Huaki
“To bring to Light”
Edition 19
Friday, May 30, 2025
Haukāinga Podcast: Exploring Unique Ngāpuhi Stories in a New Series Release
The recent launch of the Haukāinga Ō Ngāpuhi podcast series marks a significant moment for Ngāpuhi whānau, offering a platform for our people to share their stories, reflect on their histories, and engage in vital conversations that shape our future Led by Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS), this series provides an opportunity for whānau to speak openly about their experiences, aspirations, and the deep connections they maintain with their whenua and whakapapa
The topics featured in the series are diverse and engaging, reflecting the wide range of experiences within Ngāpuhi Early episodes dive into discussions about the vision for Ngāpuhi’s future, with community leaders like Eru and Heemi Kapa-Kingi offering their insights on the iwi’s direction over the next five years These kōrero touch on the importance of cultural identity, the need for whānau unity, and the role of future generations in upholding Ngāpuhi values
While each voice shared on the podcast comes from someone with whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, the perspectives expressed are personal and do not speak on behalf of the entire iwi Unity within Ngāpuhi does not require uniformity This platform honours the richness of our differences, allowing whānau to speak their truth in a way that encourages respectful listening and deeper understanding among us all
In addition to exploring these key themes, the podcast also captures the voices of everyday whānau members, including those from different walks of life, sharing their personal stories and the everyday realities they face These conversations not only highlight the
heir elders as well as their his modern medium, the ghts of our kaumatua and vailable to the next generation, a bridge between the past and enables taitamariki to reflect apa and the long history of lso considering their place in its future
As the series continues to evolve, it is expected to inspire more kōrero, reflection, and engagement within the Ngāpuhi community It stands as a testament to the mana of Ngāpuhi whānau individuals whose stories, struggles, and successes will help shape the iwi for generations to come
Whānau who would like to tune in and join the conversation can find the Haukāinga Ō Ngāpuhi podcast available on YouTube and Spotify Keep
an eye out for future releases and engage with the stories that define our iwi For updates on new episodes, you can also follow Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services on their social media pages, including Instagram and Facebook
Honouring Puanga and Matariki: A Time of Remembrance, Renewal and Celebration
As the stars of Puanga and Matariki rise in the winter sky, communities across the Whangārei District come together to mark a significant moment in the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). The Puanga Matariki Festival, supported by Whangarei District Council, is a celebration of te ao Māori, bringing together remembrance, reconnection, and a shared vision for the year ahead Here’s everything you need to know about this special time and what’s happening in our district throughout the festival.
WhatisthePuangaMatarikiFestival,andwhy isitsignificanttoWhangāreiandAotearoa?
“Puangakairau”–Puangaofabundantfood
InTaiTokerau,particularlyamongiwisuchas Ngāpuhi,Puanga(Rigel)holdsacentralplacein markingtheshiftfromtheseasonofabundance tooneofreflectionandrenewal WhileMatarikiis widelyobserved,Puangaisespeciallysignificantin partsofthenorthandwestcoast,whereMatarikiis oftenobscuredbylocalgeography
Puanga’srisinginthepre-dawnskysignalsthe MāoriNewYear atimeforhonouringthose who’vepassed,celebratingthepresent,and planningforthefuture Italsocoincideswiththe endofharvestandthebeginningofwinter,when communitiesturninwardforrest,remembrance, andreconnection
Astronomically Puangaisthebrighteststarin Orion,sittingaboveTautoru(Orion’sBelt) Its prominencemakesitanimportantcelestialmarker formaramataka(traditionalMāoricalendars), navigation,andseasonalplanning.
Culturally,Puangaiswovenintotraditionslikekōrero tukuiho,kaitahi(sharedkai),andremembrance ceremoniessuchasTeMaruoteTau,wherethe veilbetweenthelivingandthespiritualrealmis believedtobethinnest Thewhakataukī“Puangakai rau”reflectsabundance,unity,andthepassingonof knowledgeacrossgenerations
Whattraditionsandvaluesareattheheartof Matariki?
Matarikicentresonthreekeyprinciples:
1 Remembrance–Honouringthosewe’velost sincethelastrisingofMatariki
2 Celebratingthepresent–Givingthanksforthe now,andgatheringwithwhānau
3 Lookingtothefuture–Sharingaspirations, andplanningfortheyearahead
Traditionally,thiswasobservedthroughwhāngai itehautapu,aceremonywherefoodwasoffered tothestarswhilekarakiawererecited The namesofthosewhopassedwerecalledoutand remembered,helpingcommunitiesgrieveand releaseemotionalburdens
Matarikiwasalsoatimeofjoy foodstoragewas full,andpeoplecametogethertoeat,celebrate, andreconnect Communitiesalsousedthistime todiscussplans,environmentalstewardship,and collectivehopesforthefuture g
ThePuangaMatarikiFestival2025runsfrom27May to24June,witheventshappeningrightacrossthe WhangāreiDistrict
Whatkindsofeventscanpeopleexpectduring thefestival?
