Te Hookioi Issue 60

Tooku Reo Tooku Ohooho Unleashing Engineering Minds A Journey of Self-Discovery

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Matutaera Taawhiao Pootatau Te Wherowhero During his reign of 34 years, Taawhiao, the second Maaori King, witnessed the mass raupatu of Waikato whenua and the widespread suffering, distress and deprivation of his people.

To counteract such injustices, Taawhiao looked for solutions to deal with them, including the institution of Poukai. Originally called Punakai, the poukai was established to ensure the continued sustenance of the Waikato people.

Kua whakatuuria e au teenei taonga hei aawhina i te pani, i te pouaru, i te rawakore.

He kuaha whaanui kua puare ki te puna tangata me te punakai.

First held in 1884 at Whatiwhatihoe, poukai continue to be recognised and celebrated by our marae throughout Waikato as well as other marae in Shannon, Tauranga, Te Teko and Rotorua.

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In this

issue #60

06 | Partnering with Schools to Achieve Mutual

Education Objectives 06 | He Kete Kiiwaha

Introducing common kiiwaha or idioms to help

support the revitalisation and preservation of our reo and tikanga.

07 | Tooku Reo Tooku Ohooho An inquisitive mind coupled with an enthusiasm

for Te Reo Maaori me oona tikanga has led

Te Ingo Ngaia to reach the pinnacle of reo excellence.

09 | Report on River Sets Benchmark for

Future Improvement 10 | TGHs Grad Programme’s Newest Recruit 11 | Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival Photo Gallery 15 | Tribe Invests More Than $1M in

Tertiary Education

Moo Te Kiingitanga

16 | Unleashing Engineering Minds

More than 150 of our tamariki unleashed their

creative and innovative juices during the Waikato-Tainui Young Engineers Challenge.

17 | A Journey of Self-Discovery

For Abi Tepania, the opportunity to take part in

Aoraki Bound - Ngaai Tahu’s cultural and personal

development programme - was a journey in self-discovery.

22 | Te Kookoo Manu 25 | Ko Wai Taatou - Te Papa o Rotu Marae

TRIBAL REGISTER

Are you and your whaanau registered on the Waikato-Tainui tribal register? Registering with us is now made easier as it can all be done online at waikatotainui.com.

If you have any queries about tribal registrations call us on 0800 TAINUI (within NZ) or +64 7 858 0430.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES Waikato-Tainui has properties available for tribal members to purchase.

Receive the latest information on these properties by signing up to our email subscription at waikatotainui.com/housing

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Waikato-Tainui has a dedicated website for employment and training opportunities that aim to support and further the career development of our people. Check out the latest opportunities at waikatotainuicareers.com

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS Following a three-year stint working for the Department of Conversation, Eric Pene of Hukanui Marae has returned to Waikato-Tainui. Eric joins us as a Conservation Advisor for the Waikato Raupatu River Trust.

Meanwhile, after nearly 14 years with TGH, we farewell Tracey Hook as she takes up the Chief Financial Officer position at Te Waananga o Aotearoa. While she will be missed, Tracey is going into a senior leadership role for another Maaori organisation – kia pai mai hoki! ___________________________________________________________ Cover photo: Ngahuia Kopa, Rawhitiro & Aotearoa Marae, performs with Mootai Tangata Rau at the 2016 Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival.

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Been up to something awesome and taken some cool photos. If so we want to feature them in Te Hookioi and share them on our tribal facebook page “Ko Waikato Te Iwi�.

Email Kiriwaim@tainui.co.nz te hookioi | 60

A partnership with local secondary schools will support the advancement of iwi members says Waikato-Tainui Education Pathways Advisor Kimai Huirama.

In April, a kawenata (covenant) was signed between Waikato-Tainui and 14 secondary schools. Kawenata o te Mana Maatauranga seeks to establish a region-wide commitment to work together to achieve mutual education objectives.

Kimai says the tribe is fortunate to be formalising its relationship with schools in the Waikato region because it establishes the opportunity for ongoing and meaningful engagement. “This kawenata signifies a positive collaboration that we see as an innovative approach to ensuring the educational success of our people.

