April 2023 - Pipiwharauroa

Pipiwharauroa

Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart

Te Wharau o Hineakua

He Whakamaumaharatanga ki a Rātou

1915-2023

Kaikinikini tonu ana

Te ngau a mahara

Te taunga ki Karipori

Te tini, te mano o te toa

I haere rātou ki te mura o te ahi.

I hinga atu.

I hoki hauā mai

A wairua, ā hinengaro, ā tinana. Mo te aha ... ?

Nō tēnei marama te kitea tuatahitanga o te tohu whai tikanga mo te rawa ahu mahi, Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart, arā te otinga o te hanga whare toru rūma moe i Te Wharau o Hineakua hei tuku ki te whānau kei te rori o Waiomoko ki Whāngārā. Tino harikoa ana te whānau o Brian Leach, te uri o Ngāti Konohi i te taunga o tana whare ki tana whenua.

Ahakoa kua mate tana hoa wahine a Toni Lea Martin, tokorima ā rāua tamariki, tekau ngā mokopuna. Tokorua o ā rāua tama, ngā hunaonga me ngā mokopuna ka hūnuku mai ki Whangarā noho ai ki tana taha ā ngā marama e heke mai nei, arā kia honoa te hiko me te wai.

Ā ngā marama e heke mai nei, tēra te whakatūngia o ngā whare e toru

mo ngā whānau o Whangarā ki te Papa Kāinga o Matore, te whenua i whakaaetia e ngā uri whai mana kia nōhia e pā ana ki ngā whakapapa.

E toru ngā whānau kei te hūnuku mai i Tūranga me ētahi atu pākeke tokorua me ngā tamariki tokorima kei te hoki mai i Pātea.

Arā te ekenga o tēnei tohu whai tikanga e rua ngā roopu kaimahi nō Whakatane me Te Whānau ā-Apanui kei te hanga whare āwhina mo ngā whānau nō Te Araroa me Te Wairoa.

Kei te hangaia hoki he whare āwhina mo ngā whānau i pā kahatia e te āwha Gabrielle, arā te waipukehia o rātou whare e kore te hokia. Tokoono rātou o Te Karaka kua whai whare mo nāianei.

Mo tātou, mo ngā whakatipuranga. Mo tēnei whenua Nā rātou, mo tātou

E kore e warewaretia

Te mutunga

Paengawhāwhā 2023 Pukapuka: Toru Tekau Panui: Whā

Brian Leach receives the first Toitū Tairawhiti Builtsmart home at Whāngārā

Photo: Gisborne Herald

PipiwharauroaPipiwharauroa

Founded October 1898

Pukapuka: Toru Tekau

Pānui: Whā

Te Marama: Paengawhāwhā

Te Tau: 2023

ISSN: 1176-4228 (Print)

ISSN: 2357-187X (Online)

Pīpīwharauroa takes its name from ‘He Kupu Whakamārama Pīpīwharauroa’, which was printed in October, 1899 by Te Rau Print and edited by the late Reverend Reweti Kohere. Pīpīwharauroa was re-launched on 20 October, 1993.

Produced and edited by:

Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui-ā-Kiwa

Tūranga Ararau

Printed by: The Gisborne Herald

Email: pipiwharauroa@ta.org.nz

Phone: (06) 868 1081

http://www.facebook.com/pipi.wharauroa

Part-time General All-Round Support Worker and Office/ Receptionist

We are looking to employ a multi-tasker with a willingness to learn new skills as part of our services for people with dementia. We need someone for 2 days a week for a 6-month contract with the potential to be extended.

We are looking for a bright, enthusiastic person to front our office one day a week: answer the phone, greet clients and visitors, with word processing and organizational skills.

For the second day, the right person will have the opportunity to work in our day facility engaging in fun art and craft activities and conversing with our whānau, all of whom have dementia. There may be some food preparation and definitely some dishes to do.

While experience of working with people with dementia is not necessary, a love of people and a desire to make their lives happier and more fulfilled is.

• Good communications skills are essential.

• Training in dementia support work will be given.

• This appointment is subject to a police check.

• The successful applicant must have the right to work in NZ

Contact - Phone 06 867 0752 or Email gisborne.alzheimers@xtra.co.nz for more information or to apply

Antony Ruru

PAENGA-WHĀWHĀ

Kua pae ngā otaota me ngā rau o te māra ki tāhaki, kua tahuna ki te ahi. Kua tīmata te rere o te tuna, nō reira kua tukuna ngā hīnaki. Kua kite te tangata mātau i te pōpokorua e kaha ana ki te whakaemi kai mō ngā rā o te korekore.

In the gardens, leaves and litter have been heaped up to be burnt. Traps have been laid down to catch the tuna as it begun its migration and people are following the example of the hard working ant, storing up food and resources for the needy time of winter.

Unless you are using a gas BBQ or an approved incinerator, in most cases a lot of burning in the open air requires you to have a fire permit. However, all information including district fire seasons, fire requirements, new permits or renewals can be sourced from the Fire and Emergency NZ website, www. checkitsalright.nz at no cost to you.

There are three fire seasons you need to be aware of:

1. OPEN FIRE SEASON - Means you do not need a fire permit from FENZ to light a fire in the open air.

2. RESTRICTED FIRE SEASON - Means a fire permit from FENZ may be required to light a fire in the open air.

3. PROHIBITED FIRE SEASON - Means a total fire ban and lighting of fires is not permitted in the open air.

You need to know what fire season is operating in the areas where you live or are visiting. Changes of fire seasons are notified via multiple media channels and directly from FENZ.

As always, any information regarding fire safety and education visit our website, www. fireandemergency.nz or contact Gisborne Fire Station 06 3513900

MEET AUNTY DORIS

Aunty Doris was born and bred in the Waikohu area where she grew up and did most of her schooling in both Whatatutu and Te Karaka. She is a volunteer station officer at the Gisborne station and has served over 23 years in Fire and Emergency NZ, formally NZ Fire Service, looking after and supporting her communities in more ways than one.

Within her time as a volunteer she was a fierce competitor in the district waterway games who loved to challenge herself and her whānau, including her son Tama. The pair of them would get stuck in and train together for activities like the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. This was held in Auckland where Aunty would undertake multiple fundraising efforts to support all Kiwis living with Leukemia and blood cancer.

Aunty is also a passionate kaiako teaching Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Whatatutu where she says, “I love that I get to teach my mokopuna about things that I have learned and experienced growing up around here as a child.” She has recently completed her masters in education through Te Wānanga o Raukawa and is utilising every skill that she has learned to ensure tamariki and mokopuna are exposed to as many opportunities and experiences as possible.

