Illuminated against a backdrop of night sky and Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour at Te Whareorahi Reserve at the end of Park Road, it greeted guests to Katikati’s annual Matariki Dawn Service last Friday
This week it’s been greeting visitors to Western Bay Museum, offering an intimate look into the ancient Māori customs and
traditions of waka. The five-metre replica Waka Taua (carved Māori canoe) is the star of the ‘Te Au o Maui - A Waka Live Exhibition’ at the museum this week From June 25-29 museum visitors can watch live demonstrations by renowned master carver Hingangaroa Smith and waka builder and carver Haimona Brown, pictured, who’ll
showcase traditional techniques in lashing, carving and waka construction. The waka experts will be on-site 10am-4pm daily, with a noon waka kōrero “This is a unique opportunity for the community to reconnect with our ancestral waka traditions,” said Haimona Brown. “Preserving waka craftsmanship is vital; today, fewer than a
handful of waka remain in Tauranga Moana.” Find out more on page 5. The waka, which will be on long-term display at the museum, was photographed at Katikati’s Matariki Dawn Service – see page 6. The town ’ s Matariki celebrations also included two diplomats visiting Te Rereatukahia Marae, see page 3. Photo / Anna Menendez
Burglaries, car thefts, petrol driveoffs and wilful damage were just a handful of calls attended by Katikati Police during the month of June
Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh breaks down what officers responded to below
June 5: An office and shipping container was broken into at a Prole Rd, Ōmokoroa, work site. Bulk tools were stolen. CCTV shows four offenders involved.
June 16: A caravan was broken into on Ōmokoroa Rd and alcohol taken (see apprehensions)
June 4: Overnight a silver Toyota Hilux, registration number EGD333 was stolen from McDonnell St, Ōmokoroa.
Between June 3-9: A 2017 black Mistsubishi Outlander registration number KSE884 was stolen from near the Ōmokoroa Boat Club.
Between June 10-11: An 11.5 metre long orangey/mustardy coloured dinghy went missing from the beach off Matahiwi Rd.
June 8: Overnight a number plate went missing off a vehicle parked on Ōmokoroa Rd.
June 11: A petrol drive-off in Te Puna was reported to police.
June 16: The front door of Ōmokoroa Rd address was broken (see apprehensions)
Between June 4-11: Another Facebook fraud has occurred, where the buyer has paid a deposit on an item they were never going to get. A fake profile was used by the seller
Between June 12-17: A Katikati man scammed out of significant amount of money after a cold call from someone pretending to be from Spark, who claimed that the person ’ s internet was slow The fraud was completed after the person followed the scammer ’ s instructions. Never follow instructions from a cold caller They are very convincing and as in this case likely to be calling from overseas
Between June 4-11: A 16-year-old male youth was spoken to about inappropriate phone calls to unknown female and referred to Youth Aid
June 5: A 44-year-old Tauranga man was charged with drink driving on State Highway 2 at Whakamārama.
June 6: A 32-year-old Minden woman was charged with drink driving in Aongatete.
June 13: A 50-year-old Te Puna man
Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh
arrested for threatening to kill, possession of offensive weapons, possession of meth pipes and possession of cannabis A search warrant was executed at his address, and he was remanded in custody
June 14: A 38-year-old Whakamārama man arrested for breaching bail conditions.
June 16: A 26-year-old Ōmokoroa woman was charged with burglary to a caravan and wilful damage to a house door.
June 17: A 28-year-old Katikati woman charged with assaulting another woman on Clive Rd, Katikati.
General
I’m not sure if it’s the cold weather but there has been a welcome decrease in crime during the past month However, we have a number of ongoing enquiries to keep us busy
Please remember – if you see something, say something! Look out for your neighbours – and if you don’t lock it, you could lose it. Call 111 if an incident is happening now or call 105 after the event.
Located close to the township of Waihi, Waihi Lifecare Village is one of the region’s most idyllic yet affordable lifecare villages
Our co ages are set in a peaceful, rural se ng with extensive lawn and garden areas which celebrate the heritage of the site.