“As set out in our education plan – Ko te Mana Maatauranga, a key priority for the tribe is for all iwi members aged 15 years and over to have an education qualification by the year 2050 and this kawenata brings us a step closer to realising this goal.”

She says, “All parties share a common goal of ensuring educational success and with this kawenata we are able to combine our strengths in areas where we have common interests.

“It also allows for meaningful pathways to be developed by providing schools with access to our industry partners and mentoring programme,” says Kimai. “We’re also working on developing an education resource for our kawenata schools which can be used in their curricula.”

Secondary schools who have partnered with Waikato-Tainui include Fairfield College, Hamilton Girls’ High School, Melville High School, Ngaruawahia High School, Patricia Avenue School, Raglan Area School, Huntly College, Tai Wananga, St Paul’s Collegiate, Matamata College, Pukekohe High School, Papakura High School, Fraser High School and Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu.

Kimai says around 80 percent of Waikato-Tainui children will go through mainstream secondary schools, so that’s where the effort needs to go to lift achievement.

To mark the signing of this kawenata a tohu was presented to each of the schools at a special ceremony held at the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development in Hopuhopu.

He Kete Kiiwaha introduces common kiiwaha or idioms to help support the revitalisation and preservation of our reo and tikanga.

Naa whai anoo No wonder / So that’s the reason

He whaiaaipo taa Ngaahuia. Naa whai anoo ia i kore ai e haramai i taku taha ki te pikitia.

Ngahuia has a boyfriend. So that’s the reason she won’t come to the movies with me.

Mea rawa ake

Nek minnit / Very soon

Ka tata ia ki te tihi o te maunga, mea rawa ake ka taka.

He was close to reaching the summit of the mountain, nek minnit he fell.

Auare ake

Not a chance / To no avail / Not able

E toru marama au e whakaako ana i te reo ki a Taringa Kore, auare ake te paku koorero mai.

I have been teaching the language to No Ears for three months but he hasn’t spoken at all.

Kei runga noa atu Great / Too much / Outstanding

Kei runga noa atu raaua ki te tiaki i oo raaua maatua.

They are so good at caring for their parents.

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An inquisitive mind coupled with an enthusiasm for Te Reo Maaori me oona tikanga has led Te Ingo Ngaia to reach the pinnacle of reo excellence.

Te Ingo is a recent graduate of Te Panekiretanga o te Reo Maaori.

Established in 2004 by esteemed Professors Tīmoti Karetu, Wharehuia Milroy and Pou Temara, Te Panekiretanga is an intensive full immersion Te Reo Maaori and tikanga programme designed for elite language learners.

Raised in a whaanau of dedicated reo speakers, Te Ingo’s passion for the reo was sparked at an early age. She went through all levels of total immersion schooling, including kohanga reo, kura kaupapa and wharekura, but it was her education outside of school that would prove just as valuable.

As a youngster she would often be seen hanging around the University of Waikato campus waiting for her mum to finish her mahi and it was during these times she would be exposed to the likes of Tīmoti and Wharehuia. Their knowledge of te ao Maaori intrigued Te Ingo and unbeknownst to her at the time, it gave her an insight of what was to come.

“I wanted to do Panekiretanga because I saw it as an opportunity to spend time with our koroua and ask them about everything that was going on in my mind about te ao Maaori,” says Te Ingo of Puurekireki Marae.

So over the past year, the mum-of-three attended monthly waananga alongside 50 other tauira from across the motu.

She says it was a privilege and an honour to be a part of the programme and admits “Te Panekiretanga is one of the most challenging programmes I have ever experienced, but at the same time I wanted that challenge.”

Te Ingo says, “Te Panekiretanga challenges you and pushes you to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the reo me oona tikanga” – a testament to the depth of learning tauira are exposed to on the programme.

Entrance into Te Panekiretanga is by invitation only and comprises of demanding written, oral and practical exams covering translations of English and Maaori literature, formal and informal language exams such as debates and impromptu speeches, whaikoorero, karanga as well as practical tikanga application on the marae.