Aunty Doris is also an advocate for our Māori medium, Māui Tīnei Ahi programme where she teaches year 1 and 2 students about fire safety and how to get out of a burning building quickly and as safely as possible.

Ngā mihi nui aunty mō ēnei kōrero.

E Hoa Mā Kia Mataara! C’mon Guys Get Firewise.

Pipiwharauroa

Chief Ombudsman visits flood affected areas

The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, recently visited Tairāwhiti, Wairoa, Napier and Hastings to see first-hand the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. He and his team met with Iwi, District and Regional Councils, local Citizens Advice Bureaus, and Community Law Centres. Gisborne is Peter’s turangawawae. He says he has benefited greatly from being onthe-ground and witnessing first hand, the storm devastation that is still very evident in the regions. “I came here to offer people the right to be heard and I am getting a true feel of the issues and concerns of those communities as they start the road to recovery.”

Mr Boshier says his job as Chief Ombudsman is to keep a watch over decisions and actions made by both central government and councils. “My primary role is to investigate complaints against a company or organisation, including councils, government departments or ministries. “Anyone can make a complaint to the Chief Ombudsman. Our service is free and available to everyone. “In any natural disaster, both central and local government need to make a series of fast decisions to respond to the immediate crisis and to help communities recover. “As communities move from the immediate emergency response to the recovery phase, people are likely to have questions about these actions and decisions. “They may have questions about flood protection measures, for example, or the civil defence payments made available to people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle or the farmer and grower recovery grants scheme. “I know from past experience that the number of complaints my office receives goes up in the months after civil defence emergencies.”

Mr Boshier says one of his most important tasks is to make sure government and councils are responding to requests for official information according to the law.

“People need to feel confident and reassured about the decisions being made that affect them. This is especially important during a crisis and for people dealing with complex issues or living in remote areas.”

We asked the Ombudsman how they can help, here’s what they said:

How can the Ombudsman help you?

The Ombudsman service is free and available to everyone. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly by the public sector agencies they deal with. These agencies include:

• government departments and ministries

• city, district, and regional councils

• state-owned enterprises and crown entities

• universities, polytechnics, and wānanga

• school boards

• Oranga Tamariki and any publicly funded care or custody providers for children and young people.

What the Ombudsman can do for you

If you think you have been treated unfairly by a government agency, as in the bullet points above, you can complain to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has wide powers to resolve and investigate complaints. The Ombudsman considers whether an agency’s decisions or actions were unreasonable, unfair, or wrong. If they were, the Ombudsman will say so and ask that agency to put it right. Alternatively, the Ombudsman may agree with the steps the agency has taken and will explain why. The Ombudsman is impartial and independent and will give your complaint careful and fair consideration. The Ombudsman will not usually investigate complaints if there is another alternative solution prior to seeking his help, such as a right of review or appeal of the original decision. The Ombudsman also can’t investigate court decisions.

How to make a complaint

1. First, try to resolve the issue with the agency as bullet pointed above. Many agencies have a complaints process. If they don’t, write to the head of the agency, such as the chief executive or chairperson. The Ombudsman may decide not to consider your complaint unless you’ve done this.

2. You can make a complaint to the Ombudsman using the online form ombudsman.parliament. nz/get-help-public or you can email or post your complaint. Call if you want to talk the matter through. We can answer any questions you have to help you make your complaint. Don’t delay. It may be hard for the Ombudsman to consider something that happened more than 12 months ago.

Complaining for someone else

Whānau, a support person or friend can make a complaint for someone else. If you want someone to make a complaint for you – or you want to represent someone – you will need to arrange permission. See the Ombudsman New Zealand website for help on how to do this.

What happens when you make a complaint? After you’ve sent your complaint to the Ombudsman you’ll be advised when it has been received. The Ombudsman will first decide whether or not your complaint can be considered. If it can’t be, you’ll be told why and directed to other options or agencies who can help. If it’s a matter the Ombudsman can deal with, the Ombudsman’s staff may be able to resolve your complaint by talking to you and the agency you have complained about.

An investigation may not be necessary. When an investigation proceeds, the Ombudsman will seek all relevant information. You’ll be kept informed throughout the complainthandling process. When the investigation ends, the Ombudsman can form an opinion on whether the agency acted unreasonably or unfairly.

Contact the Ombudsman Whakapā Kaitiaki Mana Tangata Office of the Ombudsman Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm Freephone 0800 802 602

Email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz

Website: www.ombudsman.parliament.nz PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143

Additional languages and formats are available on request. Use NZ Relay https:// www.nzrelay.co.nz/index to contact the Ombudsman if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.

Meeting up with Amohaere Houkamau, Director, Rau Tipu Rau Ora, (Tairāwhiti Leadership Group), Selwyn Parata Chairman of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Porou and George Konia, Kaumātua, Ombudsman New Zealand.

Gisborne District Council CEO Nedine Thatcher Swann, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier and Mayor Rehette Sholtz

Peter with Wairoa CEO Kitea Tipuna and Wairoa Mayor Craig Little

Pipiwharauroa

Rangi Puano Moeke

(continued from last month)

Part of our training at Trentham involved mock apprehensions, four cops in one car with one in “pursuit” in another car. The tricks that were played!

I remember one particular training session in which I was the pursuing officerrunning a license check on the driver, who decided to give me the license of one of his comrades acting as a passenger - just wanting to see if I would fall for the guise or pick up on what they’d done. Nope, not this time mate.

The migration North

My days in Wellington came to an end as I was promoted to a Traffic Officer (Car) position in Orewa. For a while, it was just me in my Holden Kingswood in a sole capacity, a short time later I was joined by a Traffic Officer (TO) Motorcycle, his name was Steve Sargent. Then shortly after his arrival we were joined by a Sergeant who managed our area.

Orewa was a great little community being newly developed and in 1977 our youngest child Rangi Puano (Junior) was born, making us a family of 5.

I need to rewind a little at this stage, as before I started my journey into the Ministry of Transport, I’d played rugby for the Black and Whites - The mighty YMP, back home in Gisborne!

Missing the camaraderie of those days, I decided to put on my ‘retired’ boots and started playing for the Silverdale Rubgy Club. They were only a 10 minute drive from Orewa so that saved on petrol and travel time.

Scanning through these old photos (that my wife has carefully filed away) I came across an old “Spot The Ball” competition, reminiscing about when the local newspaper would take a photo of any particular sport - with a ball - and you would have to guess by circling an area inside a grid, where you thought the ball was, in relation to the player. Anna and I were regular entrants to these competitions, feeling that we were pretty well versed in all ball sports.

Well, low and behold this particular entry had been filled out by (yours truly - or was it my wife) and the entry won! Whoever it was, thought it would be a good idea to put our son’s name down on the entry form - Rangi Puano Moeke Jnr.

Already newspaper worthy, at the ripe age of 9 months old!

I’m sure the newspaper results read $5.00, but this payment voucher reads 500 - I can only assume it means 500 cents. Better not show this to Rangi Junior, he might expect a bit of interest after 44 years.

$5.00 was a lot of money back then, it would help pay for my petrol to and from Orewa and Auckland. These days, you would be lucky to pull the lever on the petrol pump - and there goes your $5.00.

Working for the government (MoT) meant that pay days were a fortnightly affair. We would take the kids into Auckland every couple of weeks and ‘shout’ ourselves a Chinese feed and let them experience the big city lights.

The return home

By 1980 I’d returned to Gisborne with my family where we bought our first home in Kaiti.

Knowing the mischief I used to get up to as a teenager, I looked out for jovial drivers, taking the back road down Kaiti Hill to escape a pursuing black and white vehicle. My approach was similar to the policies used in Wellington, whereby I tried to instill in the offenders, particularly the younger ones, the consequences of their

Ministry of Transport - Training. My mate Wayne Couch (middle second row)

Tracy, myself holding Rangi (Junior) and Margaret at Orewa (Inset Vienna and Rangi (Junior)

Tracy and her baby brother Rangi (Junior)

Tracy and Margaret and my Holden Kingswood - Orewa Rangi Puano Moeke (Junior)

Pipiwharauroa

days, worked much more effectively than continually issuing infringements.

It may not seem a big thing these days, but if you had the privilege of being assigned an MoT car, you would be responsible for making sure it was kept in an impeccable condition. Always clean and free of any damage. Budgetary constraints meant that we would need to use our own resources to keep the vehicles in tip top shape.

Our duties also included patrolling Matawai with the Speed Radar and it was up to the individual Traffic Officer to decide where to park to catch any speedsters. As there was only one speed radar in our town, we were all trained in its use. It was a heavy but important piece of equipment, which would be carried inside the car and attached to a window on the side facing the road. When out on the patrol car, we’d be responsible for traffic flow, accident management, stopping heavy motor vehicles to check their loads and the goods.

all worked on a five day shift system between Monday and Sunday, clocking on between 7am and 5pm each day.

The roles and tasks assigned to Traffic Officers varied and often we would be involved in escorting over dimensional loads including houses. We would work alongside Transport Companies like: Taylors, Monk Bros and even the Electric Power Board with overhead lines. I specifically remember dealing with Fred Maynard who was the top man in those days. We all worked together to manage the logistics and ensure an effective and safe movement of whatever was being carried, to its destination.

From 1981 to 1983 I successfully completed an Assignment Training Programme on Traffic Law, with the Ministry. Due to the experience I had gained in Wellington and Orewa, I was nominated by the Chief Traffic Officer to represent our office in the Gisborne District Court. I was responsible for prosecuting my own offences and any others that were submitted by my colleagues. I took on anything and everything, always eager to learn and increase my knowledge and skill base.

(To be continued next month)

Introducing Rangi's second Great Grandchild, Te Ataakura Soreya Moeke.

Born: 14th April 2023 at Caboolture Hospital

Mum: Ebony Pelite

Dad: Joshua Moeke-Bond

Looking through this photo there are some very familiar faces, a few of them have now passed on and they were definitely ‘legends’ of their time!

Me with my assigned Holden at our family home in Kaiti

Rangi Junior keeping an eye on the MoT cars parked up

An example of a radar unit used in the 60s and 70s

Pipiwharauroa

My Tairāwhiti –a journey with my camera

My exhibition My Tairāwhiti – a journey with my camera is a collection of my mahi captured throughout Tairāwhiti during the past five years. I am a self-taught photographer who works by trusting my intuitive self to capture moments of emotion and connection.

I grew up in Auckland, but Tairāwhiti has been my home for the last twenty years. Photography has always been a part of my life, but it was only when I picked up the camera about six years ago that my passion and creativity was ignited. My camera and I are privileged to have been warmly welcomed by the Tairāwhiti communities especially the horse sports whānau. These

days my camera and I travel the length and breadth of Aotearoa capturing moments with both commissioned and freelance work. It's always so good to come back to Tairāwhiti the place I now call home.

I use the same camera and lens for all my work no matter the subject, destination or environment. My work is influenced by 19th/20th century photographers such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Trude Fleischmann, Paul Strand & Lewis H Hine hence most of my images are black & white / sepia tones. I hope, I trust that each of my photographic moments conveys an essence, an emotion, a beauty, a story…

Nā Maria Gobbie

To view these and many other brilliant photographs by Maria Gobbie visit her exhibition at Te Taonga o Te Tairāwhiti noting it closes 21 May 2023

Alzheimers

Sherwood Club Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator

About the Business Alzheimer's Society Gisborne Inc wants to make life better for all people affected by dementia. Our staff operate in a variety of ways, working alongside those diagnosed with dementia and their whānau/families to provide a clear pathway to gain the support and services needed to live life better with dementia.

About the Role

This role ensures that the Sherwood Day Facility operates to contractual requirements and internal safety standards. This involves coordinating volunteers to help with sessions, generating awareness of the service, writing a monthly report and recording systems and statistics. The role is 24 hours per week currently spread over 3 days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the potential to develop into four days per week.

Benefits and Perks

• Work in a team environment providing a service for those in genuine need.

• Join a hard-working team in a rewarding work environment.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Plan and implement an activity programme for the Sherwood Day

Centre clients.

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Sherwood Day Centre

• Recruit volunteers to help deliver the programme.

• Provide awareness, education and liaison with those providing specialist alzheimers/ dementia care.

• Administration in report writing, statistics and record keeping.

Skills and Experience

• You will have an ability to work with mostly elderly, vulnerable people with a cognitive disability. This role does not require clinical expertise.

• Ability to uphold principals of The Treaty of Waitangi

• You will be people focused, creative and fun.

• Have clear communication skills, both written and verbal

• Be empathetic with strong leadership skills to lead a team of volunteers.

• Well organised with good planning and time management skills.

• Computer literate

• An ability to speak Te Reo Māori, experience in the health sector or a previous role as a Diversional Therapist or Occupational Therapist is desirable but not essential.

