Huaki “To bring to Light”
Edition 27
Friday, December 19, 2025
MANAAKITANGA IN ACTION: Christmas Kai Support for Whānau
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his month, Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS) delivered its Christmas Kai support response, working alongside trusted community partners to ensure whānau had access to kai and practical support during the festive period. For many whānau, Christmas brings added pressure. Rising costs, reduced income over the holiday shutdown, and ongoing impacts from recent years can make this time especially challenging. In response, NISS coordinated a kaupapa that prioritised manaakitanga, whānau choice and equity. Over the Christmas period, NISS supported more than 115 whānau across Te Tai Tokerau. Support was provided through a mix of kai parcels, vouchers and access to Whata Kai, allowing whānau to choose what best suited their needs, their size and their circumstances. The approach recognised that one solution does not fit all. Some whānau face access and travel barriers, while others require flexibility
around timing. By offering a range of options, including New World vouchers, Whata Kai shopping, and kai boxes, whānau were able to decide what worked best for them. This kaupapa was made possible through strong collaboration with local trusts and organisations. He Kete Kai Hokianga coordinated the Blessings in a Box kaupapa this year, supported by NISS and Te Putahi Nui O Rehua. Bald Angels Charitable Trust also supported whānau through their Christmas kai and gift boxes, a kaupapa grounded in manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. This work recognises the reality that many families go without food or gifts at Christmas, particularly in the current economic climate where inflation and reduced income continue to have an impact. In addition to planned allocations, NISS has ensured support will be available throughout the Christmas and New Year period, with offices closed only from 24 to 26 December and from 31 December to 2 January.
At the heart of this kaupapa is a commitment to manaakitanga and whānau wellbeing. By working collectively and centring whānau choice, NISS and its partners are supporting whānau through a time that can be both joyful and challenging, ensuring no whānau is left without support.
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New patrol boat launched to protect Mimiwhangata moana Te Uri O Hikihiki kaumatua Houpeke Piripi says the boat was a key step towards achieving the aspirations of kaumatua and kuia who led the initial push to establish the Mimiwhangata rāhui tapu marine protected area. The area gained legal protection under the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland in November 2023 after hapū took their concerns about the impact of overfishing to the Environment Court.
The new patrol boat is blessed and named before its official launch.
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new patrol boat was launched on 10 December to better protect the Mimiwhangata marine protected area.
The boat, named Te Mauri at the launch ceremony, is the first dedicated patrol boat protecting the area. Although patrols began last summer, until now they have relied on commercial vessels also used for other functions, such as water taxi and dive services. Te Mauri is a former inflatable rescue boat purchased by Te Uri O Hikihiki Rāhui Tapu Steering Committee Chair Holly Hetaraka, who is also a warranted surveillance officer. Ownership of the boat will ultimately be transferred to Te Uri O Hikihiki hapū and Northland Regional Council will contract the hapū to use it for surveillance. Mr Hetaraka says the boat will give the hapū the opportunity to do the things they want to on the water, including surveillance work, marine pest control, kina management, and upskilling and educating the next generation of kaitiaki with practical skipper training.
“We’ve finally got our first boat to really start to make a positive impact on the environment. We can monitor for people who aren’t aware there’s a rāhui tapu there, monitor the diversity of the moana and watch it grow with our efforts to bring species back into the area, take our rangatahi and whānau out there to show them what we’re doing … there are so many aspects to having this boat,” he said. Northland Regional Council Te Raki Councillor Arama Morunga says the dedication and local knowledge of hapū have been invaluable in successfully implementing and managing protection for the Mimiwhangata rāhui tapu marine protected area. “Hapū have led protection of these areas from the start. We collaborate on everything, from public engagement to compliance surveillance and ecological monitoring. It’s a real partnership and a great example of council’s Tāiki ē strategy working in practice,” he said. A busy summer season is expected and there will be regular patrols of the Mimiwhangata and Rākaumangamanga Rāhui Tapu.
For further information, visit www.nrc.govt.nz/marineareas
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Avocado and Pumpkin Salad Ingredients A lovely bunch of fresh spinach leaves (do not wash) 1 Avocado (sliced) 2 Tomatoes (finely sliced) ¼ of a pumpkin (skinned and chunky cut) 1 handful of pecan nuts (chopped or whole) 1 small red onion (thinly sliced) - optional Cooking oil Salt or Pepper
Method: Prepare all of your vegetables Pan roast the pumpkin - sauté cook in a shallow pan over mediumhigh heat with a small amount of oil, cooking the pieces in a single layer until they are deeply golden and tender. Layer all the ingredients as pictured Sprinkle with an oily dressing (similar to ceaser but more liquidy) It is very delicious! ENJOY
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Growing Capability and New exhibition opens Confidence for Pakihi Māori in Te Tai Tokerau As we reflect on the year that was, 2025 has been one of growth, connection, and meaningful impact for Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau. Guided by kaupapa Māori and grounded in the realities of our rohe, our focus has remained steadfast: uplifting pakihi Māori and strengthening the wider Māori business ecosystem across Te Tai Tokerau. “This year has been about walking alongside our pakihi and responding to what they actually need, not what we think they need,” says Talia Rihikana, Kaiwhakahaere of Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau. “Everything we do is about building confidence, capability, and connection in ways that feel authentic and manaenhancing.” The Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau network grew to 1,288 members, including 678 pakihi owners, while our social media audience reached 3,416 followers. These numbers reflect not only growth, but increasing trust and engagement from Māori businesses across the region. Throughout the year, Whāriki delivered 14 events across the rohe, including He Wānanga mō Te Tiriti, Te Pūtaketanga o Haratua, and the Matariki and Kirihimete Mākete. Alongside these kaupapa, 64 pakihi discovery hui were held, enabling tailored support, referrals, and practical guidance at different stages of the pakihi journey.