The village offers a range of one and two bedroom co ages as well as a 65 bed care facility providing resthome and hospital level care for con nuity of care
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The determining of a special relationship unfolded on June 19 when local hapu Ngāi Tamawhariua welcomed two diplomats, representing Ireland and Britain, on to Te Rereatukahia Marae
Paul O’Hara, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Ireland and John Pearson, deputy high commissioner of the British High Commission, stepped onto the marae beside Katikati community leaders for an invite-only powhiri to launch a series of local commemorations to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of the Ulster settlers’ arrival in town this September
However, the meeting also brought to light the kōrero tuku iho – history –from the tangata whenua into the wider community On September 16, 1875, the first Ulster Irish settlers arrived in the area which is now known as Katikati, and formed a relationship with local Māori from the beginning
Te Rereatukāhia Marae chairman Hone Winder-Murray said before the event that “building connections, and celebrating our differences is what brings us together” –and Matariki was an apt time to do this
“When drawing parallels between te ao Māori and the Northern Irish, it’s vital that we look to our past While understanding the premise that we are talking about two different peoples – separated by vast expanses of land and ocean, with an entire hemisphere to boot – would an ever-so-distant constellation of stars in the depths of the night sky have any kind of significance for recognising those connections? I believe that the parallels are incredibly worthy of nothing ”
Winder-Murray said it was fascinating to explore the local footprint of life in 1875 “particularly when Matariki rose over Papakura, the central area of land which makes up the township now referred to as Katikati, and knowing that many miles away – at the very same time – the Northern Ireland people of Ulster were boarding their respective vessels, bound for the resource-rich and bountiful lands, landing on these shores some 90-odd days later”
“As we look to the present day, we honour the attendance of the Irish deputy ambassador, and the representative from the British High Commission as they attend our Matariki events ”
O’Hara, Pearson and Katikati community leaders, including Western
Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer and district councillors, were given a traditional welcome inside the wharenui (meeting house) – with karakia (prayer), speeches and waiata (song)
In his speech, O’Hara said he was deeply honoured to be present, representing the Irish, to honour this kaupapa and reflect upon the story of the Ulster settlement of Katikati
Not an easy legacy
“We gather here on land that holds many stories The soil of Katikati bears the footprints not just of Ngāi Te Rangi, but the footprints of missionaries and of migrants, including those from Ulster, the northern part of Ireland, who arrived here in 1875
“I’m here with you as a representative of Ireland in Aotearoa New Zealand, but also
as a student of our shared and complex histories”
O’Hara said both people’s histories involved stories of influence, migration, colonisation and hope “Among the Ulster settlers who arrived in this region were people who’d left a land of great beauty, so similar in many ways to the landscapes of Aotearoa, but a place that had known great hardship
“Many would have seen the effects of a devastating famine within living memory, in a part of a country divided by religion and national identity”
The settlers also brought with them their memories, customs, traditions, and a longing for new beginnings, O’Hara said
“Some may have been escaping economic hardship and perhaps dispossession, only to arrive in a land where others, tangata whenua, were themselves experiencing a great dispossession This is not an easy legacy to reckon with
“But I believe it is our shared
responsibility – as manuhiri, as diplomats, and as descendants – to reflect honestly and humbly on all aspects of that history
“Let us honour the stories of this place, of Māori and Pākehā, Protestant and Catholic, tauiwi and tangata whenua, voices that speak across the generations Let us honour the artefacts and archives preserved in the Western Bay Museum, not merely as tokens of the past, but as mirrors to our present and guides to our future ”
O’Hara said one of Ireland’s best-known seanfhocail, or whakatauki (proverbs), was “Ní neart go cur le Chéile” which meant “There is no strength without unity”
“These words remind us that our futures are interwoven, just as our past has been In marking this 150th anniversary this year, let us make space for history that takes account of all aspects of this story, and for connection thr commemoration ”
British High Commission deputy high commissioner John Pearson, Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic and Embassy of Ireland’s deputy head of mission Paul O’Hara outside Te
Pearson expressed his thanks for the British High Commission being asked to be part of Katikati’s Matariki events The Ulster Irish settlers came from Ireland 46 years before the island was partitioned into an independent state, now known simply as Ireland, while six of the nine counties of Ulster became Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK – hence why Pearson was honoured to be present. “[Northern Ireland is the] Smallest nation in the UK, but one of the richest…so to be at an event like this is really wonderful.”
After formalities, visitors shared food at the wharekai (dining hall), while four people of Katikati talked to their links to the town and the hapū. This included resident Val Baker, archaeologist Brigid Gallagher, Katikati College principal Louise Buckley, and Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic. Winder-Murray said for Ngāi Tamawhariua, the opportunities to work collaboratively and share their kōrero – through kaupapa like Matariki – had benefited them immensely “When we look to the future, when we envision the world that we, in each of our communities, aim to build for our children and our mokopuna, it’s
Bay of Plenty residents have been given a unique opportunity this week to watch live traditional techniques of lashing, carving and waka construction at Western Bay Museum in Katikati.
A replica five-metre Waka Taua (carved Māori canoe) was shifted into the museum on Monday, June 23, after being shown to the local community at Katikati’s Matariki Dawn Service last Friday, June 19
Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic said the museum was proud to host the Waka Tapu (Ceremonial Canoe), with “ an inspiring exhibition offering an intimate look into the ancient customs of waka”.