To Apply for this Role

Please send your CV and a cover letter to Office@ qpl.co.nz or apply on SEEK.

There are no visa/sponsorship opportunities available with this role. Applications from those who are legally able to work in New Zealand will be considered.

Pipiwharauroa

Māori

The phone call from Justice Layne Harvey on the 24th March 2023 was a bolt out of the blue for Tairāwhiti/Rongowhakaata kaumātua Stan Pardoe. Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi offered him an Honorary Doctorate Matauranga Māori for the contribution he had made over many decades to Māori.

I was actually speechless and, for those who know me, I am not often short for words. Layne reassured me I was the right person. To say I was humbled was an understatement, it was a massive whakaaro from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. My relationship with Justice Layne Harvey started back in the late 1990s when Layne was our legal representative supported by Spencer Webster for the Rongowhakaata Treaty claim to the Waitangi Tribunal through Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui ā-Kiwa CEO Willie Te Aho who encouraged our three iwi groups to register. With a committed group, and the backing of Kaumātua, we spent 10 years collating our claim and negotiating with the Crown. I will always be grateful for the support, knowledge and encouragement from Layne on that journey.

My contributions to Te Ao Māori through research and stories have been full of enjoyment, I have relished this part of my life. It has been a privilege to document what I have written, most of which has been handed down to me from my pakeke over many years, especially my grandmother Wairakau Waipara. I have always enjoyed researching and writing that started with the opportunity to publish for the Pakarae Incorporation and for Arai Matawai Incorporation. Following on I wrote my biography Taku Ao, Taku Ora then my latest publication URUPA, stories from five local Urupa within Tūranganui ā-Kiwa.

I attended Te Aute College where I was head prefect and later reconnected with the school through my two sons, LeRoy and Gregg when they enrolled there. I was very involved in the life of the college serving 32 years on the Board, 28 as chairperson. On leaving school I attended technical training with the New Zealand Forest Service based at Whakarewarewa Rotorua before returning home to Manutuke to begin my time as a farming and shearing contractor.

During this period back home my connection to the Tūranga Pariha came about with encouragement from my grandmother Wairakau Waipara. It became a long journey introducing me as the Synod representative to the Waiapū

Diocese, I was still the representative when the Pihopatanga o Aotearoa which was set up as a diocese in its own right.

I was a founding trustee when Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui ā-Kiwa was formed after the devolution of the Māori Affairs Dept. We took on Matua Whangai, Maccess and the Mana programmes. With Māori Fisheries settlement being debated nationally, I was appointed as the fisheries representative for Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui ā-Kiwa. This began a huge learning experience for us and we relished the challenge and opportunities we could see for all three iwi. I was then appointed as Chair of the Rongowhakaata Charitable Trust which I served until the settlement of our Treaty Claims.

Many Māori entities saw those times as the opportunity for the new Rūnanga groups and the Māori Development Trust in Newmarket set up a company called Te Kupenga as a vehicle to expedite this. Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui ā Kiwa had, by then, appointed Willie Te Aho, a young sharp lawyer as our CEO. He encouraged us to buy into this company as it would give us a head start and an understanding as to how a fishing company operated. Te Kupenga became a shareholder in the newly formed Moana Pacific Fisheries which, at that time, was one of bigger inshore fishing companies in New Zealand. With the support of the other iwi shareholders, I was appointed a director on the Moana Pacific Board where I served for 12 years.

The fishing industry held an AGM every year and there was some surprise in that, for the first time, four Māori delegates were representing significant quota ownership. Sir Tipene O Regan, Sir Graham Latimer, Robin Hapi and I were there. I represented Te Ohu Kaimoana for 21 years on the National Rock Lobster Industry Board as advocate for customary fishing and, since 1986, I have served on a number of Māori farming entities

including Arai Mātāwai Incorporation, Mangaotane Trust, Pohaturoa Trust, Pakarae Incorporation, Tapere 2C2 Incorporation, Te Aute Trust Board Farms and Whāngārā Farms Board.

I have been a JP since 2001 and I am an active member of the Tairāwhiti Branch of Historic NZ, originally known as the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. I really enjoy being part of this wonderful group of people who continue to seek and preserve our collective histories and share our stories for all people in our region to connect with and enjoy.

For attending my graduation at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi I would like to thank Ron Nepe, Morehu Pewhairangi, Taharakau Stewart and his wife who represented Rongowhakaata, my wife Molly of 60 years for always being beside me through thick and thin, my daughter Kiri who had one week to organise our travel and accommodation for all our whānau and being there with her son Kupa making a four generation attendance for me. Then there are my two sisters, Wai (Bloss) and Meri who travelled from Australia without letting us know, a wonderful surprise, our daughter Justine and eldest mokopuna Apiata from Wellington, Brother Ivan (Blackie) Jnr and his son LeRoy Jnr, our youngest son Gregg and his daughter Mandy from Tauranga and his son Apiata Jnr.

It was all very memorable for me personally. Our whānau agreed the graduation was a very special occasion and to be together for a happy event and we acknowledge the amazing hospitality which was exemplary from the whānau of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. It was a pleasure to share the day with two other outstanding contributors to Māoridom who also received Honorary Doctorates, Dame Tariana Turia and Te Riaki Amoamo.

I would also like to say what an honour it was to share the day with Deputy Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court Caren Fox who was there to receive her Doctorate.

Hon Doctorate acknowledges a lifetime of commitment to Matauranga

Doctor Stan Pardoe sharing a hongi with Layne Harvey

Photo: Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Dr Pardoe with his whānau on the day

Pipiwharauroa

Manutuke

2nd NZEF Association - Gisborne

Photos provided by: Ruby Nepe, Ron Heemi and Ali Maynard

Pipiwharauroa

Brisbane, Australia

Muriwai

Te Karaka

Photos provided by: Ruby Nepe, Ron Heemi and Ali Maynard

Pipiwharauroa

Iwi Trust Kōrero

GROWING COMMUNITY PAPATŪTANGA

In a time where self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly important, the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, with support from EIT, has planted the seed back into the community through a series of wānanga to grow papatūtanga (resilience). Through the papatūtanga wānanga series whānau have grown their knowledge base around māra and kai.