Thereisdiverselineupofeventsthisyear,ranging fromexhibitionsandperformancestotreeplanting andconservationprojects Thisyear’sfestival featureseventsfromthewiderWhangāreiDistrict, includingLightUpHikurangi,BreamBayKāhui AkoMatarikiFestival,andWhangaiIteHapuin Whangaruru
Allthefestivaleventshonouronethekeythemes Forexample,HavenFallswillhostPōhutukawaki Poutama–adayofremembranceforthosewho havedepartedinthelastyear,whereyouareinvited tosharephotostoaddtotheirpresentation
Manyeventscelebratethepresentwithlight festivals,performances,andhapahaka Alltheseare
Anabundanceofeventshighlighttheimportance oflookingtothefuturebypassingonskillsand knowledgeandconnectingtotheenvironment Theseincludeworkshops,andpublicspeakers sharingtheirstories,suchasManaWahineat theLibraryeveryThursdayandTereTalksatthe HihiauaCulturalCentre
Arethereanystandouteventsorexcitingnew additionsthisyear?
Lastyear’sŪkaipolastPuangaMatariki,waswell receivedandwentontowin‘BestofWhangārei FringeFestival’ Thisyearthesamegroupof performersiscreatinganotheroriginalpiece, Nukunuku Thisnewworkwillexplorethemessuch asurbandrift,shelterandexposure,whakapapa, displacement,andreclamation Whataresomewaysthecommunitycantake partinthefestival?
Joinevents,likethePohutukawaCoastCommunity
andPukeKopipiWinterPlantinginNgunguru.All needsupportwithplanting Grabyourgumboots andgardeningglovesandlendahand!
HowisWhangāreiDistrictCouncilinvolvedin thePuangaMatarikiFestival?
WhangareiDistrictCouncilhassupportedanumber ofeventstoensureasmanyfreeeventsaspossible areavailable Theteampromotesthefestivaland distributethePuangaMatarikiFestivalguide,which youcanpickupatTeIwitahi,WhangāreiLibrary, andiSite
WhyisPuangaMatarikiaspecialtimeforthe community?
Thisfestivalisatruecommunityeffort Dozensof communitygroupscometogethertosupportthis festivalwitharts,education,celebration,andculture Theycreatelotsofopportunitiesforalltocelebrate andvaluethesignificancethistimeofyearhasinte aoMāori
PIPIRI 2025
Whata Kai: Holding Space for Whānau to Rebalance
Since opening its doors on April 30, Whata Kai in Kaikohe has become more than just a place to access food. It is a space where mana is restored, needs are met with care, and whānau are reminded of their inherent value.
Developed in partnership between Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS) and Foodstuffs North Island, Whata Kai uses a points-based system that allows whānau to shop with dignity Rather than receiving prepacked food parcels, whānau choose their own kai, with many fresh items, such as local produce, costing zero points
In just its first eight days, 34 whānau walked through the doors Feedback has been described as overwhelmingly positive Many expressed surprise at the range and quality of kai and items Others felt emotional at being able to choose freely without judgement
“Absolutely loved my shop I didn’t feel the pressure Thank you ” “I felt really welcomed and cared about ”
“Customer service fantastic I was “Such a beautiful wairua in this sp
Behind the scenes, Whata Kai is part of a broader support system When whānau reach out to NISS, their needs are gently assessed and connected to the right support This includes not just kai, but housing, health, addiction, and cultural reconnection This holistic approach ensures that while the fridge is filled, so too is the wairua
A recent highlight has been the addition of rongoā Māori, generously provided by Tohe Ashby and Mahinga Māhuru Offering these traditional natural remedies alongside kai brings together hauora and healing under one kaupapa
The service hub Te Pūtahi Nui o Rehua
KING PŌTATAU:
PEI TE HURINUI
King Pōtatau details the background to the K īngitanga and the story of the first king, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero It discusses the momentous events of Te Wherowhero’s life from around 1775 to his death in 1860, including his status as Lord of the Waikato and the famous battles and conflicts with other tribes, his raising up as the First Māori King, and Mana Motuhake, the Māori Kingship, set apart as the symbol of the spiritual and cultural life of Māori
This biography of King Pōtatau is written from a Māori perspective employing waiata, poetry and whakapapa as well as prose.