She explains the reo component is taught by Tīmoti while Wharehuia and Pou taught tikanga. Reo exponents Pania Papa,

Paraone Gloyne, Pakake Winiata and Te Heketū Blake also assisted with teaching.

“During waananga we discussed our various roles on the marae as wahine with karanga and pao being the main focus,” says Te Ingo. “Many times we were given topics or scenarios and given the task to compose a karanga or pao in 30 seconds.

I really enjoyed these activities as it challenged me.

“We also worked on broadening our vocab in both Maaori and English and learnt many different kiiwaha and whakatauaakii.

Impromptu speech making and debates were a highlight for me as the humour and wittiness of fellow tauira filled the air.”

Although, she admits getting used to using new kiiwaha is still quite a challenge. “Trying to advocate the use of kiiwaha in a rohe where some kiiwaha aren’t often used was and still is a challenge,” says Te Ingo, a pouako for Te Reo o Taranaki.

In her role with Te Reo o Taranaki, Te Ingo is responsible for teaching and delivering initiatives that support the revitalisation of Taranaki iwi reo and tikanga.

She says, “Pania has enhanced me and my teaching within Te Kāpunipuni Reo with activities to build more confidence in the delivery of karanga, and the resources and tools from our reo lessons have given me the confidence to implement more activities into my programmes with Te Reo o Taranaki.”

Looking back, Te Ingo says her biggest highlight was becoming an Ika-ā-Whiro – a graduate of Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo Maaori programme, alongside other Tainui Waka graduates, including Mahana Toka (Waahi Paa), Ngahuia Kopa (Aotearoa and Rawhitiroa marae), Tangiwai Tepana (Ngaati Raukawa) and Rangi Te Whiu (Ngaati Raukawa ki te Tonga).

“Completing the journey at the banks of Te Awanui-o-Taikehu with ones like Mahana, who I’ve been brought up with, was an overwhelming moment,” says Te Ingo. “Ko te kite i te kohurangi i taku wai tukukiri i te atatuu me te mou ki ngaa kupu i ngaa koopatapata wai whakaika i katohia e ngaa kaikarakia, kua titia ki tooku whatumanawa.”

A lesson Te Ingo has taken away from her experience on Te Panekiretanga is one she encourages everyone to take on too, “Kia mou ki too mana motuhake, aa, ko te whakaiti te whare o te whakaaro nui – Hold fast to your identity, and humility is the citadel of wisdom.” | 8

Earlier this year, a milestone whole of catchment Report Card for the Waikato and Waipa rivers was released by the Waikato River Authority.

comprehensive assessment of the catchment that produces a summarised score and sets the benchmark for future improvement.

The Report Card, carried out by Waikato Raupatu River Trust, NIWA and Diffuse Sources Ltd on behalf of the Authority, found the overall standard of the river failed to meet the expectations of the vision and strategy for a healthy Waikato and Waipa river, scoring a C+ due to their degraded condition.

A ‘C’ grade is a low score and is classed as a fail, while an ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade represents excellent and good health respectively. A ‘D’ grade is a poor score.

Tukoroirangi says the iwi has for more many years felt the Waikato River was in poor shape. “The Report Card acknowledges this, but it is also concerning to see areas in the upper catchment thought to be pristine, also reflecting a drop in their quality.” He says the work of the Authority is critical in bringing together the many groups required to turn around and restore the health and wellbeing of the catchment for all its communities.

Although our awa received a fail grade this time around, the aim is to continually improve the health and wellbeing of our awa over time. The goal is for our future generations to inherit awa that are in a far better condition than what it is now.

Waikato-Tainui CEO Parekawhia McLean says the Report Card builds upon the co-management approach of the Waikato River Settlement by getting iwi and the community involved in contributing their experiences and information alongside science.

The Waikato River Report Card is designed to communicate the state of the cultural, social, environmental and economic health and wellbeing of the catchment. The report card is divided up into themes that are considered to be key elements of importance to Waikato communities.

The Report Card scores across eight different indicators; Water Quality, Water Security, Economy, Kai, Ecological Integrity, Experience, Effort and Sites of Significance.

The Waikato River Report Card is internationally unique as it is underpinned by Waikato River Iwi cultural values and uses maatauranga Maaori and community values, alongside science. An advisory roopu comprising of representatives from five Waikato River Iwi guided the framework for the report card.