Participants have learnt how to propagate and save seeds, grow and reproduce plants, set up and maintain their own vegetable gardens and preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables. These skills are not only helping whānau become more self-sufficient, but they are also fostering a sense of abundance. By growing their own food, participants are learning to appreciate the natural abundance of the whenua and the rich diversity of plant life that surrounds them. They are discovering the joy of nurturing plants and watching

Locally led approach to 2023 Census for Hawke’s Bay and Te Tairāwhiti

A locally led, nationally supported, taskforce has been established to deliver the 2023 Census in the Hawke’s Bay and Te Tairāwhiti, Stats NZ has announced. The census was paused from the East Coast to Wairoa and the Hawke’s Bay due to Cyclone Gabrielle, so people prioritise family wellbeing, their homes, and their businesses following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The five-yearly nationwide survey is now restarting in Te Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay and has been extended to June 2023. “We knew it was inappropriate to continue collecting when so many lives had been turned upside down,” said Te Ahu Kauawhi taskforce lead, Annette PapuniMcLellan. “We have named the taskforce ‘Te Ahu Kauawhi’, which means movement to embrace, because that is the approach on-the-ground census teams want to lead with their local communities.

As locals, they understand what people have been dealing with, and Te Ahu Kauawhi will focus effort and support in ways considerate of people’s situations. “We are taking our time to connect with local iwi and hapū, and with community organisations and leaders, to plan how to collect the census in our communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and flooding events.

them grow, and they are finding new ways to incorporate fresh, healthy produce into their daily lives.

The workshops are also promoting a culture of sharing and abundance within the community. Coming together and growing a sense of community is also a major part of the wānanga. Whānau who have attended have been enthusiastic about the workshops, with many expressing their excitement about learning new skills and sharing their knowledge with others.

As one participant put it, "I feel so grateful to be able to grow my own kai and share this knowledge and experience with my tamariki. It's not just about feeding our bodies, but also connecting with Papatūānuku."

The Papatūtanga Wananga series has been well attended, and the team are planning to hold more workshops in the future with the meat processing and butchery workshop coming up in May, keep an eye on the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust Facebook page for info on upcoming events.

Overall, the Papatūtanga Wananga series has been a great success and has demonstrated the vitality and abundance of traditional knowledge and practices related to food growing and preservation. It has also highlighted the power of community and cooperation in building resilience and self-sufficiency. If you have any ideas or knowledge that you would like to share, get in touch with Soraya Pohatu by emailing soraya.pohatu@rongowhakaata. iwi.nz.

The Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust would like to mihi to everyone who has supported this kaupapa including Bridget French at EIT and everyone who has attended, participated and shared matauranga.

“We have been fortunate that a small group of leaders, from Mayors, iwi leaders, to those in grassroots communities, took time out of their busy schedules to contact and encourage us. They understand the importance of the Census to help ‘build back better.’

“They know how critical census data is to the future investment required for new roads, bridges, and housing, as well as extra social, education and health services in response to the impacts of Garbrielle.” Census collection activities are commencing gradually from the start of April, on a localised basis informed by community partnerships and insights. Once started, census collectors will be in affected communities where needed until 1 June 2023.

“The aim is to provide as much support as people want or need so each community can be counted in the 2023 Census, in ways that work best for them,” said Annette. “We will minimise the impact on people by attempting to complete the census in one visit from a census collector, with help available to complete census forms in your home if needed. “In addition,” Annette said, “the decision has been made that people in East Coast to the Hawkes Bay will not receive a fine for not completing the census by 7 March 2023. “We want all whānau and aiga to come forward without fear and be counted to help their communities. Ultimately, census data will contribute to the long-term recovery of these regions.” Annette said people can choose to do the census online or attend one of the many census events that will be run to help people take part in the census. A list of local events is available on the census

website and will be updated as additional events are confirmed. Completing the census is an opportunity for people to help shape the future of their region and Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Our aim from the outset has been for the 2023 Census to be the most inclusive yet and Te Ahu Kauawhi, alongside the iwicollection efforts of Toitū Tairāwhiti and Te Whānau ā Apanui, will help those in areas affected by recent weather events be counted,” said Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive Census and Collection Operations, Simon Mason. “At its heart, the census is about community and whānau. It is about people and what they need.

“The census gives the most complete picture of our communities and helps iwi, community groups, councils, government, and businesses make decisions about the funding and location of infrastructure, services, and support needed by communities. This is even more important in times of recovery from events like Cyclone Gabrielle,” said Simon. In the rest of the country, census collectors are currently following up with people who have not yet completed the census.

If people haven’t done the census yet, they don’t need to wait for a census collector. People with internet access can do the census online now in English and Māori. Just request an access code at www.census. govt.nz or call 0800 236 787. People can request paper forms and information in multiple languages and formats.

The Papatūtanga Wananga

Photo: LeRoy Crawford – Kai-Urukoea

TĀMANUHIRI TŪTŪ POROPORO TRUST

Pipiwharauroa

Paenga-Whāwhā 2023

Breakfast’s Jenny-May Clarkson Visits Waingake Waterworks

“It took six weeks to repair the water pipeline which in itself is… incredible, but those repairs are just a band-aid,” as JennyMay Clarkson stated when introducing the piece for TVNZ’s Breakfast show on 19 April.

Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust’s CEO Doug Jones, Maraetaha Incorporated Chair Bella Hawkins, and Gisborne District Council’s Lifelines Director David Wilson were interviewed to discuss the progress made in the recovery efforts of the water pipelines at the Waingake Waterworks.

Driving through the waterworks showed the vulnerability of the pipeline infrastructure as it is threatened by the likes of landslides and slash. Jenny-May was shown the extent of the mahi that has already taken place over the past nine weeks to recover from the damage caused to the water pipelines following Cyclone Gabrielle. Burying parts of the pipeline underground, implementing soil terraces to prevent future landslides, and rebuilding some of the fence lines are all part of the mahi taking place to future-proof the Waingake Waterworks infrastructure. “Ensuring whānau are included in conversations regarding the

future of the regions infrastructure is essential when considering plans to guarantee resilience of our communities for upcoming generations,” said Doug. Ngāi Tāmanuhiri want to acknowledge and give a huge mihi to all the kaimahi who have and continue to put in the hard work to recover from the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the infrastructure for the years to come.

Looking to Tourism with Trust Tairāwhiti

TTPT’s Doug Jones hosted Trust Tairāwhiti’s General Manager of Tourism and Marketing, Matt Cairns through Waingake, Muriwai to Brown’s Beach, and then out to Te Kōpua Farm to discuss some of the iwi’s ongoing mahi and potential tourism opportunities.

