Pipiwharauroa

Iwi Trust Kōrero

Growing Community Papat Tanga

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.