Co-chairs of the Waikato River Authority, Tukoroirangi Morgan and Hon John Luxton say the Report Card is the first

“We are pleased to see the Report Card capture the collective wisdom and aspirations of iwi and the entire region to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River for now and into the future,” says Parekawhia.

NIWA’s Chief Scientist for Freshwater and Estuaries, Dr John Quinn, says being able to assess catchments holistically is becoming best practice internationally, and it is anticipated the process for evaluating the Waikato and Waipa rivers will create a benchmark and a focus for future restoration.

He says the Report Card is internationally unique in being underpinned by indigenous and community values, rather than purely science driven.

The Report Card was released at an event hosted by the tribe at the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development.

Hon Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment, was present on behalf of the Crown.

L-R: Waikato River Authority Co-Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan, Bob Penter, Minister for the Environment Hon Dr Nick Smith and Co-Chair Hon John Luxton.

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Tainui Group Holdings’ (TGH) recently welcomed Tilly Ngakari Heke Sweet as a Graduate Accountant.

Tilly, of Ngaati Wairere and Ngaati Raukawa, graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Accounting. She was privileged enough to get an internship in 2014 with the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development, working alongside the finance team.

She then secured the role as Graduate Accountant at TGH in February 2016. Tilly, who comes from a whaanau of 14 siblings, says “I tupu ake au me tooku whaanau ki roto i te reo Maaori me ngaa aahuatanga o te ao Maaori.”

“Our culture constructs the values that set the foundations which I follow in all aspects of life, these include; whanaungatanga, aroha, manaakitanga, tautuutu and whakapono.” She was able to combine both te ao Maaori and te ao Pakeha in her education achievements to become successful in her journey.

Having said that, Tilly faced some challenges studying as she had her daughter at the age of 17. But with a strong and encouraging whaanau she was able to learn the basis of business models, management and accounting to benefit her whaanau, marae and hapuu for the future.

“My degree is not only to help myself fulfil a passion for education and helping Maaori people succeed, but hopefully encourage those around me to do the same” says Tilly.

Also having a strong connection with her marae Hukanui, Tauhei and Paraawera have always inspired her to give back to her people, and having a degree will enable her to do so on an even higher scale.

She aims to complete her Charted Accountant Certificate over the next couple of years at TGH. She has a passion for sports including waka ama, netball and basketball.

Tilly replaces Jaymee Cleave of Kahotea Marae who has successfully moved into an Accountant role at TGH. Jaymee has been with TGH for two and half years now and has almost completed her Chartered Accountant Certificate which she endeavours to do by the end of the year.

TGH has been running its graduate programme since 2008 to further develop the education and job placement of Waikato-Tainui tribal members.

For more information, contact Julie Alexander via email at julie.alexander@tgh.co.nz

L-R: Ted Sweet (Father), Ihipera Heke Sweet (Sister) who also graduated with a law degree, Tilly Ngakari Heke Sweet, and Isobel Heke (mother).

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A record 17 kapa haka representing Waikato, Maniapoto, Raukawa and Hauraki iwi took to the stage for the Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival with five kapa qualifying to represent the Tainui Waka rohe at Te Matatini in Heretaunga next year.

OVERALL WINNERS 1st Te Iti Kahurangi 2nd Te Pou o Mangataawhiri 3rd Ngaa Pou o Roto 4th Mootai Tangata Rau 5th Te Kaaheru Matarau o Hauaa WHAKAEKE 1st Te Iti Kahurangi 2nd Ngaa Pou o Roto 3rd Mootai Tangata Rau MOOTEATEA 1st Te Iti Kahurangi 2nd Ngaa Pou o Roto 3rd Mootai Tangata Rau POI 1st Ngaa Pou o Roto 2nd Mootai Tangata Rau 3rd Te Iti Kahurangi WAIATA-AA-RINGA 1st Ngaa Pou o Roto 2nd Te Iti Kahurangi 3rd Te Pou o Mangataawhiri HAKA 1st Te Pou o Mangataawhiri 2nd Mootai Tangata Rau 3rd Te Iti Kahurangi WHAKAWAATEA 1st Ngaa Pou o Roto 2nd Te Iti Kahurangi 3rd Mootai Tangata Rau TE REO 1st Te Iti Kahurangi 2nd Te Pou o Mangataawhiri 3rd Mootai Tangata Rau Ngaa mihi ki ngaa kapa haka i tuu ki mua i te mura o te ahi – kei runga noa atu koutou katoa!