The event would feature live demonstrations by renowned master carver Hingangaroa Smith and waka builder and carver Haimona Brown. The experts will be on-site 10am-4pm daily from Wednesday, June 25, to this Sunday, June 29, with a noon waka kōrero (talk) each day
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to reconnect with our ancestral waka traditions,” said Haimona Brown. “Preserving waka craftsmanship is vital – today, fewer than a handful of waka remain in Tauranga Moana.
“Our history as a nation is intertwined with these vessels, and it’s important we keep this knowledge alive for future
generations.” Hingangaroa Smith, who is the museum ’ s Pou Mātauranga Māori (Māori lead), said the aim of the exhibition is to run a wānanga-style event that demonstrates the skills involved in building waka, including kowhaiwhai (painted patterns), whakairo (carving), and construction techniques
Preservation and learning
“This initiative supports the longterm refurbishment of ‘Te Au o Maui’ (live exhibition of a ceremonial Māori canoe, showcasing the craftsmanship and traditions of waka building) for long term display at the museum, ensuring the preservation of our waka heritage.”
Gaelic said the live exhibition enabled the public to experience the artistry and cultural importance of waka, with demonstrations, storytelling, and opportunities for community engagement. “Everyone is welcome.”
Smith and Brown had created the waka themselves for the purpose of it being used for wānanga, a traditional Māori method of learning, said Gaelic “That’s why it’s only five metres long. A full waka would be substantially bigger than this – but they built it about six years ago for wānanga, to build knowledge for everybody around the tradition of waka.”
Gaelic said Smith had been working at the museum for six months, and had facilitated taking the Waka Taua to the Matariki Dawn Service to align with Ngairo Eruera’s kōrero (talk) of the stars relating to waka.
Now Smith and Brown would open up the Māori world of ancient waka customs and traditions to all at the museum. “It’s a big opportunity for us to all to learn,” said Gaelic. “And I mean everybody, Pasifika and Māori as well, because years ago the tradition was almost lost...”
Gaelic said the men wanted people to get up close and personal, ask questions, talk with them and watch what they’re doing. “I really hope people pop in each day and get updates on the project as
it develops Smith, Brown and their fellow carver Joshie will be all working on re-lashing, carving, maintenance and adornments.”
Gaelic said Katikati was privileged to have these men in the community due to their expert knowledge.
“Just everything that they’re bringing to our community…it’s really special and I am totally excited.”
Western Bay Museum is at 32 Main Road, Katikati, and open 10am-4pm June 25-29 for this event. Merle Cave
As Katikati residents – young and old –stepped foot onto Te Whareorahi Reserve at the end of Park Road early last Friday morning, they walked a stunning light trail to the community’s third annual Matariki dawn service
Near the waterfront, marquees and chairs were set up – ready for the people to wait for the Matariki star cluster to rise just above the horizon in the distant northeastern sky
Braziers – to represent the stars of Matariki –burned brightly and kept people warm But the star of the show, at the front, illuminated in the darkness, was a 5-metre replica Waka Taua, Te Au o Maui, which has made its home at Western Bay Museum
With Matariki hiding behind clouds, it was Puanga and Kopu that shone as Ngairo Eruera, on behalf of local hapū Ngāi Tamawhariua, led the whāngai i te hautapu – ceremonial offering
As part of the hautapu, stars visible in the sky were sighted, viewed and talked about by Eruera Then he gave karakia to the cluster and asked the community to call out the names of loved ones who had passed since the last rising of Matariki
Lastly, a food offering, with steam rising from it, was made to the stars before opening of the Māori New Year
The ceremony ended with people watching the rising of the sun while eating hangi
Katikati News reporter Merle Cave was there to capture the event
With winter here, and illnesses circulating, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua wants Western Bay of Plenty families to know they offer a free doctor clinic to everyone on Tuesday nights.
In fact, the health and social services provider, based at 111 Main Rd in Katikati, wants the community to know that all their services are available to everyone – not just Māori.
“I think some people see our Māori name and think: ‘Oh that’s for Māori people’ but pretty much anyone, no matter what age, whatever, they can walk in the door here 100%,” said Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua operations manager Valarie Uilou
“Our catchment area is from Waihī Beach all the way through to Whakamārama – and all services across the board that we offer, they are available to anybody”
Uilou said their free on-site doctor clinic is open on Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm.
“You don’t have to be enrolled in the service here. You can just come on a Tuesday night and wait in the line, if there’s a line, to see the doctor and the nurse. ”
Uilou said the doctor clinic is particularly helpful for those not enrolled at a GP clinic, and people who work long hours and can ’ t get to see a doctor She said the rūnanga has fielded more calls about medical help since Katikati Medical Centre closed it books in February, so she wants people to know of the free service at the rūnanga
“We also have a telehealth service. So if people can ’ t register at a medical centre, there’s potential to be registered with Pirirakau Hauora, a kaupapa Māori healthcare services collective member of ours. ”
Uilou said Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua offers many more services – including support for adult and youth mental health, kuia and kaumātua, māmā and pēpi, tamariki and rangatahi (child and youth) advocacy and mentoring, counselling, plus whānau Tautoko (education, information, and advocacy to families), a Whānau Ora Kaiārahi service to walk alongside families on their journey toward wellbeing, independenc, and self-determination; advocacy for navigating complex systems like MSD, IRD or ACC; and Justice of the Peace services.
