Hakihea/December 2006 Issue 2 1
E rere atu na Tainui return to Puukawa
te hookioi
Situated near the beautiful Waihi Falls, at the south-western corner of Lake Taupo is Puukawa Marae, the site Pootatau Te Wherowhero was chosen to be the first Maaori King. The historic event took place in November 1856 and was the second of a series of meetings held following Pootatau’s reluctant acceptance to the kingship. This meeting was of special significance because chiefs and representatives of principal tribes of New Zealand were in attendance to confirm Te Ariki o Ngaati Tuuwharetoa, Te Heuheu Tuukino VIII Pootatau’s position. A memorial was erected to and Kiingi Tuheitia mark the site and records the names of twelve illustrious chiefs of that era and stands in remembrance of those assembled in support of establishing the Kiingitanga. 150 years later, Tainui return to Puukawa to celebrate the opening of a new tupuna whare, Manunui-a-Ruakapanga. In this special Christmas edition of Te Hookioi, we follow the multitudes to Ngaati Tuuwharetoa.
New Tribal Development Unit A newly established Tribal Development Unit has joined the team at the Waikato Raupatu Trustee Company Ltd. Headed by manager Marae Tukere Ngaati Mahuta Tuurangawaewae Marae, the unit will work alongside long-serving tribal registrations staff, Moera Solomon and Teeny Tukere. Four new team members are: Johnine Davis Ngaati Mahuta/Wairere Taupiri Marae, Janet Falwasser Ngaati Mahuta Taniwha Marae, Eric Pene Ngaati Wairere Hukanui Marae and Haereata Poutapu Ngaati Mahuta/ Naho Maurea Marae.
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Five strategic areas have been identified for the unit to focus on, they are; education, health and wellbeing, whakakotahitanga, maatauranga and resource management. For each area, the unit will be required to achieve the following objectives: • identify the challenges faced by the tribe; • define tribal focus and rationalise priorities; • advise how tribal investment can achieve tribal outcomes; and • manage the tribal register and grants distribution processes. Marae says the unit is re-developing the Tainui website, analysing the recent marae survey, reviewing grants distribution policies, scoping a report of iwi and other service providers, and will soon be assisting with the completion of a tribal census. “This work will help to inform us about where we are as a tribe,” Marae said. “It’ll also help us to develop initiatives for progress in the five kaupapa areas. We’ve got a fantastic team with a wealth of experience and a range of skill sets.” The Tribal Development Unit can be contacted by calling Tainui on 0800 824 684
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Photo from left: Janet Falwasser, Marae Tukere, Haereata Poutapu, Johnine Davis and Eric Pene.
New tupuna whare at Puukawa Marae, Manunui
Tainui return to Puukawa - a new tupuna whare 150 years from the choosing of the first Maaori King, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa welcome the motu to Puukawa Marae for the opening of a new tupuna whare. The opening which was held on Saturday 18 November 2006, fulfilled an aspiration started in 1918 whe the first funds were raised. Around 3000 people attended the historic event, some arriving earlier in the week to help with preparations. For Ngaati Manunui it has been a long journey and many of those involved in completing the house, have since passed on. Through the very special relationship binding Tainui and Ngaati Tuuwharetoa and in accordance with the wishes of the late Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, Sir Robert Mahuta and Tumate Mahuta, Tainui have assisted Ngaati Manunui in the completion of the project. The beautiful carving work commenced in the Waikato nearly 50 years ago. Tainui carvers worked tirelessly over the last eight years and finished masterpieces at Hopuhopu, Ngaaruawaahia. The tupuna whare has been built to commemorate the eponymous ancestor of Ngaati Manunui, Manunui-aRuakapanga
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HAKIHEA/DECEMBER 2006
i-a-Ruakapanga. Opened on 18 November 2006
“Pootatau, this day I create you King. You and Queen Victoria shall be as one; the religion of Christ shall be the mantle of your protection, and the mat on which your feet shall stand forever and ever shall be the law”... Te Heuheu Iwikau, Paramount Chief of Ngaati Tuuwharetoa at the coronation of Pootatau Te Wherowhero held in Ngaaruawaahia in 1858.
