Huaki “To bring to Light”
Edition 22
Friday, August 29, 2025
EVENT WRAP UP: He Wānanga mō Te Tiriti i Te Hiku
H
e Wānanga mō Te Tiriti i Te Hiku – Kaitāia was a meaningful and engaging gathering of pakihi Māori from across Te Hiku o Te Ika. The wānanga brought together a vibrant group of pakihi owners and leaders for a working lunch and kōrero with guest speakers Tukaha Milne and Te Hiwi Preston, exploring what Te Tiriti in Practice looks like for Māori businesses today, with a strong focus on sustainability
woven throughout the kaupapa. Tukaha Milne shared powerful insights on Māori governance and the role of Te Tiriti in shaping values-based, culturally grounded business practices. Te Hiwi Preston offered whakaaro on embedding sustainable approaches that uphold tikanga and reflect our relationship with whenua. Their kōrero encouraged deep reflection on how pakihi Māori can ground their mahi in Te Tiriti o
Waitangi while navigating the challenges and opportunities within Te Ao Māori. The wānanga drew strong attendance and positive feedback, with participants valuing the speakers and the opportunity to connect kanohi ki te kanohi. We acknowledge and thank our guest speakers, Tukaha and Te Hiwi, for their time and whakaaro. Their contributions helped
shape a powerful and impactful experience. This wānanga laid a solid foundation for future kaupapa and reaffirmed the importance of Māori-led business spaces grounded in tikanga, mātauranga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Kaikohe and Kaipara, we’re excited to bring this important kōrero to your rohe. Keep an eye on your inbox and socials for details — we’d love to see you there.
VOTE TIPENE NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL
TE RAKI MĀORI
FOR
KIA PŪMAU KI TE TIRITI - HE WHAKAPUTANGA BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT FRESHWATER FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Authorised by Pita Tipene. Email: pitatipenefornrc@gmail.com
2
HUAKI
AUNTY’S GARDEN
Kumara Bake
Hanui Lawrence
Aunty’s Ravioli
Ingredients: 4 cups of cooked ravioli 3 boneless chicken breasts 3 red onions 1 clove of garlic Splash of soya sauce Cooking oil 2 Maggi sachets of creamy chicken 1 cup of cream 1 cup of water 1⁄4 cup of milk 100g of butter 2 cups of mushrooms 4 cloves of garlic 2 tsp of crushed garlic cloves Method: Dice the chicken, peel the garlic and saute in oil until chicken cooked then put aside. Mix maggi sachets with 1⁄2 cupof cream and water, mix it upand add to the cooked ravioli. Cut up mushrooms and fry in a pot with 2 tablespoons of butter, add 1⁄2 cup of cream, 1⁄4 cup of milk. Add everything together, the ravioli mixture, the cooked chicken mixture, and the mushrooms mixture in a large wok and cook them throughtogether. Serve hot with a wfreshly made salad. Perfectly delicious.
Kumara Bake is easy, tasty, and only takes 20 minutes to bake. Ingredients: 4 medium kumara 500g mozzarella cheese, 500g cream 2 red onions 4 slices of bacon Salt and pepper
Method: Steam kumara, don’t overcook, cool, slice into rounds and layer into roasting dish, then saute onions and the bacon, layer on top of kumara, spread over grated cheese then pour over cream. It’s easy, it’s tasty, it’s yummy, and it only takes 20 minutes to bake.
TAONGA O TE AO TRE ASURE S OF THE WORLD
Proudly providing services for 22 years to the Tai Tokerau business community NORTHLAND owned, focused and operated accounting firm providing services in: • Audit, Investigation & Forensic Research • Office of the Auditor General Approved School Auditor • Small to Medium Size Direct Business Support and Tax Services • Advisor to Maori Land Court • Maori Business Advisory & Mentoring Proud recipient of the 2023 Tai Tokerau Maori Business Leadership Award
Contact us at: 57 Clyde Street,POBox 627,Whangarei 0140 Ph: (09) 4382312 Email: info@bennettca.co.nz Web: www.bennettca.co.nz Showcasing local artists The little shop with a big heart. 36 Gillies St, Kawakawa Ph 09 404 0732 Mon-Fri 9am–4pm & Sat-Sun 9am-3pm
HUAKI
3
Whāriki6:
Success on Our Terms – It’s Who We Are By Roimata Haika
Success isn’t just about what we do — it’s about who we are and the legacy we leave. In this inspiring kōrero, Meg Smith shares her journey from employee to entrepreneur.