THE AUTHOR
Pei Te Hurinui (1898–1976), Ngāti Maniapoto leader, interpreter, land officer, writer, translator, genealogist, was bilingual and published extensively in both English and Māori He translated several of Shakespeare’s plays and Fitzgerald’s Omar Khayyam into Māori and collaborated with Sir Apirana Ngata, on the first three volumes of Ngā Mōteatea. His first and main interest was in recording and compiling the Tainui traditions published in Ngā Iwi o Tainui
with whānau they are already supporting, identifying those who are in need of kai and referring them to Whata Kai Beyond food support, they contribute to the wider kaupapa by offering services like rongoā and budgeting advice Their role ensures that Whata Kai is not a standalone service, but part of a wider, collaborative effort to uplift and empower whānau across the rohe
Whata Kai supports whānau within the Kaikohe rohe who need kai support Whānau can be referred through one of the service hubs: Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services or Te Pūtahi Nui o Rehua These hubs kōrero with whānau to understand their needs and offer the most appropriate support
Donna Hulmes, NISS Social Supermarket Manager, says, “Were so proud of the wairua and manaakitanga thats growing around this space Whata Kai is clearly filling a vital need Not just for kai, but for connection, dignity, and care.”
Kaimahi speak of the subtle shifts in those who visit Posture straightens, shoulders ease, and confidence returns It is not just about full puku It is about restoring trust and reminding every whānau member they are worthy of support, not charity
As Whata Kai continues to grow, plans are underway to strengthen ties with local growers, expand cultural resources, and deepen wraparound support This kaupapa isn’t just changing how food is shared It is helping people feel seen, valued, and never alone in their journey
To enter, all you need to do is send your name and contact details, with “KING” in the subject line, to regionalcompetitions@nzme.co.nz
Te Kahika Remembered: Re-enactment marks 180 years since key Northern War battle
te kūkupa news | Tautoko FM
Adawn service on the shores of Lake Ōmāpere in Te Tai
Tokerau recently marked the 180th anniversary of the Battle of Te Kahika, also known as the Battle of Puketutu The commemorative event featured a re-enactment of the 1845 conflict, reminding hapū, kura, and descendants of a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s early colonial history
Fought on 8 May 1845, Te Kahika was one of the first major engagements of the Northern Wars, a series of armed conflicts between British colonial forces and northern iwi At Te Kahika, rangatira Hōne Heke and Te Ruki Kawiti led Māori forces against British troops often referred to as the Red and Blue Coats The battle was significant not only for its immediate impact but also for its demonstration of Māori military innovation, including the use of sophisticated pā fortifications and guerrilla tactics
The re-enactment served as a living classroom, offering whānau an opportunity to witness the events and better understand the context and strategies that shaped the battle It was also a moment to remember those who lost their
sovereignty
Organising committee member Hinerangi
Himiona said the commemoration sparked important intergenerational conversations “Teachers, parents, and grandparents are talking about our Ngāpuhi stories not just our war stories, but key moments that have shaped us and have often been overlooked,” she said
She believes events like this are vital for preserving historical memory “If we keep telling the stories of our tūpuna, they stay alive They help guide our decisions, our relationships, and our understanding of what has been and what could be ”
Photo credit: Kalkoff Photography
Pou unveiled at Wherowhero in Te Ārai honour tupuna
Te Hiku Media
Three carved po now stand at Wherowhero in Te Ārai, a wāhi tapu Te Aupōuri, following a dawn unveiling on Sunday 4 May Nam Takimoana, Takinga and Taitimu, the pou mark a site where ancestors of Te Whā Pani, a hapū of Te Aupōuri, were buried after battles over lan and authority While acknowledging those who came before, th pou also reflect the r of rangatahi in carry cultural practices forward
The carvings were th result of a three-yea kaupapa based at Te Kao School, where senior students worked alongside carvers Korotangi Kapa-Kingi and Mutu Kapa Around six older tamariki, though not in formal wharekura, were actively involved in carving the pou, supported by their kaiako
esponsibilities that e with carrying tional knowledge pou stand as ence of a teaching el grounded in ed practice and ral connection works also include al references to ate master carver can Kapa, who ed as Te Aupōuri’s hakairo for five des Subtle details as the stance hand forms pay age to his legacy, e the involvement mariki signals a tradition being tained through e participation
Standing now at Wherowhero, the pou carry the histories of the people, as well as the aspirations of those learning to uphold them The project reflecting a wider commitment to sustaining mātauranga Māori through intergenerational learning in the rohe
Korotangi and Mutu introduced the tauira to whakairo through hands-on learning Under their guidance, students gained insight into the carving process, associated tikanga, and
Photo: Carvers Korotangi Kapa-Kingi and Mutu Kapa. Photo: Tautoru Media \ Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri
Rāhui tapu marine protected areas show partnership in action
Developing a meaningful partnership between Northland Regional Council and tāngata whenua means having a clear strategy for giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working together on the ground