Civil Defence Hui

Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust hosted Civil Defence resilience planning hui for the Muriwai and Tawatapu communities on 19 April 2023. Around 30 people attended and provided their whakaaro and local knowledge to shape our approach to future response, recovery and resilience for a civil defence emergency. The trust has contracted Candice Gate of iComply to take the feedback and develop the planning documents and for iwi and community members to approve. Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust will then take the plans forward to advocate and seek investment.

bringing a positive and upbeat presence to the store, providing our customers and wider whānau with exceptional service. We all sincerely miss them and wish them luck on their future endeavours.

Additionally, we would like to thank Annalisa Te Whaiti for her support of Manutuke Fuel and Store and for her expertise as a barista. We are happy that she has continued to support our business in her new role as our administrative assistant in our Trust office.

Mihi to our New Kaimahi:

Kahurangi Moke (Communications and Events Advisor):

On 17 April we had a mihi whakatau for our new Communications and Events Advisor, Kahurangi Moke.

Kahurangi has recently moved back home to Gisborne after completing her Bachelor of Communications degree at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Kahurangi’s whakapapa links her to Ngai Tāmanuhiri through her Papa Parekura Tupara, son of Fulla Downes (nee Ehu), and Paora Teipaipa Downes.

Parekura was whāngai to his Nanny Pirihita Okeroa Tupara (nee Paia Te Rangi) and Papa Parehoera Tupara. Kahurangi is the daughter of Natasha Moke (nee Tupara) and Anaru Moke. Kahurangi says that she looks forward to bringing her new found knowledge home and broadening her iwi connections as she works with, and for, the Ngāi Tāmanuhiri whānau.

Matene Blandford Jr. (Casual Retail Assistant):

Matene is our casual retail assistant who has joined the Manutuke Fuel and Store team. We welcome him to the team.

Ko Matene Blandford ahau

Ko Ngāi Tāmanuhiri me Rongowhakaata ngā Iwi

Mihi of Acknowledgement –Manutuke Fuel and Store

We at Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust, and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri Whānui would like to thank Maria Kingi and Onyx Neill (Bu), two former employees of Manutuke Fuel and Store, for their enormous knowledge and contribution. These two kaimahi helped our company by

Ko Matene Pohatu raua ko Harata Te Wharengaio Swann oku Tipuna

Hayley Earnshaw (Retail Assistant)

Hayley has joined our team at Manutuke Fuel and Store. She brings her skill set and background with her barista skills and is very keen to get the mahi done.

Jenny-May visiting Waingake Waterworks (left to right: Matt Cairns, Kahurangi Moke, Bella Hawkins, Doug Jones, Jenny-May Clarkson, Daiminn Kemp, David Wilson)

Landslide next to the pipeline at the waterworks

View of Whareongaonga from Te Kōpua Farm

Community planning for emergency resilience

Pipiwharauroa

Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart Limited

Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart Limited project lead Willie Te Aho stresses the need, as committed, to get the repairs completed on all uninsured houses by 31 August 2023. “We can get this done in this timeframe; we just need to buckle up and commit,” he says. “We need to accelerate what we are doing now with the right supports, but we all know the consequences if we don’t keep up.” The aim is to repair uninsured houses, in line with the repairs assessment reports, by 25 August 2023 so that whānau can return to their warm, safe homes by 31 August 2023. The team is also working on the same timeframe for the insured homes subject to any issues with insurers and the Gisborne District Council being resolved.

On the ground, the focus continues to be on general tidying; supporting the uninsured and acting on behalf of the insured whānau who have signed Authority to Act agreements; constructing, locating and connecting the newly built Whare Awhina; securing furniture or appliances for whānau without insurance, removing silt from underneath houses and the repairs programme; confirming a plan for those who agree with the raising of their houses and to start the process to consider if Te Karaka is the permanent ‘peace of mind’ place for residents. Whānau are mindful that houses previously raised after Cyclone Bola were not safe from the destruction of Gabrielle, but to move or not will be their decision.

Removal of silt is being carried out under Te Aitanga ā-Māhaki Trust, overseen by Dave Pikia and an overall cost to repair six houses has been agreed upon with Te Pae Hākari. Work is planned for completion to a turn key state assuming there are no unforeseen damage by 25 August 2023.

Willie and his team do not want to see people continuing to exist in cramped motel rooms and overcrowded living conditions.

The mamae and stress of whānau is felt and there is no Plan B. The plan is that over the coming month politicians will be celebrating with Te Karaka whānau as they move from motels in Tūranga back to temporary housing in whare āwhina on their land in Te Karaka.

At the end of August 2023 celebrations will continue as whānau move back into their warm, safe and repaired homes that were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle. Willie is urging other rohe impacted to act with urgency as, after this month, he is concerned the need will drop out of sight for wider government officials and departments except Te Puni Kōkiri and Housing and Urban Development, both of which continue to demonstrate their committed support. “We will wait for Sir Brian’s report and once the budget is announced, their hands will be tied,” says Willie. He is also adamant that there will not be any underspend on funding allocations to date.

There is much activity at the Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart facilty with eight 97m2 permanent houses and twelve 30m2 temporary homes being built at the same time. The Whare Awhina have acted as a pivot to accelerate both temporary and permanent housing in Tairāwhiti and for temporary housing in Te Wairoa.

To complete the Whare Āwhina, another four teams of three people will be needed with options currently being pursued. A $4 million loan to be converted to a grant is being sought so that the same type of infrastructure as Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart facilty can be extended to Ruatōrea and $85m is being sought in the next financial year to meet the recognised housing shortage of 500 houses in Te Tairāwhiti through to Te Whānau ā-Apanui.

Included in the plan are 75 business as usual houses across the entire rohe, the establishment near Gisborne

hospital of a Wellness Centre, 20 Tūranga Tangata Rite Wellness houses and 50 Tūranga Tangata Rite Wellness social houses aimed at moving people without homes out of motels. As a part of our economic recovery, a further $20 million investment is being pursued to add to the value chain of house building through a portable sawmilling operation to harvest wood from Waipaoa 3B and the establishment of a retail store like Placemakers.

Recently Minister Kiritapu Allan visited Rangatira Marae, whānau in Te Karaka, including those who have just received locally built by Whare Āwhina, the old Primary School site to see where eleven new houses will go, to the settlement by Takipū marae and concluded with a visit to the Builtsmart facility to meet the building team.