S
uccess isn’t just about what we do — it’s about who we are and the legacy we leave. In this inspiring kōrero, Meg Smith shares her journey from employee to entrepreneur, a path that began with defining success on her own terms, owning her story, and leading with authenticity.
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM NZST Online via Te Hapori o Whāriki
This session will help you explore how to: • • • •
Define who you want to be and what you want to be known for Take ownership of the stories told about you and your pakihi Use storytelling as a powerful business tool Leverage AI to refine and amplify your message while keeping your authentic voice
Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, this kōrero will challenge you to think about how success is measured and inspire you to lead with confidence and clarity. About the Speaker: Meg Smith Meg Smith is a Māori tech leader, entrepreneur, and AI strategist passionate about empowering people to embrace emerging technologies. As the founder of Cloverbase, her mahi focuses on teaching individuals and organisations how to become
digitally literate, AI-enabled, and future-ready. Meg brings a wealth of knowledge, practical insights, and a commitment to helping Māori businesses thrive in the digital age. Why Attend? • Gain fresh perspectives on success and leadership • Learn practical ways to harness storytelling and AI in business • Connect with the Whāriki network and be part of the kōrero shaping the future of Māori business
5
HUAKI
The People behind KMR … Waihaua Marae
Whānau connected to Ngāti Whātua Waihaua Marae, which overlooks the Arapāoa River as it feeds into the Kaipara harbour, are clearly passionate about their aspirations for the whenua.
T
is a desire by whānau to continue with more planting as the years roll on.
hey want the land, and the Kaipara Moana respected and restored to what it once was with an abundance of healthy and available kai moana for whānau, vast tracts of replanted natives and an end to erosion.
They are keen to play their part and over the past couple years have taken leadership in beginning the process of planting natives around pockets of the Kaipara Moana catchment.
Ideally, whānau want to partner more with KMR, along with others where practical, to continue their mahi to make the whenua and moana healthier, cleaner and more productive. All this with the aim of ensuring the whenua is passed on to future generations of tamariki and rangatahi so they too can care for the land.
Just over 10,000 native stems - including wīwī, pūkio and tī kōuka - have been planted around riparian and wetland areas, in partnership with Kaipara Moana Remediation and there
The whānau agree there needs to be a common understanding of what is driving their desire to enhance the land, as well as work towards an intergenerational plan, as more
Put simply, there is a clear and collective desire to bring the whenua back to what it once was – to enhance and protect it – by working together. Those on the marae believe this is possible through more fencing and ongoing planting of natives, both of which act as buffer to protect the waterways feeding into the Kaipara Moana, while also enhancing and restoring the shoreline by limiting erosion.
KMR supports groups to protect and restore the Kaipara Moana
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Whenua Whānui Fund supports groups to participate in projects that protect the Kaipara Moana. Our projects support people, places, and nature. KMR invests in projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land. Our projects:
Mātauranga Māori HIRINI MOKO MEAD
I
• • • • •
n Mātauranga Māori, Hirini Moko Mead explores the Māori knowledge system and explains what mātauranga Māori is. He looks at how the knowledge system operates, the branches of knowledge, and the way knowledge is recorded and given expression in te reo Māori and through daily activities and formal ceremonies. Mātuaranga Māori is a companion publication to Hirini Moko Mead’s best-selling book Tikanga Māori.
IN ENTER TO W
Victoria University of Wellington and was an inspired founder of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Whakatāne. A scholar of Māori language and culture, Tā Hirini was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006 and received a knighthood in 2009 for his services to Māori and to education.
WIN A COPY OF MĀTAURANGA MĀORI
To enter, simply send us your name and postal address with “knowledge” in the subject line, to regionalcompetitions@nzme.co.nz Entries close 12pm, Wednesday September 3, 2025. Winners prizes will be posted out.
Help valued species to thrive Restore mahinga kai Diversify on-farm income Help meet environmental standards Increase resilience to storms and extreme weather
The Whenua Whānui Fund is open to all groups including iwi/hapū, marae, landcare groups, catchment groups, kaitiaki, schools and trusts administering land with multple ownership.