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Te Iti Kahurangi

Te Pou o Mangataawhiri

Mootai Tangata Rau

Te Pou o Mangataawhiri

Ngaa Pou o Roto

Mootai Tangata Rau

Ngaati Maahanga Whaanui

Ngaati Maahanga Taipakeke

Toto Kiore

Te Pou o Mangataawhiri

Te Haaona Kaha

Te Taikura A Hauaa

Te Kaarehu Matarau a Hauaa

Waikato-Tainui is investing more than $1 million in tertiary education scholarships following its latest round of distributions.

This year, 700 students were awarded scholarships which aim to reward and support tribal members in their pursuit of undergraduate and graduate study.

Rahui Papa, Chairman of Waikato-Tainui tribal executive Te Arataura, says he was impressed by the exceptional quality of applicants this year. “Waikato-Tainui scholarships acknowledge the excellence and academic success of our people.

“We are supporting and building the capability of our people by providing opportunities that aim to support them in reaching their full potential.”

Priority for scholarships were awarded to those studying in the areas of agriculture, business management, computer science, education, e-commerce, engineering, environmental science, food science, health and medical science, and Te Reo and Maatauranga Maaori.

Rahui says, “It’s intended that by awarding tertiary education scholarships in these areas we are supporting the development of skills that align with future job demand prospects as our people will be meeting the needs of indemand industries and sectors.”

Awarded annually, the Waikato-Tainui Tertiary Education Scholarships are offered to all registered tribal members who are living and pursuing tertiary study in Aotearoa. For more information on Waikato-Tainui scholarships go to waikatotainui.com/opportunities

Earlier this year a series of waananga were delivered at various marae across the iwi aimed at equipping tribal members with basic knowledge, experiences and information about Kiingitanga.

Marae Education Advisor Hone-Haunui Rapana says the first waananga held in February highlighted the demand for information about Kiingitanga. “We’ve had many of our marae engage with us about what they consider education to be and for many of them they’ve prioritised kawa and tikanga as a way to connect with Kiingitanga.”

He says the role of the tribe is to support marae so they can understand the importance of Kiingitanga as it remains at the heart of what it means to be a descendant of Waikato-Tainui iwi and hapuu.

“Our Kiingitanga waananga are an opportunity to share, collaborate and inform tribal members about the fundamentals of Kiingitanga such as Te Paki o Matariki, te rarangi Kiingi, poukai, whakapapa and Te Kawenata o Kiingi Tuheitia, while also allowing participants to share their own personal experiences.

“What’s been good is that we’ve had a range of people attend our waananga, including those who live within the Waikato region to those who have come as far as Wellington as well as rangatahi right through to our kaumaatua, 18 to 60 plus years,” says Hone.

However, he says the majority of participants agreed that a lot of Kiingitanga knowledge has been lost due to many of our people moving away from the marae. “While many of our whaanau who live outside of our region are showing their support in their respected areas by being a part of taurahere roopuu, there’s still a need for more so we hope that delivering these waananga we are meeting this need.”

“The diversity of our participants makes for interesting discussions as each of them bring their own perspective and unique experiences with Kiingitanga.”

To keep updated on upcoming Kiingitanga Waananga check out our website waikatotainui.com or subscribe to our online events listing at facebook.com/Waikato.Te.Iwi

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More than 150 of our tamariki unleashed their creative and innovative juices during the Waikato-Tainui Young Engineers Challenge held in April.

The Challenge is an extension of the Waikato-Tainui Young Engineers Programme – a programme delivered in partnership with Squiggle Ltd to introduce our tamariki to basic engineering, physics and science concepts through the medium of Lego.

