Tama Cultural Development

There has been a growing desire in recent years within the trust to increase capacity and capabilities towards providing more cultural benefits to our members. In June, this year we made a huge leap forward by employing the new Cultural & Communications Manager, Mane Tahere.

This is a significant development for the Cultural Trust. One of the focus areas for Mane will be around revitalization projects and increasing benefits for our membership. Mane has started working on a range of cultural projects some of which you will be fully informed of very soon. These include “Kai tahi” an informal get together for Tama whānau to enjoy whanaungatanga as well as upcoming wānanga or Te Reo Māori initiatives and much more. As Mane settles in this will become an exciting space to watch and we encourage you all to participate in any or all upcoming activities.

Waari Ward-Holmes New Director

It was with great pleasure that at this year’s AGM we welcomed Waari Ward- Holmes as a new Director and now Chairman of Tama Asset Holding Company. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience having been involved in many high profile organisations such as Foodstuffs, ASB Trust, Sky City, Farmers and Wakatu Inc (Kono).

Waari Ward- Holmes is also of Ngāti Tama descent, born in Takaka and attended Nelson College. It is great to have one of our own whānau members help to foster and grow our iwi’s goals and aspirations Nau Mai, Hoki Mai e te Rangatira

Cultural Property Profile: Te Tai Tapu

We have strong connection to Te Tai Tapu. This connection transcends time with its spiritual and historical associations. We’re interconnected with the whenua, the waterways and are passionate about our Kaitiakitanga responsibilities. Part of this is protecting what we cherish for the benefit and enjoyment of all, and through the Treaty settlement process Te Tai Tapu was vested jointly in the Trustees of the Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Trust, the Trustees of the Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust and the Trustees of the Ngāti Rārua Settlement Trust. Then on the seventh day after settlement, the estate in Te Tai Tapu vested in the Crown as a gift back to the people of New Zealand.

In anticipation to the release of our Ngāti Tama Waiata booklet and CD resource for all our whānau, we will be promoting some of these Tama Waiata in our Te Puna Newsletters.

Waikoropupū

Waikoropupū Waikoropupū

Pupū ake te whenua

Pupū ake ko ngā wai ora Waikoropupū

Ngā puna wai o Takaka

Ngā puna roimata wairua Waikoropupū x2

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We proceeded with this direction believing it was the best form of protection for Te Tai Tapu. The future of Te Tai Tapu is incredibly uncertain due to the looming threat of exploration and exploitation, yet our resolve to stand true to our stance of no mining has not diminished. We’ll continue to do everything possible to achieve 100% protection for this taonga. It is reassuring to know that Ngāti Tama have always remained alert to what threatens Te Tai Tapu.

Interesting Takahē facts: