RANGI KIPA

“Our cultural practices are sustaible practices, we need more opportunities for our rangatahi and our people to be in these roles whilst also allowing them to put kai on the table”.

MAATA

WHAREHOKA

Media & Social Media

Workshop Engagement

Common Themes from Workshops:

1

URGENCY FOR TREATY REPARATIONS AND INDIGENOUS EMPOWERMENT:

■ Frustration over delayed Crown reparations for breaches to Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

■ Advocacy for Tangata Whenua empowerment in environmental decisionmaking.

■ Emphasis on community involvement in regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives.

■ Recognition of the importance of youth engagement and succession planning in Kaitiakitanga.

2

CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE REVITALIZATION:

■ Acknowledgment of elders' wisdom and the need for collective gatherings to reinforce tikanga.

■ Advocacy for returning to natural practices and rituals to protect the environment.

■ Importance of Kahu Whakatere and mahi tikanga in restoring and rebalancing Te Taiao.

■ Focus on economic opportunities, cultural innovation, and youth empowerment through Mātauranga Māori.

3

VALUES AND VISION FOR MAORI EMPOWERMENT:

■ Emphasis on self-awareness, tikanga, and honoring whakapapa as foundational values.

■ Vision for full integration of Te Reo, thriving enterprises, and restoration of land sovereignty.

■ Call for unapologetic celebration of Maori identity and active participation in decisionmaking.

■ Commitment to continuous learning, transmission of wisdom to future generations, and holistic well-being.

These workshops collectively underscore the importance of Indigenous empowerment, cultural preservation, and intergenerational collaboration for a sustainable and equitable future for Maori communities.

PROFESSIONS/INTERESTS

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Rongoā Workshop Students, Mau rākau, Kapa Haka performers, Author, Musician, Singer, Gaming creator, Filmmaker, Actor, Comedian, TV / Radio, Photographer, Script writer, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Architect, Kai miri, Kai romi.

Participant Feedback

HOW CAN WAI262 BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN YOUR ROHE?

The feedback suggests several ways to enhance the effectiveness of Wai262 within the Taranaki region:

■ Community Involvement: Engage local community members, including iwi and hapū representatives, in the feedback process through meetings and workshops.

■ Tailored Communication: Use language and cultural references familiar to Taranaki residents to convey key messages effectively.

■ Partnerships with Local Organisations: Collaborate with local groups to amplify the impact of the feedback and integrate it into existing initiatives.

■ Action Planning Workshops: Host workshops where the community can brainstorm solutions based on the feedback.

■ Regular Updates: Provide updates on how the feedback is being implemented and its impact within the rohe.

■ Capacity Building: Offer training opportunities to empower community members to take active roles in environmental stewardship initiatives.

Implementing these suggestions can help improve the effectiveness of Wai262 in Taranaki by fostering community engagement and action.

WHAT ACTIONS COULD BE TAKEN INTO THE FUTURE OF WAI262?

The future actions suggested from the survey responses for Wai262 involve a multifaceted approach to enhance its impact and effectiveness:

■ Increased Awareness: Developing strategies to inform a broader audience about Wai262's purpose and significance within indigenous communities.

■ Political Advocacy: Engaging in political advocacy efforts to pressure decision-makers to prioritize environmental protection and cultural preservation.

■ Continued Engagement: Sustaining current initiatives and fostering increased participation from stakeholders to ensure ongoing momentum and support.

■ Succession Planning: Establishing plans to ensure continuity in representation and protection of Wai262's objectives over time.

■ Collaboration with Hapū: Partnering with local hapū to address environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge and values.

■ Media Exposure: Utilising various media platforms, such as Māori Television, to educate the public about Wai262, its challenges, and the importance of indigenous-led sustainability efforts.

■ Educational Outreach: Participating in educational events and workshops to raise awareness and understanding of Wai262 among diverse audiences, including indigenous communities and the wider public.

■ Community Engagement: Encouraging active involvement and contributions from a diverse range of community members to ensure collective ownership and support for Wai262 initiatives.