THE AUTHOR Hirini Moko Mead Distinguished Professor Tā Hirini Moko Mead Mead (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa and Tūhourangi) is a writer, commentator, composer, artist and tribal leader. He is the author of over seventy books, papers and articles. He was foundation professor of Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka
Marina Ford, KMR’s Mana Whenua Relations Lead says “The work the whānau around Waihaua have completed shows KMR’s Whenua Whānui Fund in action. It’s about collective action and joining together on achievable projects so you can see your progress. We’re always keen to sit down to talk about how the Whenua Whānui Fund can help groups deliver on long-term aspirations. I am really proud of our whānau and wider community taking small steps to protect our whenua and moana”.
whānau embrace the opportunity to restore the health and the mauri of the Kaipara Moana and the surrounding whenua.
The Whenua Whānui Fund offers: • A Site Visit - a KMR Field Advisor walks the whenua with you to understand your aspirations and sediment reduction options and priorities. • Project Funding – KMR can fund up to 70% of the estimated project works including fencing, site preparation, planting and plant release costs. • A Sediment Reduction Plan – your Field Advisor prepares a Plan to unlock KMR funding. Once a contract is signed, the mahi can begin and a first instalment invoiced and paid. • Community engagement and project management – KMR can assist with some of the costs of running your project. • Advice & Support – your Field Advisor can assist you through the project to help the mahi stay on track. If you are thinking about planting near waterways or on erodible hillsides this winter, get in touch with KMR as soon as possible.
Come and join us! Contact us to get started: hono@kmr.org.nz
6
HUAKI
Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland recognised at environmental awards
He Ringa Raupā, He Ngākau Aroha: Planting the Seeds of Kaitiakitanga at Lake Rototuna By Te Arai Native Nursery
U An innovative Te Taitokerau energy company that harnesses the sun’s energy to provide sustainable power to whānau, marae and hapū won the Environmental Action in Business category in the 2025 Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao Environmental Awards.
T
ū Mai Rā Energy Northland is a Māoriowned solar power company based in Whangārei. In the five years since it was established, its mahi has benefited thousands of people, especially Māori in rural areas vulnerable to power disruptions. The company installs solar power systems with battery back-up. Working closely with Foundation North and Ngāti Hine, they have fitted out marae across the rohe with both offgrid and grid-tied solar power systems.
Their business model improves climate resilience for rural communities in Te Taitokerau and contributes to a greater uptake of renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But the company’s work delivers many other benefits, too.
Company director Ella Te Huia says Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland enables marae to keep operating even during power cuts.
“Our installations have the added benefit of reducing the marae’s power bill. Some marae have had a 70-90% reduction in their power bill. Not only that, we’re dedicated to help build local capacity and support local economies by employing and training local people to help carry out the work.”
“In case of an emergency the marae can still provide power, heating, and water, so there’s a warm dry place for people to go, especially in remote rural areas.”
Judges praised Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland’s emphasis on upskilling locals, fostering resilient communities, providing resources to marae, and reducing carbon outputs.
nder the expansive skies of Poutō and beside the shimmering waters of Lake Rototuna, a beautiful expression of kotahitanga unfolded. It was a day where hands met soil, hearts met purpose, and generations met in the spirit of restoration. Mana whenua, government agencies, and kura gathered with a shared vision—to uplift the mauri of this sacred lake and nurture the next generation of kaitiaki o te taiao. Led by Environs Te Uri o Hau and supported by the Northland Regional Council (NRC) , the Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR), the Department of Conservation (DOC), this kaupapa was a living tapestry of collaboration. Mātauranga Māori stood shoulder to shoulder with western science, each thread strengthening the other. The whenua welcomed the touch of spades, the rhythm of gumboots, and the aroha of those who came to give back. Tamariki and rangatahi from Te Kōpuru Primary, Poutō School, and Ngāti Whātua Rūnanga brought their vibrant energy, curiosity, and joy. Through kōrero, waiata, and mahi, they were immersed in the wisdom of their tūpuna and the insights of today’s environmental experts. This was more than a planting day—it was a transmission of knowledge, a weaving of whakapapa, and a celebration of intergenerational learning.