The rūnanga has 14 staff working across these services, Uilou said.
“Our aim is to empower individuals, parents and caregivers to confidently manage their own lives, strengthen their whānau and shape
their own future If we are unable to provide the services needed on-site, we will do our best to connect you with the most suitable support services or providers.”
The rūnanga is open 8am-4.30pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and 8am-7pm Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“Working whānau – they’re probably the people that need the most support. To go and get any sort of help, they’ve got to take time off work to go somewhere, which is hard, and then they’ve got the travel, get in there [to Tauranga] and make the appointment, which can be hard because of all traffic and delays etc.
“The hardest thing for us is we live rural and having to get people in and out or to and from Tauranga for appointments, with the traffic, is difficult.”
The work of advocating on behalf of whanau with government agencies – such as MSD, IRD, ACC – is one of their biggest jobs.
“I just feel like people get hoha [frustrated] with dealing with them, so they just push it to the side and can ’ t be bothered or they get told ‘No, you ’ re not entitled’, so then they just believe that and leave it,” Uilou said.
But the rūnanga team can help, by making phone calls with whanau to access support Navigating government departments over the phone is a headache for people. “But many don’t know you can do the uploading of documents on portals, so they don’t have to go all that way into the service – they can come here and we can that help them things like this.”
Don’t
Uilou said people shouldn’t be whakama (embarrassed) to get help “For me, I just think that we all have struggles at some point in our life, and the first step is just coming to our door
“We just want you to just come to the door –because we can ’ t help if we don’t know And the biggest thing for me is I want people to know that it’s for anybody!”
If you can ’ t get to the rūnanga at 111 Main Rd, Katikati, contact them on 07 549 0760 or email: admin@tamawhariua.org.nz
Whānau Hauora Day
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua is hosting a Whānau Hauora Day (Family Health Day) on Tuesday, July 1, at the Katikati War Memorial Hall from 10am-1pm. The event will feature a wide range of stallholders sharing valuable health and wellbeing information, along with kai (food) and fun activities for the whole whānau. All are welcome to the event. Merle Cave
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Venue: Te Rereatukahia Marae 52 Te Rereatukahia Pa Rd, Katikati.
Mihi #1 Annual General Meeting
Adhere Charter Rule No#12 (2023) 4 Present/Apologies
5 Previous Minutes (AGM) 21/07/24 & Previous Minutes (Special A.G.M) 25/8/24, Corrections/ Matters Arising / Approval
6 Chairpersons Report
7 Accumulus Annual Financial Statement of Accounts 2025-2026 Corrections/ Matters Arising / Recommendations & Approval
8 Nomination of ‘26 / ‘27 Accountant Services & Auditor for 2026 (TGM)
9 Charter - Review of Submissions of Recommendations to be Approved.
i.Marae ‘Walk in’ Submission Date: Thurs 26 June 10-11.30am.
ii.Closing Date for All Submissions: Thurs 10 July @ 4pm.
10 Reconvene Date for Triennial General Meeting (T.G.M) 2026 - (Full Elections).
Obtain Charter & all email submissions to: chair.terereatukahia.marae@gmail.com
S.G.M Election Voting Rules:
1 No Proxy Votes.
2 All eligible Elections in person off the floor
3 01 Vote per person (R18+)
4 Voting by ‘Show of Hands’.
5 In-laws (hunaonga) are eligible to vote.
6 Charter Clauses 10, 11 & 12 were stood down in April 2025 Hui a Hapu for this Election only #2 Special General Meeting (S.G.M) Elections
AGENDA:
7 Declare Elections/ Nominations & Motions for:
i. Secretary
ii. Treasurer iii. x3 Committee Members
iv. x1 Kahui Kaumatua (Kahui Forum) v. Declare nominations accepted & closed Shared Kai - Bring a Plate #3 Hui -a- Hapu
AGENDA
1 Standard & Practiced Agenda
2 Table Chairperson's A.G.M Report
3 Financial Report/Matters Arising 4 Accounts Payable 5 Notified Business (Email list) 6 Kaahia Club Elections / Nominations & Motions i. Secretary ii. Treasurer iii. x4 Committee Members
Chairperson 7 Reconvening date 8. Closing Karakia 9 Closing Time
All inquiries to: Hone Winder - Murray, Chairperson Te Rereatukahia Marae Committee Ngai Tamawhariua ki Te Rereatukahia Hapu chair.terereatukahia.marae@gmail.com
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