■ Creative Expression: Exploring innovative ways to utilize Wai262 to access resources for the creation of contemporary cultural treasures while removing barriers for indigenous practitioners.

■ Local Support: Providing assistance and resources to support local projects and practitioners aligned with Wai262's objectives, thereby strengthening grassroots initiatives and community resilience.

■ Collaborative Action: Seeking opportunities to collaborate with other indigenous-led initiatives and similar claims led by hapū to amplify collective efforts in environmental protection and cultural preservation.

WHAT DID YOU FIND CAPTIVATING AND BENEFICIALS FROM THE WORKSHOP(S)?

Venue

Pūkaha National Park

The Rangitane iwi hui was organised to occur on Monday 26 February 2024 at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre. Commonly referred to as Pukaha National Park, it was established as a forest reserve in 1903, and has evolved over the years into a centre for conservation education and wildlife rehabilitation, particularly birdlife.

Situated in the Tararua District in the lower North Island, near Mount Bruce, the centre has a rich history and a strong relationship with local iwi, Rangitāne o Wairarapa, deeply intertwined with the land's conservation efforts. The wildlife centre, initially established in 1962 for the breeding and release of endangered native birds, has grown from a 55-hectare site to encompass the entire 942-hectare forest, allowing for a more extensive breeding programme and a diversified range of species. This expansion was significant in 2001, increasing the area under protection and enhancing the habitat for wildlife.

A pivotal moment in the relationship between Pukaha and the local iwi occurred in 2014, when Rangitāne o Wairarapa made a significant gesture by gifting their great forest, Te Tapere nui-a-Whataonga, back to New Zealand.

This was done to ensure the continuation of conservation work at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre.

Today, Pukaha works in direct partnership with Rangitāne o Wairarapa and the Department of Conservation to protect the taonga (treasure) that is the forest.

https://pukaha.org.nz/history/.

RANGITĀNE

Programme

9:00 AM MIHI WHAKATAU

Introductions

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

TAMATI RIMENE-SPROAT

WAI 262 TAUMATA WHAKAPŪMAU

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM MORNING TEA

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PENA (BERNARD) MAKOARE

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM DISCUSSION

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM LUNCH

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM DISCUSSION

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM AFTERNOON TEA

Review of Discussion

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

TAMATI RIMENE-SPROAT

WAI 262 TAUMATA WHAKAPŪMAU

4:00 PM POROPOROAKI

A pivotal moment in the relationship between Pukaha and the local iwi occurred in 2014, when Rangitāne o Wairarapa made a significant gesture by gifting their great forest, Te Tapere nui-a-Whataonga, back to New Zealand.

Facilitators

Pukaha Hui Facilitator

Though there is only one main iwi associated with Pukaha, namely Rangitāne o Wairarapa, the relationship the iwi has with their neighbouring iwi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairapapa is complex and at times challenging. The complexities have been added to as a result of the various treaty settlement negotiations with the Crown that limit recognition of joint custodial rights.

PENA (BERNARD) MAKOARE

Kai Korero

Pena lives with his wife Hinerangi and their children in Te Taitokerau. They are heavily involved as a contemporary Māori whānau, with their ancestral obligations to all of our marae across the region.

Pena was traditionally taught as a wood carver with the privilege of tuition from Hemi Edwards (Mei) and Pakaariki Harrison. He is a practising artist and designer.

His work is a reflection of his whakapapa, environments and the importance he places in whanaungatanga between people, heritage, places and significant objects.

Bringing to the hui his vast experience in traditional knowledge systems and practices here in Aotearoa and internationally, Pena's contribution to the hui enabled the audience to value more the importance of the Wai 262 claim.

As a result it was important to organise a facilitator aware of these dynamics that was known and respected by both iwi, and could manage any potential issue. Hence the approach to Tāmati Rimene-Sproat.

