Huaki
“To bring to Light”
Edition 21
Friday, July 25, 2025
Ngāti Hine Health Trust partners with influencer to challenge gambling harm
NgātiHinesocialmediainfluencer,LouisDavis,wasakeynotespeakeronproblemgamblingatWhangāreiBoys’HighSchool.
Ngāti Hine Health Trust has taken a fresh and community-led approach to addressing gambling harm by partnering with Ngāti Hine social media creator, Louis Davis. Known online as @louisdavis____, Davis is using his significant digital influence to open up conversations about the normalisation of gambling online
The Trusts innovative strategy, using a well-known influencer as the central messenger, comes at a time when gambling promotions are increasingly targeting digital platforms Davis, who has more than three million followers across social media, recently revealed he turned down an offer of over $500,000 to promote offshore gambling websites
“We are living in an age now where you can gamble in your car on the toilet or at work ” Davis said in a recent TVNZ Breakfast interview
“If they’re offering me over $500 000 to ask you to gamble, imagine how much they’re stealing from you.”
Instead of taking the deal, Davis chose to collaborate with Ngāti Hine Health Trust to raise awareness of the impact gambling has on Northland communities In 2024 alone, nearly $40 4 million was lost to pokies in the region Davis says, this is money that could otherwise be supporting housing, tamariki, and local development
Davis’s connection to Northland and his decision to speak out about the industrys tactics adds weight to the campaigns message “Theres a reason they give money to people that look like me Theyre going after my community,” he said
This digital momentum was backed by realworld activations including financial literacy wānanga that built whānau confidence and supported open dialogue about money and gambling harm, and hui at Whangārei Boys’ High School where rangatahi explored the tactics behind gambling promotion through Louis’ lived experience as an influencer.
By meeting whānau where they are, online and in person, the Trust aims to challenge harmful narratives and create safe pathways for ongoing kōrero about gambling harm
Mānawatia a Matariki – Honouring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future
This Matariki, our whānau came together at Te Ao Mārama in Te Hana for a day full of connection, learning and celebration
With support from Auckland Council, we brought together staff from across our social environmental and commercial arms to reflect on the past year celebrate who we are today and look forward to what’s ahead
The day kicked off with inspiring presentations that reminded us of our shared whakapapa as Ngāti Whātua, from the arrival of our waka, the strength of our tupuna, to the current mahi of Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust and our goals for the future It was grounding, uplifting, and set the tone for the rest of the day
Activities were based around the nine stars of Matariki, with team challenges that mixed mātauranga Māori with hands-on fun From creating kites, sharing memories of loved ones, identifying native plants and their rongoā uses, to mimicking the sound of a storm using taiao materials, each task was a reminder of the wisdom passed down by our ancestors and how we carry that forward today
A special focus was placed on our connection to Kaipara Moana, the beating heart of our rohe Teams tackled challenges around daily fish limits, sustainable kaimoana practices, and how we each play a role in protecting our moana for generations to come As uri of this whenua and moana, the wairua of the day was a beautiful
reminder of our responsibility as kaitiaki
There was laughter, competition, reflection and lots of proud moments A huge ngā mihi to everyone who turned up with open hearts and minds, and to Auckland Council for helping bring this kaupapa to life.
Matariki is about pausing, giving thanks, and setting intentions, and that’s exactly what we did together.
KnowaYoungCreative?
BOOK OF THE MONTH
A Guide to Rocks
SACHA COTTER, JOSH MORGAN
Empower Your Future with Mauri Mahi, Mauri Ora
UNLOCKYOURPOTENTIALFORCAREERDEVELOPMENT
When Dad hands Charlie an old, dusty rulebook for hiding tough feelings or “rocks” Charlie isn’t so sure it’ll help. But as he begins to explore the rules, he discovers new ways to understand and manage his emotions A relatable and heartfelt story, especially for boys and families navigating big feelings, this book gently opens the door to conversations about emotional wellbeing
COPY OF A GUIDE TO ROCKS
To enter, simply send us your name and postal address with “ROCKS” in the subject line, and let us know which language version you’d prefer to regionalcompetitions@nzme co nz WIN A
Entries close 12pm, Wednesday July 30, 2025 Winners prizes will be posted out.
Ngā Ara Tōnui offers essential skills for rangatahi empowermentand support into job opportunities specifically for rangatahi aged 16-24 years
JOINUSTOBENEFI
Small classes, personal mentoring, and long-term support to help rangatahi navigate the world of mahi, andsucceedin their careers
CONTACTUS
Call Tawhana on0800MAHI
UP or visit Te Ora Hou Northland, 104 Corks Rd, Tikipunga, Whangārei
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Te Aupōuri wins big at 2025 Whakamānawa ā TaiaoEnvironmental Awards
After years of protecting and reinvigorating the vast and variable whenua of their beloved Te
Aupōuri, Oranga Whenua
Oranga Tangata Taiao’s hard mahi has paid off, winning two top awards at this year’s Northland Regional Council
Whakamānawa ā TaiaoEnvironmental Awards.