“Our events and hui create safe spaces for kōrero, learning, and connection,” says Rihikana. “They’re about strengthening our people and celebrating Māori enterprise in all its forms.” Partnerships remained a cornerstone of impact, with strengthened relationships across Te Puni Kōkiri Te Tai Tokerau, Te Hiringa Trust, Northland Inc, local iwi, and national agencies, ensuring pakihi Māori voices were represented in regional planning, funding pathways, and contract opportunities. “Our role is often that of a connector,” Rihikana reflects. “When pakihi Māori succeed, the whole region benefits.” As we look ahead, Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau remains committed to being a trusted, kaupapa-led support for Māori businesses. If you are a pakihi Māori and need support, guidance, or connection to opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to Whāriki. Our door is always open, and we are here to walk alongside you.
Te Kawau-a-toru, Marlborough. Michael Hall.
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he Waitangi Treaty Grounds is opening a new photographic exhibition Kupe Sites: Ngā tapuwae o Kupe | Landmarks of the great voyager. The exhibition features a series of stunning black and white photographic images depicting the landmarks and places associated with the ancestor and early voyager Kupe.
landscapes we began 12 months ago with Cora-Allan’s exhibition, Encountering Aotearoa.’
This new exhibition has been developed by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and celebrates a great Polynesian voyager’s connections with Aotearoa New Zealand. Ngā tapuwae presents these stories through photographs of places from four areas Kupe is regarded by many iwi as the tupuna or ancestor who discovered this country. Some tell that have strong traditions of links to Kupe– the story of Kupe setting out from his homeland Northland, Wairarapa, the Wellington region, and the top of the South Island. Award-winning Hawaiki in pursuit of Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, a giant octopus. Others recount how Kupe, in love photographer Michael Hall and Te Papa with his nephew’s wife, took her husband fishing, researchers visited four areas and collaborated with iwi there to capture these powerful left him out at sea to drown, then fled from the images. family’s vengeance.
Curatorial Manager, Owen Taituha says “This is a The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is excited to particularly significant exhibition for the Waitangi be opening Kupe Sites: Ngā tapuwae o Kupe Treaty Grounds to be hosting as Kupe is a central | Landmarks of the great voyager to the public on 13 December 2025. We would like figure for Northern iwi. Kupe’s story features to acknowledge the support of Te Papa in prominently throughout the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and is seen as the tekoteko figure at the enabling us to stage this exhibition. It will exhibit in Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi top of Te Whare Rūnanga.” Exhibition Gallery and run through until 13 February 2026. ‘We also welcome Ngā tapuwae exhibition as it continues a theme of representing historical
TAONGA O TE AO TRE ASURE S OF THE WORLD
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BOOK OF THE MONTH
HUIA Short Stories 16 HUIA Short Stories 16 is a vibrant and deeply significant anthology that highlights the voices of Māori writers across generations. Published by Huia Publishers in October 2025, this collection brings together the finest short stories and poems by both adult authors and rangatahi (young people), drawn from the finalists of the 2025 Pikihuia Awards.
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he Pikihuia Awards, run by the Māori Literature Trust, is a biennial competition that encourages creative writing in both English and te reo Māori, across poetry and prose.
This volume, the sixteenth in Huia’s celebrated Short Stories series, is a testament to the richness and diversity of Māori literary talent, capturing new voices and established writers alike. Among the contributors are Hāwea Apiata, Shelley Burne-Field, Darryn Joseph, Toni Pivac-Hohaia, Di Grennell, Marama Salasano,
and many others — a total of more than twenty authors, representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
thematic range: from personal and communal histories, to language, identity, belonging, and aspiration.
Their pieces include both fiction and nonfiction stories, as well as poetry, in English and te reo Māori, reflecting the bilingual and bicultural nature of the anthology. Aotearoa Books
Huia Publishers, known for centering Māori perspectives and language in their work, continues its mission through this anthology.
What makes this collection particularly powerful is its role in elevating Māori writing. It not only celebrates established voices but also introduces emerging writers — particularly rangatahi - giving them a platform to share their stories. The diversity of authorship ensures that the anthology covers a broad emotional and
By publishing the finalists from the Pikihuia Awards, they not only reward excellence but also invest in the future of Māori literature. Overall, HUIA Short Stories 16 is not just a book - it’s a celebration and affirmation of Māori creativity. It invites readers into a landscape of storytelling that is at once grounded
We have a copy of HUIA Short Stories 16
in tradition and boldly contemporary, making it an ideal choice for anyone interested in New Zealand fiction, bicultural writing, or the evolving voice of Māori authors.
To enter, all you need to do is send your name and contact details, with “HUIA” in the subject line, to regionalcompetitions@nzme.co.nz Entries close 12pm, Wednesday Dec 31, 2025. Winners will have their prizes posted out in Jan 2026