The plan is to still move Te Rangatira marae to higher ground on Rangatira title. A proposal for $5 million in funding to assist in the relocation and re-establishment costs of shifting the marae has been put to Cyclone Taskforce leader Sir Brian Roche. It is hoped that it will be included in 18 May’s budget announcement. The costs are to cover securing the land, establishing a new Māori reservation with trustees, relocating and rebuilding the wharenui whakahau; the establishment of appropriate infrastructure and building of a new ablution block and a new wharekai to replace the existing one that is condemned.

While the major focus of the previous meetings has been on temporary housing or getting whānau back into their homes, the plan to relocate Rangatira marae to higher ground could well be the start of the entire township moving with the addition of a purpose-built emergency evacuation centre offering “peace of mind housing.”

“No whānau will ever contemplate moving to higher ground without their marae being moved first,” says Willie. “Work will commence on getting a community consensus requiring fifty percent support by next May if the township is to be moved. “Separate investment will be needed for Kaumātua flats; Māhaki Tiaki (Civil Defence Hub) that is fully earthquake proof with a full sized gymnasium with spectator viewing, separate bathrooms and cooking facilities able to cater for up to 500 people like the big sports venues in Cyclone prone states in America have.” The concept was presented to Minister Allan on her recent visit.

Minister Kiri Allan with the team at Rangatira Marae

Photo: Gisborne Herald

A whare āwhina being delivered

Photo: Gisborne Herald

Hei Kura mō Māhaki Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Fund

Pipiwharauroa

Ma tou rourou, ma toku rourou ka ora ai te Iwi

On behalf of Te Aitanga a-Māhaki, I thank everyone for your generosity and kind wishes for our whānau in Te Karaka. We appreciate you.

Nā Pehimana Brown Chairman for Te Aitanga a-Māhaki Trust

T GRAY

TINA BATY

MISS T M WILLIAMS - MARIA WILLIAMS

- Hei Kura Mo Mahaki

- Hei Kura Mo Mahaki

- Hei Kura Mo Mahaki

- Hei Kura Mo Mahaki

donation - Hei Kura Mo

Gisborne Alzheimers Dementia Navigator

About the Business

Alzheimer's Society Gisborne Inc wants to make life better for all people affected by dementia. Our staff operate in a variety of ways, working alongside those diagnosed with dementia and their whānau/families to provide a clear pathway to gain the support and services needed to live life better with dementia.

About the Role

This role provides information and support to people with dementia, carers, and families. Also, to raise awareness about dementia and promote and market the services provided by the Gisborne Society.

Benefits and Perks

• Work in a team environment providing a service for those in genuine need.

• Join a hard-working team in a rewarding work environment.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

This is a 30 hour per week role, spread over 4 days. In this role you will work mostly with the whanau of the elderly and vulnerable people with dementia.

Skills and Experience

• You will be able to interact easily and respectfully with individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• You will be well organised and have the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and to establish community networks.

• You will have great time management skills, have some flexibility in your working hours and have excellent communication and written skills.

• Computer literacy and a current driver’s licence are also essential for this role.

• A knowledge of Alzheimers Disease and dementia and an ability to work within the health system would be desirable for this role.

• This role may suit an Occupational Therapist or District Nurse.

To Apply for this Role

Please send your CV and a cover letter to Office@qpl.co.nz or apply on SEEK. There are no visa/sponsorship opportunities available with this role. Applications from those who are legally able to work in New Zealand will be considered.

Pipiwharauroa

Mere Pōhatu

RECOVER and SLOW WATER MOVEMENT

As our roads become drivable again, we can come together more often to lead our lives, conduct our business, meet our friends and whānau, go to sport, get to education, arrange appointments, get ourselves ready for Winter, re-stock our cupboards, clean up our grounds, land and homes and attend to our mental and physical wellbeing. We tend to put the cyclone and bad weather behind us.

I asked my mokopuna to help me do a Climate Change submission to the Land Use Inquiry chaired by her Taua Hekia. She told me, and she learnt about this at Kaiti School, about the water cycle. She explained evaporation, condensation and precipitation to me. This is what she had to say about precipitation. “Well,” she said. “That's the last part of the water cycle. “The clouds crash into one another and the water bursts out from the sky in streams and lands in our gardens, on our mountains, lawns and all the soil, rivers, lakes and

Meka Whaitiri

Tēnā tātou kaota

I’ve been on the ground across IkaroaRāwhiti, listening to how many of you have been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. I want to assure you that myself, Minister Allan and MPs are working together on the cyclone recovery. No one person has all the answers, which is why I am focused on engaging, listening and working with different communities and groups to understand how the Government can best provide support. While I’m doing what I can in my own capacity, each community will have different needs – and it’s the people in each community who will understand this.

The recovery is going to take time, this is why the Government is ensuring the cyclone response is community driven and community-led. My role is about looking across communities to advocate for the most pressing needs, and how we as a Government

streams and seas.” Then she said, “the cycle starts all over again.”

The rise of the water table. Scary. Normally trees will help us in two important ways. They would break the fall of the rain with their leaves and then they would help to soak the water up after it has been sifted through the trees undergrowth. Any rate. Lots of learnings. We all should know what happened and how we all reacted.

We all need to be plumbers in our own right. Gardeners. Foresters. We all use the whenua whether we are big production growers of food for money, rent a house in town, or live in or on earth. All of us are in the forestry industry, the horticulture industry, farming, and every other harvesting activity. We all need to be a part of the slow water movement. Start at your house. Clear your drains. Observe where your water goes. Be careful about what goes down your drain. Know where your storm water and wastewater goes. And definitely don’t be chucking stuff out your car and truck windows as you motor along the troubled SH35 and SH2. It all ends up blocking the drains.

Get involved with Local Government planning. Don't let flood protection rule your rates and definitely don't be a party to Catchment planning in your part of our geography without your input. Every drain,

can have a coordinated response. It’s important both central and local government coordinate and work together to ensure we are getting help to where it is required. The Government recently approved an additional $25 million to help more businesses in the clean-up from the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle affected regions to get them back on their feet. This will allow more firms to be supported up to the $40,000 per-business. This follows earlier support of $50 million to assist the business community with their immediate cashflow needs.

Alongside help for businesses, the Government has provided other supports.

• An initial $250 million for Waka Kotahi and local councils to assess and fix roads

• $74 million for affected farmers and growers to clean up and re-establish their businesses

• $5 million to Mayoral Relief Funds

• More than $28.4 million in Civil Defence Payments

• Inquiry announced into forestry slash and land use after Cyclone Gabrielle

• A new Recovery Visa created to help bring in additional specialist workers

• Temporary Accommodation Service activated in affected regions

river and waterway matters. Every tree, and finding the right tree and vegetation to help the heavy hard rain hit our fields lightly and in a graduated process is important.

