3 minute read
Kooti Rangatahi
MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION, AND EMPLOYMENT
We have had two different contract managers assigned to this project through the duration. The relationship with MBIE has been very good, with Carol Ngawati completing two visits of the marae throughout her time as current contract manager. One visit in July and the second in November which allowed her to see the progress and changes in each project. It has been great for her to visualise the work on hand, meet the kaimahi, and see for herself the type of renovation issues marae has been dealing with throughout this project.
The new contingency and repurposing application process that MBIE implemented in June 2021 has proven to be time consuming and has caused delays in progress. COVID-19
COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown has impacted some marae completion timelines. In addition, the national building material shortage has caused concern.
To mitigate risks, the marae cluster was encouraged to confirm material orders with suppliers, eliminating the potential for incurring increased costs, in addition, when the district returned to L2 restrictions, suppliers were able to deliver back-ordered goods enabling our marae projects to commence work with all building supplies on hand. Other concerns for the organisation included lost time and continuing the payment of wages to employees. With the guidance of MBIE and the Finance Team, the Government wage subsidy programme provided the financial security needed at that time. Time extensions have been approved for projects that clearly demonstrated the need, as well as requests for additional staff to further support project completions within their agreed timeframes.
CONCLUSION
In March 2021 the first marae commenced the renovation work and all 12 marae have continued to progress. Most marae are on track to conclude their renovation works before December 17, 2021, with the exclusion of Rangataua Marae who is due to fully complete in January 2022 and Puawairua Marae with their end date in June 2022.
We look forward to celebrating the re-opening of these taonga.
Kōhao Rau Rangatahi Rau Report
In ANZAC weekend of this year (23rd-26th April), over 40 Ngāti Awa rangatahi representing 18 of our Ngāti Awa hapū gathered from around Aotearoa at Te Hokowhituā-Tū Marae. Kōhao Rau Rangatahi Rau, was a weekend inspired by the whakataukī ‘Ko Awanuiārangi, kōhao rau, tangata rau’ celebrating the abundance, prosperity, and potential that is our inheritance as urī of Awanuiārangi. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa generously supported the wānanga, as a kaupapa lead completely by Ngāti Awa rangatahi, for Ngāti Awa rangatahi. Whakawhānaungatanga, workshops, kai, kōrero, wānanga, and visiting sites of significance to our Iwi characterised the wānanga, bringing together a rich tapestry of interests, backgrounds, and life experience. Our kaikōrero and panel discussions evidenced Ngāti Awa excellence across a range of fields and kaupapa, giving so much for our generation to be proud of and inspired to contribute to.
At the conclusion of our time together was the acknowledgement that Ngāti Awa rangatahi have the energy, skills, and desire to contribute to the Iwi, and are looking for opportunities to do so, under the guidance and direction of those who fought for our future so far. Opportunities to return home and learn more about who we are, are invaluable and have a significant impact on Iwi identity and pride. Ngāti Awa rangatahi feel strongly about the issues facing our Iwi, and, with guidance and support, want to be involved in creating solutions. We look forward to seeing more opportunities for Ngāti Awa rangatahi to connect, learn, and contribute meaningfully in the years to come.