Photos: Left border - from top • The multitudes converge on Puukawa Marae for the opening of the tupuna whare, Manunui-a-Ruakapanga. • Kaahui Ariki whaanui - te kawe mate o Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu. • The warrior lays down the challenge. • Ra te Haeata, gateway to Puukawa Marae. Carved by Whanganui Awa whaanau
Photos: Right border - from top • Ngaati Manunui welcome the visitors to Puukawa • Te Waka Taua Rangatahi arrives • Tangata Whenua respond with an impromptu haka • Waka Taua kaihoe - young and old 2006 DECEMBER/HAKIHEA
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Tainui Waka Sports Awards 2006 In late October, the second Tainui Waka Sports Awards were held celebrating the sporting achievements of our people from Hauraki, Maniapoto, Raukawa and Waikato. The evening was hosted by the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust in recognition of sports people, administrators, coaches and umpires. More than 250 sporting personalities, invited guests and tribal members from varying backgrounds converged on the Waikato Endowed College to celebrate the awards. In this edition of Te Hookioi we showcase some of the winners and congratulate all nominees, finalists and the families who provide the support and dedication essential to achieving excellence in sports.
Senior Sportswoman of the Year 2006 Farah Palmer Ngaati Mahuta, Te Kooraha Marae has been a Black Fern for more than ten years, but she isn’t just any Black Fern. Farah has played 35 tests and of those she captained 30. To ‘cap’ it off, Farah led the Black Ferns to win three consecutive Women’s Rugby World Cups including this year’s after an impressive final against England. But wait, there’s more. Farah has also achieved a Doctorate of Philosophy showing great discipline and determination on her part. Much of her success she attributes to the support of her whaanau and she hopes she will be remembered for her role in ensuring a sense of cultural pride and identity in her teams as ambassadors of Aotearoa.
Tainui Waka Service to Sport Winners 2006
Farah Palmer is the winner of the Tainui Waka Supreme Award for Sporting Excellence and the Senior Sportswoman of the Year 2006.
Hoturoa Kerr Ngaati Mahuta, Tuurangawaewae Marae has been a major influence in the establishment of waka ama, not only here in the Waikato but all over the motu. He is a competitor, a world champion and holds gold medals and many titles. Hoturoa has administrated and coached at all levels and was directly involved in bringing the 2006 Waka Ama World Championships to Karapiro in March. A strong advocate of the participation of Maaori in waka sports and education he has been on numerous committees and boards. Hoturoa is currently teaching rangatahi through Te Toki Voyaging Trust initiatives, how our ancestors sailed across the Pacific to Aotearoa. Photo from left: Kura Ormsby and Hoturoa Kerr. Kura’s tribal affiliations include hapuu from Waikato, Maniapoto and Tauranga Moana. Kura loves to paddle waka ama and through Hoturoa, she is also learning how to sail traditional ‘waka hourua’, a voyaging canoe navigated by ancient wayfinding using knowledge of the sun, moon, stars, wave patterns, wind, clouds and birds.
Alex Henry Ngaati Wairere, Hukanui Kura Ormsby and Hoturoa Kerr Marae was nominated for his commitment to tribal sports and rugby union. Alex has been at the forefront of tribal sports and will be a familiar face to those that participate at the Tainui Festival, the Ngaaruawaahia Regatta and the annual Koroneihana. Alex helps to organise the many sports programmes that sustain these tribal events and he is a key member of committees responsible for their success. 34% of New Zealand’s professional rugby players are Maaori. The transfer of Maaori players from amateur to professional levels is said to be the highest of any constituent group. At a grassroots level, Alex contributes to the development of Maaori rugby in the Waikato, as a coach and as an administrator.
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Alex and Maria Henry HAKIHEA/DECEMBER 2006
Senior Sportsman of the Year 2006 Dion Crouch Ngaati Whaawhaakia, Te Ohaaki Marae ‘gets a real kick’ out of his chosen sport and has represented New Zealand in many events. Dion is the current South Pacific Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion and is the former Intercontinental Champion. Dion began training when he was only 8-years-old and learnt at a very early age the disciplines required to pursue sporting excellence. Under the watchful guidance of his wife and manager Miriam, he has won several national and international fight titles. Earlier this year he defeated Thai fighter Rukle Shomarlin, and the Cambodian Champion, Ot Buton in a full Thai rules fight. The school principal and world class martial arts fighter is currently preparing for an international title fight to be held in Thailand before Christmas
Senior Sportsman of the Year Dion Crouch with Kiingi Tuheitia at the Tainui Waka Sports Awards 2006
Umpire of the Year 2006 Gavin Whiu Ngaati Maahanga, Te Papaorotu Marae is often seen on television running the sideline officiating Breakers games. Gavin officiates for both Australian and New Zealand leagues and is one of our leading basketball umpires. A testimony to his ability and experience was when he was appointed to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Panel. Some say a highlight of watching basketball are the animated displays from coaches when they disagree with an umpire’s call. Gavin may have had the odd spray of verbal abuse but is known for being consistent, fair and up to the challenge. Take the recent National Maaori Basketball tournament hosted in the Waikato for example. Gavin was settled into a packed stadium ready to enjoy the men’s final between Poneke and Waikato. Before he could get too comfortable, he got that unique Maaori wave (eyebrow lift) coupled with a bit of sign language, “You umpire this one aye cuz. You can leave your jeans on.”
