Awarua Rūnaka

Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata National Kapa Haka Festival

After months of discipline, training, sweat and sacrifice, a few born & bred Bluffys from the Bradshaw whānau, descendants of Motupōhue, took the National stage of Te Matatini.

Mokopuna and tuarua of the late Norman Tamaiharanui (Kāti Māmoe; Waitaha; Ngāi Tūāhuriri) & Ngawara Bradshaw (nèe Kereti) mai te waka o Te Arawa.

Two of whom are sons of Blackie and the late Maria Tini. The Manukura Tāne of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Koro Tamai-Aaranui Patariki Tini; and his youngest brother Tukiri Te Rakiamoa Hipirini Tini in Te Maataarae I O Rehu. Koro’s youngest son, Awanuiarangi Patariki Tini also stood with Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao. A proud moment for his dad, siblings and mum Monique – he uri nō te whānau Spencer.

Standing with their Rāpaki whānau in Te Ahikaaroa were the mokopuna of Tame and the late Huhana Morgan. Thomas Pahi Aerepo-Morgan, Manukura Tāne, performed alongside his first cousin, Mereana Teitei Pokiri Morgan –also a mokopuna of Doe and the late Pura Parata.

Many of our Awarua whānau tuned in to watch –beaming with pride, smiles and tears of admiration. Heartfelt messages and celebratory posts were soon sent to the performers. One posting ″You my young cousins have empowered me with your performances, with so much mana and aroha″.

Through their effortless display and expertise portraying the true essence of our Māori culture and heritage, key messages were depicted through emotional and powerful combinations of waiata, mōteatea, ā-ringa, poi and haka.

A special mention to Jasmine Waerea and daughter Zeeah Rona Waerea-Tamai whom performed in one of the top 12 finalist rōpū, Te Hekenga A Rangi. Daughter and mokopuna of the late Dianne Hohaia (nèe Larsen), mokopuna and tuarua of the late Rona Larsen (nèe Ryan).

Te Rau Aroha Marae and Awarua Rūnanga would like to congratulate all our whānau on their prestigious performances.

E ngā manawa tītī, wāhia te tūātea above: Four generations of stunning Ryan beauty! With her daughter, mokopuna and tuarua, Taua, Rona Jane Marewa Larsen* (nèe Ryan); Dianne Tokerau Hohaia* (nèe Larsen); Jasmine Marewa Waerea; and mokopuna/tuarua Zeeah Rona Waerea-Tamai. (*Dcd). Photo credit: Jamie Rolleston, Ohinemutu, Te Arawa.

Mereana with her brothers, sister and sister-in-law. A real family affair!

Koro acknowledged those whom have passed just prior to their beuatiful waiata tira.

Right, top: Father & Son, Koro and Awanuiarangi after their heartfelt performance with Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao. Photo credit: private collection.

Right, centre: Taiaha during their haka! Mīharo rawa atu Awanuiarangi!

Rangatahi Tumeke 10 Year Celebration

Rangatahi Tumeke celebrated 10 years of operation on Friday 17th March at Te Rau Aroha Mare. Rangatahi Tumeke Charitable Trust have been hosting camps and leadership programmes for young rangatahi Māori over the past 10 years involving 360 tamariki. The camps are held in the Catlins where the learn skills including floundering, fishing, abseiling, and camping out. Director Stephanie Blair wanted young rangatahi to connect to the nature and environment as well as kapa haka, waiata, karakia and learning about their whakapapa.

Right, below: Te Whakawātea! Photo credit: private collection. Rangatahi

Korowai Graduation

On Sunday 26th February Te Rau Aroha Marae held Korowai Graduation. All whānau who had participated in korowai with Helen Wilson and had completed a whānau or pēpi korowai graduated, receiving a certificate of achievement and celebration with amazing kai. Graduates brought along whānau to celebrate with them, 90 people attend this prestigious celebration.

It was astounding the many different designs and the thought that went into each korowai made.

A special part of this event was when Southland Hospital

Representative Sarah Stokes was presented with a bundle of korowai that were made by korowai members for whānau who experience still born pēpi. We were able to do this with the support from funding received from New Zealand Aluminium Smelters. Matua Bubba Thompson received his korowai as well, story below.

Korowai Presentation

Written by Said Ferguson

Dad, poua, Bubba, Bub, Matua and the list goes on. A man who for many years has put his life and soul into Te Rau Aroha to help get to where we are today. Lots of time memories and love has been spent at Te Rau Aroha learning over the years and watching Dad put his talent and passion into practise on the marae for all is a selfless act. Being a huge part of Tahu Pōtiki coming to life to being on the paepae after finding his reo putting everything he learnt to practise to make Te Rau Aroha a place to feel like home for all. He’s forever learning and sharing his knowledge for all young and old. Thanks to the amazing work of Helen, Dad was gifted an amazing Korowai for his mahi and aroha over the years, for those who know Bubba he’s not one to be lost for words but yesterday was a time to see him humbled and grateful for being recognised. I know a highlight was having his moko Lach & Moo there to be part of the presentation, the kids will probably not think much of it now but one day they’ll look back and smile. Keep doing what you’re doing Daddy we all appreciate you and what you have done for Te Rau Aroha.

Office News

Office hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Remember if you have registered with Ngāi Tahu and you whakapapa back Awarua, you still need to contact the office to register with us, email office@awaruarunaka.iwi.nz.

Te Ara A Kiwa Book Launch

Te Rau Aroha Marae is often used as a venue to tell Pūrākau, however on Wednesday 22 February Te Ara A Kiwa Pukapuka was launched. Tamariki from Motupōhue Bluff School, St Teresa’s and Te Rourou gathered at the beautiful to celebrate the launch of a new story book based on the creation of Te Ara A Kiwa – Foveaux Strait.

This book was written by Bubba Thompson and Michael Stevens, edited and translated by Paulette Tamati-Elliffe. It represents a way for tamariki locally and nationwide to learn local place names and history of the Motupōhue area as well as celebrate te reo Māori.