The laughter of children echoed across the lake, mingling with birdsong and the rustle of native plants finding new homes. Each small hand moved with intention, planting not just seedlings but hope. A highlight of the day came when tamariki gathered close, singing to the lake and its new life. Their voices carried mauri across the whenua—bright, purposeful, and strong enough to carry 2758native plants into the future. Shared kai warmed the body, while shared stories nourished the soul. The wairua of the day lingered long after the last seedling was nestled into the earth. This kaupapa continues to grow. On Thursday 15 August, the next Pātaka Kai Poutō Lakes Wānanga will be held at Lake Kahuparere, from 10am to 4pm. Hosted by Environs Te Uri o Hau, KMR, and DOC, the wānanga will include a planting session and kōrero centred on the Kōrero Tuku Iho-based restoration plan— honouring the stories, science, and spirit of the whenua. All are welcome to join this movement of aroha, action, and unity. Together, we restore not only our lakes, but our collective wellbeing. For directions to Lake Kahuparere, visit: https://shorturl.at/PtxFM “Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.” With your food basket and mine, the people will thrive.
Cape Brett
Rakaumangamanga Te Rāwhiti Inlet
Bay of Islands
Whangaruru Harbour
KEY Maunganui Bay to Opourua no-take area* Mimiwhangata no-take area* Te Rāwhiti Inlet controlled exotic caulerpa area, no-take, no anchoring, no-diving
Mimiwhangata Te Ruatahi
Cape Brett no commercial fishing area *Except kina
Protect
OUR MOANA
nrc.govt.nz/marineareas
Spring is on the Way
Let’s grow together! Mangawhai and surrounding areas, it’s almost Spring - the perfect time to care for your garden and prepare it for the seasons ahead. Drop by Te Arai Native Nursery to discuss best practices for garden maintenance, including how to use sheep’s wool to lock in moisture and care for your native plants. Our team is here to help you grow a thriving, sustainable garden this season. Come visit us for expert advice and all your gardening needs! Open 5 days a week.
Reach out to us or explore our website for more information
www.tearainative.com
Key Details: • • • •
First cohort starts: February 2026 Intake: Years 11–13 only, day and boarding students Kura location: Central Auckland Hostel location: Parnell
For more information about Te Kāpehu Whetū and its expansion into Tāmaki Makaurau, visit: • • •
Te Kāpehu Whetū website - www.tkw.ac.nz Tāmaki Makaurau landing page - www.tkwtamaki.ac.nz Email info@tkwtamaki.ac.nz
#timo
An iwi media collaboration with funding by
1. (verb) (-hia,-tia) to peck (as a bird), to nibble 2. te kūkupa news headlines from te tai tokerau
Thursday 10th July 2025
Ngāi Tūteauru sign declaration affirming mana motuhake Wednesday 30th July 2025
Otangarei Knights secure 3peat RLN championship Otangarei Knights have etched their name into Rugby League Northland history with their third consecutive grand final win at Semenoff Stadium on Saturday. The top side took on last years finalists, Takahiwai Warriors, in the final bout of the Mens RLN Premier finals and winning 26-12. A strong turn out of whānau and supporters filled the stands to witness Orowhano Dragons claim the win against Kerikeri Mako in the Northland U16 Boys competition curtain raiser, followed by a contentious 80-minute grand final. Head coach, Verne Wilson (Ngāti Toro) said whanaungatanga endured through a challenging match. “I’m proud of how the team stuck in. 12-10 to Takahiwai at half-time, but managed to focus and pull it back.”
Ngāi Tūteauru have now spent more than 73 days occupying their whenua at Kohatutaka, strengthening their stand with the signing of He Whakatūturutanga o te Mana Motuhake — a declaration affirming their ancestral authority and rejecting the Crown’s proposed lease process. The document reasserts their status as an independent hapū with enduring mana whenua, whakapapa, and decision-making rights. Whānau continue to hold the land, signalling a growing movement for hapū sovereignty across the motu. As momentum builds, Ngāi Tūteauru call on the Crown to step back and acknowledge their tino rangatiratanga.
Wednesday 9th July 2025
Stage set for Te Ika a Ranganui haka theatre premiere Thursday 7th August 2025
Haukāinga trio brings new life to timeless classics Ancestrally inspired voices of tomorrow, Whitirea, a harmonious trio hailing from Te Kao, showcases the raw talent of twelve-year-old Suzy Ratu (Te Aupōuri) alongside the Kani sisters: Raukura, who is also 12, and 9-year-old Pare Waikato (Te Aupōuri, Te Ihutai). Together, they infuse their unique flair into local waiata Māori, aiming to revitalise new life into songs that whānau from Te Tai Tokerau will recognise. Whitirea has performed a selection of classic waiata alongside contemporary whakangahau songs often featured in popular Kapa Haka brackets. They have performed at various venues throughout Te Hiku and recently made an appearance on an episode of Nā Wai i Teka.