Rongowhakaata iwi, you deserve our thanks. I love that your purchase of a Native Nursery is such a huge part of your future investment strategy. I love that Soraya leads out learning and seminars and actions to increase vegetation where it's required. She’s joined by Reweti at Tūranga Health who loves great community well-being. He runs out health services in a circuit way.

Sticking to his mandate and, like Soraya, bringing what he knows best to the whānau in a regular planned way. It's all purposeful, slow and deliberate. Look at the Railway Reserve. Absolutely beautiful. Planting. Growth. And how about the old police station? It stood there as a symbol and sentinel of our shambolic misfortunes. The whole of Tūranga had a view about it.

Rongowhakaata has taken a lot of rubbish talking about them and the police station. It's all but gone now folks. Pīpīwharauroa readers know that this is huge. It represents how this iwi is going to forge ahead. Bringing back the environment to its former glory. Congratulations Iwi Trust. You are inspiring us to be careful with our earth. That’s refreshing.

• $15 million short-term relief package to support Māori communities

• A further $17.5 million to support communities and community providers

• $3.25 million to support the immediate mental wellbeing needs of people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle

• $15 million for councils to remove rubbish

In Tairāwhiti, $14 million has been spent on repairs to local roads, the Mayoral Relief Fund and the Disaster Relief Fund have distributed just over $1.5million todate, 800-900 businesses have applied for Government business grant funding. Of this, over 600 applications have so far been approved, with over $6 million in funds distributed. It’s great to see that work is progressing. Minister Kiri Allan has done great work as the Ministerial Lead for the Cyclone response for Tairāwhiti and Bay of Plenty. I know it’s been a tough few years, and I know this has been a traumatic event and unsettling time for so many. My message to you all, whether you’re an employer, a student, elderly, low income or high income earners. We have your back and we’re going to help you get through this.

Pipiwharauroa

TAMARIKI ORA TEAM WELCOMES NEW STAFF

AROUND 700 pēpi are born in Gisborne every year with around half registered with the Tamariki Ora service run by Tūranga Health. Six nurses, four kaiāwhina, and two E Tipu e Rea staff provide the nationally-available Well Child Tamariki Ora programme of health visits for children from 6 weeks up to 5 years. They also provide ante-natal wananga and other support for māmā and their pēpi. This year the team has been bolstered by the arrival of two new kaimahi: kaiāwhina Louisa-May Robinson, and administrator Alisha Kemp.

INTRODUCING KAIĀWHINA LOUISA-MAY ROBINSON

LOUISA-MAY Robinson went from client to staff member after existing Turanga Health staff encouraged her to apply for a recently advertised kaiāwhina role.

Louisa-May, Ngati Porou, was receiving support from the Turanga Health emergency housing team when kaiāwhina Naleya Ahu identifed her quiet abilities. “She had a lot of potential for a young person, took on a lot of ownership and responsibility for her whānau and the way forward.” Naleya was particularly drawn to Louisa-May’s aptitude for problem solving and communicating. “She’s approachable, honest with people, and always upbeat with a smile.”

Louisa-May was taken aback by the suggestion. Too much self-doubt she reckons. “But I did it anyway, and I love it so much now.”

Previously, Louisa-May, 25, has been raising her nearly-three-year-old daughter alongside taking on some work in kōhanga reo. Now she has thrown herself into kaiāwhina on-the-job training and qualifications by shadowing nurses and kaiāwhina, and working alongside hapū wahine.

This month she’s studying to become a vaccinator so she can administer influenza, Covid and booster vaccinations, as well as some childhood and hapū māmā immunisations. There’s theory and practical modules to advance

through. On the day she was interviewed Louisa-May had vaccinated a fellow staff member with this year’s influenza vaccination. “I love that Turanga Health upskills all its kaimahi. You never get bored here.”

Louisa-May began with Turanga Health just days before Cyclone Gabrielle hit the district. She joined forces with other Turanga Health kaimahi cooking meals for whānau flooded out of their homes and emergency response staff working on the frontline. “I enjoyed it, it was cool to know we were doing something that was helping.”

Louisa-May feels like she’s “home” now she’s working at Turanga Health. The organisation prioritises kaimahi physical and mental health, ensuring staff can manage family life around their work commitments, and access fitness and team building opportunities.

It’s a good fit for Louisa-May, who values personal health to best support the growth and development of her own moko. And it’s another attribute Naleya noticed when they first met. “You have to start with selfcare in order to be able to help others, and Lou is all about that.”

Louisa-May is grateful for the opportunities on offer and hungry to learn more. “I’m so glad I came out of my comfort zone and applied for this job.”

MEET ADMINISTRATOR ALISHA KEMP

Ko Mātiti te maunga

Ko Maraetaha te awa

Ko Ngāi Tāmanuhiri te iwi

Ko Horouta te waka

Ko Muriwai ahau

FORMER Ministry of Social Development employee Alisha Kemp brings experience helping people in need to her new role with the māmā and pēpi team at Turanga Health.

Alisha says working in a role where you assist whānau facing complex and challenging circumstances helped her understand the importance of listening to the whānau voice. “It helps break down barriers and meet whānau needs - similar to what we do here at Turanga Health.”

At Turanga Health, Alisha, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, works with E Tipu e Rea, a holistic program that helps look after māmā who are facing challenges while they are pregnant, or when they have a new-born or young child.

E Tipu e Rea referrals from around the rohe are managed through the Turanga Health team. Once approved, staff from Turanga Health, Ngāti Porou Hauora, and Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti work with these families.

Alisha says it's rewarding to be working with whānau for whānau at an innovative, forward- thinking, mobile organisation. Last weekend, nurses and kaiāwhina hosted a Turanga Health Whānau Day for vaccinations on the grounds of a school. “Turanga Health is so far ahead in culture and what they do for whānau. They go to the people and never see any barriers.” Alisha worked in Government services for 15 years, most recently with Work and Income NZ. Before that, she was with Study Link helping students with their finances.

After she saw the Turanga Health administration vacancy advertised Alisha had to ask her māmā Louise Kemp for her blessing to apply. Louise has worked for the iwi health provider for over 20 years.

“I have seen my mum start each day so passionate about her mahi and now I can see why.”

Outside of work, Alisha is a proud māmā to daughter Jayda Riarn and son Eli-Brooks. She enjoys spending time with whānau and friends, keeping fit, and giving things a go including the social and sporting opportunities Turanga Health creates for its staff.

Tūranga Ararau