Waikato-Tainui Education Advisor Raewyn Mahara says each week for ten weeks tamariki were introduced to a new engineering concept such as transmissions, levers and pulleys. “During the programme tamariki were able to apply their learning by building a motorised Lego model which gave them the skills necessary to solve a unique ‘problem’ for our Challenge.”

That unique ‘problem’ was to solve the issue of: Unloading freight from the Auckland Port and delivering it to the Ruakura Inland Port while navigating the Bombay Hills.

our tamariki to engage with engineering as a possible future pathway,” says Raewyn. “This approach is also supported by many of our kura who are involved in our Young Engineers Programme.”

Twelve kura from within our rohe will be involved in this year’s Waikato-Tainui Young Engineers Programme, including Nawton Primary School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maaori o Bernard Fergusson, Te Kura Kaupapa Maaori o Te Ara Rima, Te Kura Kaupapa Maaori o Te Ara Rima, Te Kura Kaupapa Maaori o Tooku Maapihi Maurea, Te Wharekura o Ngaa Purapura o te Aroha and Te Wharekura o Raakaumanga.

Raewyn says, “The programme is proving successful as evaluations from the programme show the majority of tamariki have learnt new skills, have enjoyed the activities and they’re also keen to learn more about engineering and science.”

“Tamariki had to design and build their model using Lego toolkits, and then present their solution to a panel of judges,” says Raewyn. “Our tamariki presented some awesome ideas and demonstrated invaluable skills like critical thinking, team work, collaboration and analysis.”

A goal for the Waikato-Tainui Education Team is to develop pathways for our tamariki that will help steer them towards studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

“Engineering has been identified as a high industry growth area in the next 5-10 years and so we’re keen to encourage | 16

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For Abi Tepania, the opportunity to take part in Aoraki Bound Ngaai Tahu’s cultural and personal development programme - was a journey in self-discovery.

Abi is Waikato-Tainui’s first recipient of the Sir Robert Te Kotahi Mahuta Memorial-Aoraki Bound Scholarship. Awarded annually by Te Ruunanga o Ngaai Tahu to celebrate the memory of the late Sir Robert Mahuta and the Waikato Raupatu Land Settlement, the scholarship gives one Waikato-Tainui tribal member the opportunity to take part in Aoraki Bound.

A 20-day programme set amongst the backdrop of Te Waipounamu, Aoraki Bound combines Ngaai Tahu cultural knowledge with the experience and reputation of Outward Bound, in a journey from Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds to the foot of Aoraki/Mount Cook in the south.

“Aoraki Bound is designed to push individuals out of their comfort zones so I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself physically, mentally and emotionally,” says Abi, 23.

“The added bonus of Aoraki Bound is the cultural aspect that accompanies the experience.” te hookioi | 60

She says on the programme they learnt waiata, performed various haka, attended poowhiri, used karakia and were always encouraged to use the reo as much as they could.

“Many participants on the programme were Pakeha so it was great to see our culture being embraced and also to experience the cultural practices of a different iwi.”

Although not wanting to give away too much about Aoraki Bound as “the unknown is the best thing about the trip”, Abi says it pays to be physically fit. “Let’s just say there’s a lot of running and I wasn’t a big runner to begin with, but a requirement of the programme is to be able to run three kilometres in under 25 minutes which was doable, but I wanted to improve on that time so I trained leading up to the trip by running a few times a week.

“While on the trip I also got to sail a boat, sleep under the stars – more in those few weeks then I ever have in my entire life, swam with phosphorescence, climbed mountains and hiked over 40 hours in four days.”

In addition to the cultural learning and physical activities, Abi says she learnt a lot about herself. “The most challenging thing for me was more the emotional and mental stuff,” says Abi. “I struggled with sharing my thoughts, opinions and

feelings with people who were essentially strangers. Initially it was very hard and uncomfortable, but over time it became a lot easier and we all became quite close. And mentally I struggled because everything is done as a group so I had to learn a lot of patience.”

She says she was unsure about ‘going off the grid’ too. “I knew that for 20 days we were going to be disconnected from the world – no cellphones, no internet, nothing!” says Abi. “But it’s amazing how much more positive you feel about life once you’re stripped of all the common things like Facebook and Snapchat and all those other things that take you away from the present, here and now.”