A live haka theatre production commemorating one of the deadliest battles between Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi is set to premiere today at the Q Theatre in Tamaki Makarau. The production includes waiata and key elements of the 1825 battle which saw over 700 uri from various Ngāti Whātua hapū in the Kaipara, annihilated. Joe Pihema (Ngāti Whātua) says the theatre production, which features Ngāti Whātua kapa haka Te Uri o Manumanu, is a continuation of the 200-year commemorations held in Kaiwaka earlier this year. The show premieres today with final performance held tomorrow night.
Friday 8th August 2025
Grand Final marks another successful year of Tai Tokerau rugby league History will be made in Te Tai Tokerau this Saturday, August 9, when the Whangaroa Marlins take on the Tautoro Titans in the season’s final at Awanui. Both teams have been consistent throughout the season, securing their spots in what is set to be an intense finale. Supporters from across the region, including loyal Whangaroa and Tautoro fans, are expected to flood Awanui grounds as the showdown between the two Te Tai Tokerau powerhouses highlights the finer aspects of grassroots rugby league.
Wednesday 13th August 2025
Tinopai community launch kutai restoration project for Kaipara A small Tinopai community rōpū has launched a kutai restoration project to improve the water quality in the Kaipara Harbour. The Tinopai Resource Management Unit, with local kura, marae & community support, secured start-up funding from the Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Kōrero Tuku Iho fund. The project aims to share mātauranga and pūrākau on kaitiakitanga, as well as restore kai systems for local whānau. The project team hope to meet with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, to learn from the successful mussel bed restoration efforts in Ōhiwa Harbour. Spokesperson, Kristeen Prangley (Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Whātua) says mussels used to be abundant in the area, so the project is a natural progression from the current land-based restoration efforts to minimise sediment degradation to the moana. She says the initial site tests are promising, but ongoing monitoring and community support will be vital to the project’s success.
Friday 8th August 2025
Te Tai Tokerau Rongoā Māori Collective shares matauranga in Rarotonga
Kura kaupapa Māori dominate in regional kapa haka competition Three kura kaupapa Māori from Te Tai Tokerau came out on top at the Tōkihi ki Tua regional kapa haka competition for secondary schools at Papa Hawaiki in Kaikohe. In a remarkable showcase of cultural excellence and grace, the Tōkihi ki Tua judging panel faced the challenging task of selecting the top three kapa from a pool of fifteen to represent the region at next year’s Tōkihi ki Tua national secondary Kapa Haka competition in Tauranga. Te Pū o Te Wheke (TKKM o Kaikohe) secured the top first place spot, with Te Rangi Āniwaniwa in second, followed by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa .
/tekukupanews @tekukupa.news NGĀTI HINEE
fm fm
Friday 8th August 2025
Over 30 Rongoā Māori practitioners from Te Tai Tokerau have arrived in Rarotonga for a unique haerenga, led by Jaycee Tipene-Thomas (Ngāti Hine) and Joanne Murray (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine). The haerenga is inspired by whakaaro reflected by renowned practitioner, Tohe Ashby around “Who heals the healers?”. The rōpū are taking time to rest, reconnect and share mātauranga. Hosted by NGO Kōrero O Te`Ōrau, the exchange includes rongoā Māori, mahi taiao, and Whare Tū Taua. Their visit also aligns with the Maeva Nui 60th Constitution celebrations and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, strengthening ties across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
Monday 25th August 2025
Growing waiata in Te Tai Tokerau through a series of wānanga The newly established performing arts movement, Te Whare Haka o Manaia, has kick-started a series of wānanga throughout Whangārei in an effort to grow the waiata space through the revitalisation of traditional songs and compositions unique to Te Tai Tokerau. Lee Morunga, one of the facilitators of Te Whare Haka o Manaia says in these wānanga, tauira will have the chance to engage in a collaborative approach to celebrate what it means to be Te Tai Tokerau. Lee is joined by facilitators, Reo Dunn, Shaquile Shortland and Kyllie Tippet who each bring their own unique expertise in te reo, kapa haka and waiata.