The council first adopted its Te Tiriti Strategic Intent and Implementation Plan in 2022 The plan, gifted the name ‘Tāiki ē’ by Te Ruarangi Co-chair Pita Tipene, signifies a call to collective action and a commitment to Te Tiriti-based partnership
It provides strategic direction, priorities, and an implementation plan with actions for Water, Marine, Climate Crisis, and Economic Development
These actions are already being reflected in council’s day-to-day mahi
Northland Regional Council Kaiwhakahaere Moana Ora, Nicola Hartwell, said implementing the regions newly established marine protected areas in partnership with local hapū is a great example of Tāiki ē working in practice
The council has two rāhui tapu marine protected areas at Mimiwhangata and
Rākaumangamanga They were established in 2023 following concerns of local hapū Te Uri o Hikihiki and Ngati Kuta about the impact of overfishing on local marine ecosystems
Since then, council has been working with local hapū Te Uri o Hikihiki ki Whangaruru, Te Whanau Whero ki Whananaki, Ngati Kuta, and Patukeha to implement the new no-fishing rules
“Working together has been key to successfully implementing protection measures for these sensitive ecological and culturally significant areas,” says Nicola
“We collaborate on public education and engagement, with hapū involved in everything from planning to approving signage and educational materials We’ve also partnered with hapū to get specially recruited and trained warranted officers patrolling the areas, and recently we’ve begun ecological monitoring work together to share knowledge and track whether the no-fishing rules are making a difference.”
You can learn more about Tāiki ē, and the marine protected areas, on Northland Regional Council’s website, www.nrc.govt.nz
Whakapara Marae partnering with KMR
Whānau at Whakapara Marae are pleased to have partnered with Kaipara Moana Remediation by using KMR’s Whenua Whānui Fund to plant natives and help restore the local awa
Whakapara Marae elders Te Raa Nehua and Dale van Engelen have been working together on resource management around the marae and in the Puhipuhi area for a number of years and both were pleased to link with KMR
The Whakapara Marae’s resource management plan highlights the need to restore the awa (formerly known as the Waimā Stream) that runs below the marae, and to plant native trees for future generations
And Te Raa says that is exactly why they have partnered with KMR, to put another part of that plan firmly in action – ultimately for the benefit of rangatahi and tamariki
“Last year we contacted KMR about getting funding to plant some natives on the marae to regenerate natives for future generations as well as environmental outcomes to stop flood damage We planted over 4,200 trees and grasses last winter near the marae and down to the banks of the awa,” the pair say
“We are now in the process of trying to release those plants so they can flourish well clear of the kikuyu and other pest species that would otherwise suffocate them With the rain and heat from this summer there are weeds, blackberries and vines growing over the plants. We are relying on volunteers to do this and we have Department of Corrections workers who are also helping, along with a spray contractor As well as KMR, Te Raa says they also work with Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori to try to restore tuna to the awa
“We have been doing elver releases in the awa in and around Puhipuhi and other areas for well over a decade now,” says Te Raa,
2025 LOCAL ELECTIONS
Candidates Information Evening
Thinking about running for council?
Find out what it takes to be an elected member for Whangarei District Council or Northland Regional Council. Hear from experts in local government and have your questions answered.
WHEN Wednesday, 04 June | 5:00pm to 7:30pm
WHERE Te Iwitahi (Civic Centre), 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei, or join the livestream via WDC’s Facebook page
The Whenua Whānui Fund offers:
who adds that they are focussed on building relationships with local farmers and other groups
So far, with the help of KMR Field Adviser Tim Eves, they have planted wīwī, tī kōuka, kahikatea, harakeke, karamū, māhoe, mānuka and kānuka
In years to come, Dale says they plan to plant pūriri, kauri and tōtara to grow species for carving for future generations, along with rongoā species for medicinal and healing use She says the awa used to be a source of water for drinking, washing and harvesting food like tuna and water cress
“As a child I remember we would swim in the awa, our families would gather there The men and boys would go tuna spearing, the rest would build a fire and prepare potatoes and tītī to wait for the freshly caught tuna to be cleaned and put in a big pot for a boil up,” says Dale
KMR’s Whenua Whānui Fund supports landowners and groups to create sediment reduction projects in the Kaipara Moana catchment The fund is aimed at collectives including hapū, marae, kaitiaki groups, landcare groups, catchment groups and trusts administering land with multiple ownership including ahuwhenua trusts
Through the Whenua Whānui Fund, KMR is now working to support 94 collectively-led projects to co-design a project develop a plan to unlock KMR funding, lead delivery of a project or where projects have been completed
For more information about how the Whenua Whānui Fund can support your aspirations for the whenua, get in touch with KMR via hono@kmr org nz or apply via the website at https://kmr org nz/application/
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.