RANGITĀNE

Tamati Rimene-Sproat

Ko Tāmati Rimene-Sproat ahau. He Ngāti Hamua, he Ngāti Hinewaka tēnei. Ahakoa rā i tipu tawhiti mai, ko aku pakiaka tonu kei ngā rekereke o Rangitūmau, ko aku toto kei ngā ripo o Ruamahanga, ko te ngākau kei te roro o Ngā Tau e Waru.

I am a journalist and Television presenter. I am interested to explore how Wai 262 impacts us, the people of Wairarapa, particularly when it comes to the protection of kōrero tuku iho, kōrero taiao and our language, our relationship with Crown agencies like DoC and the continuation of our role as kaitiaki of places like Pūkaha. E aku nui, e aku rahi, Tāne nui ā Rangi, karapinepine mai tātau ki te wānanga!

I am a journalist and Television presenter. I am interested to explore how Wai 262 impacts us, the people of Wairarapa.

TAMATI RIMENE-SPROAT

Media & Social Media

FACEBOOK

WAI 262 - KIA WHAKAPŪMAU

INSTAGRAM WAI 262

RANGITĀNE

Rangitāne ki runga,

Rangitāne ki raro,

Rangitāne ki roto,

Rangitāne ki waho

Workshop Engagement

Key Conversations Summaries:

COPYRIGHT AND CREATIVE OWNERSHIP IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY:

Rights and Costs of Live Streaming: Debate on the challenges and opportunities of live streaming and selling music content, focusing on rights and associated costs in the digital age.

Community Relationships and Knowledge Protection: Emphasis on building community relationships to protect cultural knowledge and autonomy, highlighting cultural sensitivity and collaboration.

Membership in Associations: Discussion on the benefits of joining industry associations like Accra for tracking word use and ensuring warranties for broadcasts, showcasing their role in protecting creative ownership.

DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY:

Personal Stories and Healing: Speakers share personal anecdotes of healing through plant medicine, stressing the emotional and cultural significance.

Frustration with Western Medicine: Critique of Western medical system, advocating for alternative healthcare approaches due to mistreatment and misdiagnosis.

Māori Language and Cultural Heritage: Discussion on preserving Māori language and culture through community-driven initiatives.

Uncertainty and Advocacy: Expressions of fear and advocacy for job training solutions amidst uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of separating clusters.

Local Development Initiatives: Discussion on infrastructure development and funding challenges in the Manawatu region, addressing cultural sensitivities and trauma.

Cultural Preservation: Highlighting the importance of local solutions for safeguarding cultural heritage, emphasizing communitydriven efforts.

3

CULTURAL IDENTITY, ART, AND ENVIRONMENTALISM:

Exploration of Cultural Identity and Family Connections: Reflections on cultural identity, travel, and family connections, including discussions on colonization and personal ties.

Debate on Art, Colonization, and Environmentalism: Discussion on the intersection of art, colonization, and environmentalism, advocating for the protection of indigenous cultures and the environment.

Creativity and Mentorship: Conversations on creativity, mentorship, and passion for work, with reflections on woodworking, Māori culture, and language decolonization.

Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Reflections on learning experiences, observation, and knowledge sharing, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation.

Treaties, Indigenous Rights, and SelfDetermination: Exploration of treaties, power dynamics, and indigenous rights, advocating for cultural understanding, government support, and self-determination.

The Rangitāne discussions highlight the importance of balancing technological advancements with preserving cultural traditions. They stress the need for community involvement, privacy safeguards, and advocacy for indigenous rights. Moving forward, it's crucial to prioritize cultural respect and collaborate for a more inclusive and sustainable future amidst our changing world.

The Rangitāne discussions highlight the importance of balancing technological advancements with preserving cultural traditions.

REGISTERED 26 pax

TOTAL ATTENDED 20 pax (rough estimate)

PROFESSIONS/INTERESTS

Kaitiaki taonga/whakapapa. Archivist. Kairangahau

Toi, Photographer, Toi rākau, Toi moko, Toi rāranga, Mau rākau, Kapa Haka, Toi waka, Artist, Author, Musician, Singer, Film-maker, Actor, Fashion, Poet, Comedian, TV / Radio, Gaming creator, Photographer, Graphic designer, Architech, Composer, Script writer, Matanga/Tohunga, Kapa Haka performer, Author.

