Ngā ingoa o ngā rau hāpai o PKW

The meaning and significance of role titles at PKW

Ngā Ingoa o Ngā Rau Hāpai o PKW are names of the kaimahi roles at Paraninihi ki Waitōtara (PKW). The titles are cultural expressions that symbolise the remnants of the past and pave the way for continued growth and development.

Puna Wano-Bryant, Te Rautitkura/General Manager Shareholder Engagement, explains how meaningful titles are important to upholding the story and identity of PKW.

“The names we use need to reflect our unique identity as a Taranaki Māori kaupapa and, in its formal sense, a Taranaki Māori Incorporation which has inherited the remnants of whenua through a leasing regime and are charged with the responsibility to give prosperity to our people.”

All titles begin with a prefix of ‘Te Rau’ denoting a collective connection to PKW and referencing the legacy of raupatu and the endless pursuit of reconnection. The rest of the title emphasises distinct characteristics, skills, and experiences that people possess and are fundamental to the Parininihi ki Waitōtara kaupapa.

Puna and Tonga Karena offer an intriguing insight into the meaning behind some of the titles.

Te Rau Whakahaumako - General Manager Ahuwhenua

Haumako refers to whenua haumako - land that is rich and fertile. This characteristic of Taranaki whenua made for a conflicting and confronting past, however, today it provides the opportunity for prosperity.

Te Rau Whakahaumako ensures the responsible and sustainable treatment of whenua, and the fertile land gifts holistic wellbeing in return.

Te Rau Whakahono Pito - General Manager Property

The Pito is a section of the umbilical cord and refers to the sacred aspects of the birthing process. The name also connotes the practiceof returning the placenta to the whenua: a representation of Māori inherent synergy and links with the land. Whakahono Pito is the process of repairing past severances by reconnecting Māori to the whenua, to their whakapapa, and restoring their identity to Taranaki.

Te Rau Māripiripi - Senior Financial Accountant

The Māripiripi is a traditional knife made from shark tooth that is used to cut through hard surfaces. The kupu is richly embedded in a plethora of Taranaki tupuna kōrero. Māripiripi represents sharpness, precision, and meticulousness; qualities that are upheld by the person responsible for analysing financial transactions and clearly conveying the financial state of Paraninihi ki Waitōtara.

Te Rau Matatoi - Charles Bailey Scholar

The kupu Toi means pinnacle. Te Rau Matatoi depicts the ‘face’ of the person who possesses knowledge, creativity, and expertise in their chosen field of study. The title is granted to the PKW top scholar awarded the Charles Bailey Scholarship – the highest achievement within PKW scholarships and is a recognition of the pursuit of excellence.

Te Rau Matatau - Grant and Scholarship Recipients

Matatau describes being learned, experienced, and competent. Te Rau Matatau is a collective term for all PKW scholars who have achieved their tertiary qualifications. The name acknowledges the accomplishments achieved by these scholars and their proven dedication to their educational pathways and aspirations as Taranaki Māori.

The list of ngā ingoa o ngā rau hāpai o PKW continues to expand as the incorporation grows and the introduction of new roles are established.

Below is a list of additional roles which we will further explore in upcoming issues of Whenua magazine.

Te Rau Māhenihei - H&S Manager

Te Rau Whakauruora - Kaitiaki Cadet/Kaitiaki Taiao

Te Rau Tātai Kura - Shareholder Engagement Advisor

Te Rau Mātorotoro - Procurement Coordinator

Te Rau Mātai - Drystock Supervisor

Te Rau Paetawhiti - Postgraduate Scholar

Te Rau Paetata - Undergraduate Scholar