Stitch by Stitch, Kaitaia Centre Builds Skills and Reduces Waste
Anō Anō, a drop in skills centre in Kaitaia has had a bumper year with hundreds of visitors passing through and leaving with a smile. The centre, run by Te Pokapu Tiaki Taiao O Te Tai Tokerau Trust (Far North Environment Center) offers practical textile skills, connection and a way to reduce environmental impact.
Funding from the Northland Community Foundation (NCF) during the 2024 funding round helped Anō Anō cover operating costs, allowing them to keep serving the community Waikarere Gregory from the centre said, “many drop in participants arrive with a specific repair project in mind, but lacking the skills or equipment With guidance, visitors leave with newfound skills and a sense of accomplishment” Visitors have learned how to make and repair everything from clothing to curtains, cushions, and furniture covers Reusing materials saves money and keeps textiles from landfill “We are grateful for the grant which helped us provide this space to the community,” Waikarere shared
NCF’s funding round opens 1 May and will look a little different this year The Foundation, which has been focused on growing sustainable long-term funding streams, now has the capacity to offer funding from multiple funds
The first fund is Tindall Foundation Funding, previously the Grassroots Fund, which has been running for 15 years, with NCF distributing grants on behalf of The Tindall Foundation The fund prioritises initiatives that support equity for tamariki/children,
Restoring Aotearoa’s Native Landscape
Arangatahi/young people and their whānau/ families, with grants of up to $15,000 available for community initiatives
Other funds include contestable funding for smaller grants from $250-$1,000 from the following grants:
Northland Fund – Supporting the greatest needs in Te Tai Tokerau Northland Northern Wairoa Fund – Supporting the Northern Wairoa community Community Self-Help Fund – Supporting grassroots community development initiatives across the region
If you’d like to help grow the Northland Fund to be able to give out more grants, you can contribute a one-off or regular donation, or by including a gift to the fund in your will
GivenowatNorthlandcommunityfoundation org nz/donate or contact Jane Stearns on 021 558 224 or janes@northlandcommunityfoundation org nz to talk about your options
To apply for funding, visit https:// northlandcommunityfoundation org nz/ receiving/ Applications close 8 June
t Te Arai Natives, our mission is clear – to restore nd preserve the nique flora and natural andscapes that define otearoa Were just one art of a much larger ffort, working alongside edicated community groups, iwi, hapū, landowners, and conservation organisations, all striving to protect and restore our natural heritage It’s a monumental task, and while our role might be small in the grand scheme, every contribution counts
A large part of our mahi is collaborating closely with landowners and iwi to ensure the right plants are in the right place But what does that really mean? What is the “right” plant? It’s a question with a surprisingly complex answer
It all starts with eco-sourcing – selecting plants that come from the same local environment where they will eventually be replanted This approach ensures that the genetic makeup of the plants matches the specific conditions of the site, promoting better survival rates and stronger ecological connections But ecosourcing is just the beginning
Other critical factors come into play, like soil type, water availability, exposure to wind, and the broader landscape context For instance, is it a wetland plant? And if so, is it a permanently
wet site or a seasonal wetland? The answers to these questions have a lot to do with whether a plant will thrive or struggle
Take kahikatea, for example – Aotearoas tallest tree Although its naturally associated with wetland habitats, it has some very specific requirements when young. While it needs good water availability, it won’t tolerate stagnant, waterlogged soil for long periods. Too much drought stress can quickly kill a juvenile kahikatea, but too much standing water can do the same It often prefers slightly elevated spots within wetlands, where water can drain away, unlike the permanently saturated zones favored by native sedges, rushes, or trees like tī kōuka (cabbage tree)
Understanding these nuances is crucial for successful restoration Its about more than just putting a native plant in the ground – it’s about setting that plant up to thrive and play its part in the broader ecosystem Thats the kind of careful, considered approach we aim for at Te Arai Natives, as we do our part to restore the landscapes of Aotearoa
To learn more about our approach, explore our range of eco-sourced plants, or find advice for your own planting projects, visit our newly launched website You can also browse and order directly through our online store – making it easier than ever to support the restoration of our native landscapes
Check it out here www tearainatives co nz
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