Gavin Whiu with his son, Isaiah
Junior Sportsman of the Year 2006 Maioro Barton Ngaati Tara-Tokanui, Ngahutoitoi Marae competes in wheelchair athletics and basketball and holds a long list of titles, records and medals for New Zealand and Australian events. In fact, Maioro has amassed an astounding collection of more than 20 gold medals over the last three years. Of significant interest however is when he realised his own personal dream by competing at the World Junior Disabled Track and Field Championships this year in Dublin. Maioro may be known for his extraordinary abilities in basketball, but he is now world ranked in athletics: fourth in the world for junior seated discus and javelin and he has two senior world rankings; fifth for seated shot put and 10th for seated discus and javelin
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Miriama Barton with her son, Maioro 2006 DECEMBER/HAKIHEA
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League stars, finalists at the Tainui Waka Sports Awards 2006 Sam Rapira and Greg Eastwood have at least three things in common – they both love rugby league, last year they played in the Junior Kiwi side that blitzed their Australian counterparts, and more importantly, they both come from Tainui. But put them in front of each other on opposite sides of the field and be prepared for fireworks as their affiliations to their league clubs run very deep! Sam Rapira Ngaati Aamaru, Te Awamaarahi Marae made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut earlier this year for the Vodafone Warriors and at only 19years-old, it is said that the prop or second rower provides some real depth up front for the team. The former skipper of the junior Kiwis is mostly recognised for his appearances in the national Bartercard Cup competition playing with the Waicoa Bay Stallions. Greg Eastwood Ngaati Mahuta, Waahi Pa was only 17years-old when he debuted for the Brisbane Broncos. One of the young guns of the Broncos, Greg who is now 19 has also earned himself bragging rights to what is said to be the ultimate accolade in rugby league success, a NRL Telstra Premiership. The Broncos secured the title after beating the Melbourne Storm 15-8 in October’s grand final. Greg has had a tremendous season with the Broncos shining in many of his first grade appearances
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Radio Tainui
has a new General Manager and she has clear ideas on where she’d like the station to head... Trina Koroheke Ngaati Tipa/ Maniapoto is a familiar face around Ngaaruawaahia and has been working at Radio Tainui for the last three years. Trina says a number one priority for her is to improve the Trina Koroheke station’s coverage. “We have two frequencies, 95.4 FM and 96.3 FM,” she said. “We broadcast in and around our tribal boundaries but there are some blind spots particularly in Hamilton and I’d like to see our transmission coverage improved to include these areas.” Trina says another focus is to encourage tamariki in Waikato schools to consider taking up a career in broadcasting. “Over the years the station has had a number of key personalities who have since moved on to bigger and brighter things. There are fantastic career opportunities and I’m keen to see our tamariki looking at options that may send them this way.” Radio Tainui was established as an iwi radio station in 1989 and is one of 21 iwi stations nationwide
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HAKIHEA/DECEMBER 2006
League stars Sam Rapira and Greg Eastwood
‘Bright’ future for Waikato Endowed College Dr Ngapare Hopa recently took the position of Director of the Waikato Endowed College at Hopuhopu Dr Ngapare Hopa and she says the future of the college will depend on there being a community of Tainui scholars. “Our people need to become the iwi’s future academic community - the intellectual engine for leadership, growth and development,” she said. “I want to put into practice our own values of support for the whaanau and to create an alumni of Tainui graduates which will last long into the future.” Whaea Ngapare has arranged an orientation weekend for all Waikato-Tainui post-graduate students who have received educational grants from the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust. She asks that graduates come prepared to give a five minute koorero around their study, progress, research, career aims and ongoing commitments to the iwi which has helped to support them in their studies. Dates: Friday 16 - Sunday 18 February 2007. Venue: Waikato Endowed College, Hopuhopu (SH 1, between Taupiri and Ngaaruawahia) For more information please contact Whaea Ngapare Hopa at Tainui on 0800 824 684
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Photo Credit: Special thanks to Beau Morgan, Waikato Museum
To see her vision realised A new Marae has been opened to give those who pass away overseas, a dignified arrival home. The Auckland Airport Marae is the first of its kind and is a collaborated effort between Tainui and corporate entity, Auckland International Airport Ltd (AIAL). It is expected the Marae will be used for official ceremonies and also for educational purposes. Of special significance, establishing the Marae was
a dream of Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu who no longer wanted loved ones who pass away overseas, to be placed in cargo bays on their arrival home. Many who attended the dawn ceremony in early November, did so to see her vision realised. Te Arikinui’s support to build a Marae for all cultures to use has resulted in the construction of a beautiful meeting house Kaahupaake (pictured above) adorned with carvings and panel work completed by Tainui carvers and craftspeople
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Ask rangatahi who waited tables and worked behind the scenes, one of the things they liked about the Tainui Waka Sports Awards and they will tell you, “getting the black and white Tainui t-shirts to wear!”