Participant Feedback

To enhance participation and effectiveness:

■ Whānau Education: Provide better information and preparation for attending hui.

■ Continuous Education: Keep educating whānau in these spaces and ensure alignment with Wai 262.

■ Improved Communication: Enhance communication to increase whānau attendance consistently.

■ Unity Reminder: Reinforce the importance of kotahitanga for all our futures.

WHAT FUTURE COLLABORATIONS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE WITH WAI262?

All HapŪ led

Practitioner led

Te Taumata WhakapŪmau led

The feedback suggests that the Hau Kāinga (local community) acknowledge their responsibility and feel they could have done better in promoting the event:

■ Mixed Success in Promotion: While some were well-informed through multiple channels, others felt unaware until shortly before the event.

■ Need for Direct Hapū Communication: Some noted a lack of direct communication with hapū, leading to confusion about the event's purpose.

■ Importance of Advance Notice: More notice is requested to ensure availability, especially for those not on social media.

■ Diverse Communication Preferences: Communication methods should cater to various preferences, including social media, word-of-mouth, posters, and flyers.

■ Utilizing Community Networks: Leveraging local networks and individuals within the community can improve outreach and promotion efforts.

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS

"Reminding us all of kotahitanga and its importance in all our futures."

"Māori at the hands of colonisation is still colonisation."

"Anei ā mātau nei kōrero, but it's not your (pakeha) kōrero to tell."

"What our government should do is they should kick open the doors to allow us to have our own spaces."

Recommendations

AS A RESULT OF DELIVERING TWO KĀNOHI ORA HUI KCL WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING FOR FUTURE HUI;

Pre-existing relationships with both facilitators, support crew, venue hosts and suppliers should be part of the procurement process for any future provider to ensure a seamless interactive hui that delivers Taumata Whakapūmau requirements. This will also ensure practitioners are the primary focus as participants.

Streamlining the communication channels will enable the delivery of a direct marketing campaign approach that targets the right audiences.

The venue for holding Kānohi Ora hui are a very important consideration. Neutral spaces and places create easier engagement. 3 2 4 1

The survey identified 7 rohe within Te Wai Pounamu for the Wai 262 Tiaki Taonga kaupapa to be taken to. We recommend that Te Waipounamu region should be given a bespoke focus. Though the whakapapa and tribal histories are intertwined, their location, use of natural resource and colonial history is quite unique and distinctive.

WHAT ROHE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE WAI262 NEXT?

Te Tai Tokerau/Northland

Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

Waikato

Te Moana a Toi/Bay of Plenty

Te Tairāwhiti/Gisborne

Te Matau a Maui/Hawkes Bay

Manawatū/Whanganui

Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington

Te Tai o Aorere/Tasman

Whakatū/Nelson

Te Tauihu o te waka/Marlborough

Te Tai Poutini/West Coast

Waitaha/Canturbury

Ōtākau/Otago

Murihiku/Southland

Ko tōku reo, ko tōku taonga.

Ko tōku taonga, ko tōku reo.

Ko tōku mōhiotanga, ko tōku taonga.

Ko tōku taonga,

ko tōku mōhiotanga.

ARAMOANA

TARANAKI

TŪTURU, NGĀTI TAMA, TE ĀTIAWA

Acknowledgements

Kura Consulting Limited appreciate the opportunity provided by Te Pae Roa to host the two Kānohi Ora hui in Taranaki and Rangitāne. These two hui have enabled our organisation to demonstrate our capacity to deliver quality engagements for our clients, has strengthened our relationships across Aotearoa, not only with the targeted audience but also suppliers. Important to us has been that when the call went out, the right people responded to support our delivery of this kaupapa. For that we are proud and grateful.

I wish to acknowledge my team who brought their collective expertise and enthusiasm to this mahi.

Ehara taku toa e te toa takitahi engari he toa takimano.

Amokura Panoho