Te Rūnanga Nui O Te Aupōuri’s kaitiaki arm, Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao, were the big winners of last months biennial awards ceremony, taking out not only the Kaitiakitanga award, but the overall Te Tohu Matua - Supreme Award
Over the past several years, the team of 12 has installed 16,250 meters of fencing, restored 0 625 hectares of wetland, planted more than 120,000 native plants and captured 2288 invasive species
During that time, they also developed essential work skills and achieved significant conservation outcomes, like bringing back the critically endangered Ultriculis australis and declining long-fin tuna
Their ‘holistic approach to protecting te taiao’, award judges said, had resulted in significantly
improving the wellbeing of their whenua
The judges were also impressed at how their kaupapa had strengthened connections between their iwi and their whenua, had fostered environmental awareness amongst local kura and engaged the community in sustainable land management practices
Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao lead Niki Conrad says the group is happy and humbled by the accolades
“A lot of people are doing some really good work out there and it’s great to be recognised, especially when we are from way up north and a lot of our work is behind the scenes.”
“Were sticking true to our kaupapa and all our kaimahi are invested in it ”
Taonga Species: More Than Just Plants
By Te Arai Native Nursery
Across Aotearoa, native plants do more than fill a landscape - they carry whakapapa, tell stories, and connect us to the whenua At Te Arai Native Nursery, we grow a wide range of taonga species - native plants that are considered taonga in te ao Māori for their cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance
These are the plants our tūpuna used for medicine, weaving, building, kai, and ceremony Species like harakeke (flax), kawakawa, mānuka, ti kōuka, and tōtara have supported Māori communities for generations and continue to do so today But taonga species aren’t just useful - they’re part of a living whakapapa and hold mana in the environment
When we grow and plant these species, were not just restoring landscapes - we’re restoring relationships At Te Arai Natives, we take that seriously From eco-sourcing seed within our rohe to working with kaitiaki and local communities, we believe growing natives should be grounded in care, respect, and connection
If youre planting a wetland, lifestyle block, or forest edge, consider what taonga species might belong there Ask where the seed came from, who it connects to, and what role it plays in the wider ecosystem Planting is not just about what looks good - it’s about what feels right for the land
To learn more about taonga species or to explore our range, visit www tearainatives co nz or come see us at the nursery
Mangawhai and surrounding areas, it’s mid-winter - 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 www.tearainative.com
Restoring taonga species like harakeke and kawakawa helps reconnect people with the land and with generations of mātauranga Māori.
Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao lead Niki Conrad
AUNTY’S GARDEN
‘Aunty’HanuiLawrence
Thriving gardens save on groceries
My mother’s favourite flower the dahlia was randomly planted in Aunty’s garden, with glittering flower heads, large and beautiful, so majestic
This season has been magnificent for these blooms of reds, pinks, yellow, white, lilac, burgundy, purple, orange, speckled pinks and whites, picked delicately by gentle hands to grace lunch and dinner tables with guests admiring glances and comments about these beauties
Not only those but lettuces, cabbage, spinach, rockit, flowering broccoli, beans herbs growing splendidly Birds are plentiful, bees are scarce, white flies zilch, there’s none but the white butterflies are out of control and yet the plants are thriving
We could be well advised to plant gardens in our yards digging over well-manicured lawns to fill up with potatoes, kumara and couple of pumpkins or kamokamo growing along the fence lines and over the trees as well as specialties enjoyed by the family A great savings for your household budgets as vegetables are so expensive in the supermarket
Ongoing KMR support for local projects is a game changer
FRIED RICE with VEGETABLE and KŪMARA CHIPS
Ingredients
3 cups fried rice (left overs)
3/4 cup of beans and 3/4 cup of kamokamo
Half cup each of spinach,rockit and beetroot leaves, finely cut and blanched
3 baby beetroot grated
1 brown or red onion finely chopped
1-2 kumara sliced and deep fried in oil Salt and pepper to taste
PĀNUI WHĀNUI - CROWN RECOGNITION OF DEED OF MANDATE
Tēnā tātou katoa, We begin by acknowledging the many hands, hearts and minds who have contributed to this kaupapa over many years – those still with us, and those who have passed on. We mihi to all hapū, whānau and individuals who have engaged with this journey in their own way
Te Whakaaetanga Trust is humbled to share that the Crown has now formally recognised our Deed of Mandate to negotiate a Treaty settlement on behalf of our affiliated hapū and whānau
We acknowledge that there are a range of views among our people about this kaupapa Some have supported this process from the outset, others have raised concerns, and many continue to seek clarity and assurance We respect these perspectives and commit to ongoing kōrero and engagement with all who hold an interest in our shared future
Recognition of the Deed of Mandate does not signal the end of dialogue – it opens the door
Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Whenua Whānui Fund is working with over 90 groups to protect and restore the Kaipara harbour.
Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) supports projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees nd regenerate forest on erosion-prone land More often than not, KMR projects also deliver much wider benefits - helping valued species o thrive, reconnecting local communities to aterways, reducing climate change risks nd increasing resilience to storms and other xtreme weather
ecognising the wider value of community rojects, KMR also provides some support for roject management, local engagement and ducation to help coordinate those involved the project and inform communities about he project
he Whenua Whānui Fund is open to any roup, including iwi/hapū, marae, community nd catchment groups, schools, trusts and eserve boards, and can support project on ollectively-owned land, public land, land dministered for fish and game purposes, or private land where a group has permission from the landowner to carry out environmental restoration activities
Stream below the marae Marae trustees Te Raa Nehua and Dale van Engelen say volunteers, supported by the Department of Corrections and a local contractor, havew weeded and released seedlings to ensure the plants thrive Future plans include planting pūriri, kauri and tōtara for carving, and rongoā species for medicinal use, alongside continued elver releases to restore tuna to the awa
In Porotī, the Whatitiri Resource Management Unit fenced three kilometres of a key tributary and planted a 1 5km riparian strip of mānuka, kānuka and kahikatea. Volunteers and landowners have since monitored water clarity improvements and begun planning for planting to stabilise adjacent hillsides and reduce overland soil losses
Tinopai Resource Management Unit, Tinopai School and the local community have worked together to restore the Puapua Creek wetland They’ve fenced off the waterway, controlled pest willow and planted kānuka, flax and saltmarsh ribbonwood Ongoing pest trapping and community planting days have added momentum to re-establishing the local wetland habitat
Method
Fry rice in a pan of oil with onions and soya sauce Toss and put aside Put blanched greens and veges into a pot, add 3 tbl spoons vege powder stock and bring to the boil Stir and add the grated beetroot –Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Combine all together with the rice and stir, then add kūmara chips on top
to negotiate redress that acknowledges the mamae of the past and creates meaningful opportunities for our hapū and mokopuna
This milestone strengthens our collective voice and enables us to enter negotiations that reflect the aspirations of our people It provides a foundation for enduring redress, cultural and economic revitalisation, and the restoration of hapū mana across our rohe
Our work is only beginning We invite all whānau, hapū, and neighbouring groups to remain part of this journey
Whether you supported this mandate or not, your voices are valued We will continue to hold hui share information transparently and work to ensure every hapū is heard and respected.
The next stage will be preparation for formal negotiations with the Crown We will provide regular updates and opportunities for engagement, and we welcome input from all those with whakapapa, whenua and wairua ties to this rohe
Ehara tēnei i te mahi māmā, engari he mahi nui mō ngā uri whakatupu Mā tātou katoa tēnei e kawe, mā te rangimārie, mā te kotahitanga, mā te aroha hoki
This is not easy work, but it is important work for the generations to come Together, through unity, peace and aroha, we carry it forward
Ngā manaakitanga, Te Whakaaetanga Trust
For further info contact: Herb Rihari 027 490 0630 Te Whakaaetanga Trust Chairperson Ngati Torehina Ki Mataka www tewhakaaetanga com
Some recent group-led projects supported by the Fund stand out for their leadership
Last year, Whakapara Marae tapped into the Whenua Whānui Fund to plant over 4,200 natives wīwī, tī kōuka, mānuka and harakeke along the banks of the Waimā
The Whenua Whānui Fund offers:
KMR is always looking for more projects, and our applications are open yearround To see if your project qualifies for Whenua Whānui Fund support, take a look at kmr org nz/application/ or email us hono@kmr.org.nz
KMR supports groups to protect and restore the Kaipara Moana
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:
• 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.
• 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.