Tainui, loud and proud
Around 30 kaimahi, some as young as only 13-years-old, helped with preparations and performed jobs to extend hospitality to the guests at this year’s event. The waitresses in particular were pleased to get a Tainui t-shirt. “It was really awesome to wear the t-shirts and people were saying we looked pretty cool and we stood out,” said 16-year-old Reremoana Stephens Ngaati Maahuta/Hikairo, Tuurangawaewae Marae. Pictured second in from the right, Reremoana says she likes waitressing at Tainui events. “It was so cool seeing our Maaori people that were there and the sports stars”, she said. “This time was a little bit different because we were recognised straight away and the nannies kept telling us we were doing a great job! I felt proud to be there.”
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2006 DECEMBER/HAKIHEA
Te Hookioi 7
Raa whakanui i ngaa kaumaatua Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga students of all ages delighted and warmed kaumaatua with a morning production celebrating the Kiingitanga movement. The programme included a very special tribute in remembrance of Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu. More than 30 kaumaatua and friends from in and around the Huntly district attended the show. There were presentations of the historical events leading to the establishment of the kiingitanga, the crowning of the monarchs, and the passing of Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu. The production was timely with the opening of Puukawa later in the week. Principal ‘Barna’ Heremia said the students needed an opportunity to
recognise and acknowledge their feelings around the loss of Te Arikinui and this was a positive way of doing that. “Our tamariki were extremely confused when Te Arikinui passed,” he said “and the sadness was really heavy. They didn’t know what was going to happen now that she was gone. The show has enforced their perspective of Kiingitanga, of tribal leadership and they are encouraged to continue with the many great things
Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust Tertiary Scholarships 2007 Applications are now open for students enrolled on the tribal registration database who intend studying at a tertiary institution in 2007. Financial assistance is available for either full time or parttime courses. The closing date for students commencing courses in the first semester is Friday 2nd March 2007. The closing date for students commencing courses in the second semester is Friday 29th June 2007. For further information please contact: Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust, Tribal Registration Unit, 451 Old Taupiri Road, Hopuhopu, Ngaaruawaahia. Email:moeras@tainui.co.nz or ring toll free: 0800 104 412.
Did you know... In the 2005/06 year, the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust distributed almost $800,000.00 in educational grants to tribal beneficiaries and associated groups. This provided financial assistance to 447 students to undertake tertiary studies and the like, for the 2006 academic year
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451 OLD TAUPIRI ROAD, PRIVATE BAG 542, NGAARUAWAAHIA. TELEPHONE 07-824 8689, FACSIMILE 07-824 5133, EMAIL tainui@tainui.co.nz, WEBSITE www.tainui.co.nz
This newsletter is produced by the Tribal Development Unit of the Waikato Raupatu Trustee Company Ltd
Te Arikinui wanted for them. The main thing for us is that our tamariki are healing and smiling once more.” Regarded as one of the leading kura kaupapa Maaori in the country, Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga is the largest with over 400 pupils ranging from year one to year 13. All subjects are taught in Maaori except English. The school is located in Huntly but enrols students from Ngaaruawaahia, Hamilton and outside the Waikato
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MAARAMATAKA 1st 8th 14th 26th
Kohi-taatea/January 2007 Horahora Poukai Tainui office opens Kokohinau Poukai Te Arataura/WRTCL meeting
3rd 6th 10th 23rd 24th 25th
Hui-tanguru/February 2007 Taniwha Poukai Waitangi Day Hukanui Poukai Te Arataura/WRTCL meeting Maurea Poukai Te Kauhanganui meeting
3rd 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 17th 18th 24th 25th 29th
Poutuu-te-rangi/March 2007 Poutu Poukai Paaraawera Poukai Hoturoa Poukai Raakaunui Poukai Waipapa Poukai Maketuu Poukai Ookapu Poukai Ngaaruawahia Regatta Tuurangawaewae Poukai Marokopa Poukai Te Tokanganui-a-noho Poukai Te Arataura/WRTCL meeting
7th 10th 15th 25th 27th
Paenga-whaawhaa/April 2007 Huria Poukai Te Papaorotu Poukai Ngaa Tai E Rua Poukai Tainui A Whiro Poukai Te Arataura/WRTCL meeting