1 (verb) (-hia,-tia) to peck (as a bird), to nibble 2. te kūkupa news headlines from te tai tokerau
LeadershipchangesforTe RūnangaoNgātiWhātua
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua CEO Alan Riwaka has announced his departure after six years in the role Alan, who was appointed in 2019, had overseen a period of development and change, working alongside marae, hapū and iwi across Te Tai Tokerau He says serving Ngāti Whātua had been a privilege and welcomed the fresh thinking brought by the newly elected board Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Chairperson Tyrone Raumati acknowledged Riwaka’s contribution and leadership, saying it has helped establish a strong foundation The Board is currently developing its strategic direction and will begin recruitment for the new leadership position soon
Hokiangaproductionwinsbest
docoatMāorilandFilmFestival
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga has won Best Documentary for ‘Waka Hourua’ at the ‘Ka Rere Te Manu Film Awards’ in Ōtaki The awards hosted by Māoriland Charitable Trust and E Tū Whānau celebrated a new wave of Indigenous rangatahi storytellers “Ka Rere Te Manu is about celebrating their efforts, and elevating their achievements We have powerful storytellers here in Aotearoa, and our rangatahi are among the best ” says Māoriland Film Festival Director, Madeleine Hakaraia de Young The winning documentary was made by Mairangi Jade Hyland, Ngareta-River Ingram, Te Huirau-Moka Te Whare and Kingi Awhitireia Mitchell during an E Tū Whānau filmmaking workshop The film can be watched online, via Ngā Pakiaka on YouTube
The environmental arm of Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri, Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao, received two major awards at the 2025 Northland Regional Council Environmental Awards held last night The team of 12 won both the Kaitiakitanga Award and the overall Te Tohu Matua – Supreme Award The recognition follows several years of work restoring wetlands, removing invasive species, and planting over 120,000 native plants efforts that have supported species recovery and created local employment Award judges said the group’s holistic approach to protecting te taiao had significantly improved the wellbeing of their whenua
TeRarawawinNorthland Women’sPremierRugbyFinal
Te Rarawa have claimed victory in the Northland Premier Womens Rugby Final defeating Kaikohe 22–17 in a well-fought match at Kaikohe Rugby Club The final bout, for the prestigious Rana Paraha Trophy, followed a competitive season with Te Rarawa solidifying their place after a 39–31 semifinal win over OBM Moerewa, and Kaikohe overcoming Horahora 29–19 A strong crowd turned out in support, enjoying the whānau atmosphere and the curtain-raiser U18 boys’ match For Te Rarawa, the win went beyond the game: “We play for different things but it all comes back to whānau ”
TKKMoKaikoheraukura recognisedasBDOSirHenare Ngatascholarshiprecipient
Youth-ledleadershiphuiraises TaiTokeraurangatahivoices
A youth-led leadership hui was held in Whangārei on Monday bringing together rangatahi from across Tai Tokerau to highlight youth leadership, encourage political awareness and share current initiatives in the region Attendees included members of the Pipiwai Youth Society, Naughtiest Natives, and Youth MPs The hui focused on amplifying youth voices, reflecting on Youth Parliament experiences, and building skills to engage with issues important to rangatahi Workshops provided practical tools for self-expression and community involvement Tai Tokerau Green Party MP Huhana Lyndon supported her Youth MP, Chelsea Reti (pictured) and says the aim is to expand the hui to other districts and encourage rangatahi to participate in leadership roles in their own communities
Tkay Warmington (Te Mahurehure, Ngaituteauru) is one of the three successful recipients of the BDO Sir Henare Ngata scholarship, as part of a national initiative focused on enhancing Māori representation in the accounting sector Tkay shares her admiration for the late Sir Henare Ngata, a distinguished Māori leader and accountant, which has motivated her to pursue a career in accounting She hopes to develop an investment model for tertiary students who may face difficulties due to limited financial resources
A call for urgent safety upgrades has been made by hāpori of Raumanga in Whangārei, following a serious pedestrian incident outside the Ōtaika Shops Kara Shortland was hit by a vehicle in March this year while using the State Highway 1 crossing Raumanga residents led by locals including Chanelle Armstrong and Jo Rollo, say the crossing is unsafe and Waka Kotahi must act With multiple incidents reported, locals fear for their tamariki and mokopuna They’re demanding the agency fund improvements now Tai Tokerau politicians Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Huhana Lyndon supported the call for urgent action "Too many close calls Enough is enough ”
Seventeen-year-old Keeya Wiki (Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Porou), who is also a descendant of the Yurok, Tolowa, and Karuk nations, recently completed a month-long journey of 498 kilometers along the Klamath River, spanning from Southern Oregon to Northern California The expedition involved youth from the Klamath River basin and rangatahi from around the globe, including Aotearoa, all unified to raise awareness on the decade-long campaign to restore the rivers' natural flow, allowing the renewal of flora and fauna and the return of wildlife This historic voyage followed the removal of four significant dams established in the early 1900s marking it as the largest dam removal project in the world
Tūteauru, Ngāpuhi) recently completed their induction at the Atlantic Institute, Oxford University, which aims to eliminate inequities for inclusive societies They were accepted into the Atlantic Fellowship for Social Equity and will graduate with First Class Honours from the University of Melbourne this coming August Cheyenne focused on the Crown's responsibility for protecting taonga and marae against climate change, while Moana and her whānau are developing a Peruperu circular economy to provide a range of healing experiences that reconnect whānau with traditional gardening practices
Cheyenne Mackey (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) and Moana Timoko (Te Mahurehure, Ngāi