Coming away from the trip Abi says, “I’ve learnt you can get so much done in a day if you just use the hours in a day more effectively. I don’t think we slept past 7am the entire trip and it was amazing the things we could achieve in one day. I have managed to maintain that mentality in my life which really helps when working a 9-5 job and have things you are always needing to do outside of work.”

So for Abi, Aoraki Bound has motivated her to start leading a fuller and more positive life. “Aoraki Bound strips you of a lot of things and just has you living with basic necessities.

It’s this way that makes you realise what’s important as you become more grateful about a lot of things you have in life, and I feel a lot more motivated to make the changes in my life that I want to see.

She says, “I found the programme challenging and rewarding, exhausting yet uplifting, and I feel that I have grown as an individual, strong in the knowledge of who I am, where I come from, and what I want to achieve in life.

“I am hugely grateful to Waikato-Tainui and Ngai Tahu for giving me this opportunity that would otherwise not have been possible for me. I have learnt so many things and gained invaluable skills that I will apply to everyday life.”

As a result of her experiences on Aoraki Bound, Abi has come to realise that she would one day like to work for the iwi and create and contribute to initiatives that aim to better our people. “Aoraki Bound emphasised the importance of cultural connectedness,” says Abi, of Oraeroa Marae.

“Being connected to my marae, hapuu and iwi makes up a very big part of who I am, of who we are, and our identity.

Without it we lose that sense of belonging to our people and where we come from. But being connected is more than just going back to the marae every now and then. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who embrace being Maaori and seeing the opportunities that come with that.”

She says, “Last year I was able to intern with my iwi which gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my Waikato side.

It’s opportunities like this and the Mahuta-Aoraki scholarship that are examples of the kinds of things the tribe is doing to support the development our rangatahi.

“Heaps more opportunities are out there. Our rangatahi just need to be inspired to take them and run with them!”

The Sir Robert Te Kotahi Mahuta Memorial-Aoraki Bound Scholarship is awarded annually to one tribal member who demonstrates both academic diligence and contribution to iwi. For more information on Waikato-Tainui scholarship opportunities go to waikatotainui.com/opportunities | 20

Poukai Haratua 23

Ngaati Pikiao

Pipiri

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Pohara Marae

See kiingitanga.com for more information.

OTHER EVENTS Wwaikato raupatu lands trust annual generaL MEETING 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust will be held at 10am on: Saturday 30 July 2016 Novotel Tainui Hamilton 7 Alma Street, Hamilton Central; and Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel International Airport, Ray Emery Drive, Auckland.

Need support or motivation to find a job?

Waikato-Tainui will be delivering Pre-Employment Workshops in Kirikiriroa and Tamaki Makaurau that aim to equip tribal members with the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment.

The sessions are run by the tribe’s Employment Team and will cover CV preparation, writing application letters and interview tips. Employment Broker Kawe Jones says the workshops are a way for participants to learn effective job seeking skills in an interactive, motivating and fun environment.

Te Reo Kaakaho

He says, “Your CV is your primary method of communicating with prospective employers so it’s important to get it right.

Our workshops will help participants to learn how to tailor their CVs so it targets the company and position they’re seeking.”

Waikato-Tainui will be delivering Te Reo Kaakaho, a series of reo waananga open to tribal members who wish to further develop their proficiency in Te Reo Maaori, particularly Waikato reo and tikanga.

Likewise with job interviews, “Preparation is key. The more you practice and learn about interviews, the better prepared you’ll be which will help to boost confidence and ensure you make the best impression possible.”

All enquiries freephone 0800 TAINUI or phone +64 7 858 0430.

Friday 6 May - Sunday 8 May, Hopuhopu Saturday 30 July – Sunday 31 July, Hopuhopu Saturday 1 October – Sunday 2 October, Hopuhopu For more info, contact Waikato-Tainui Reo & Maatauranga Project Advisor Maehe Paki on maehep@tainui.co.nz or call 0800 TAINUI.

Home Ownership Workshops Thinking about buying a home? We will be running a series of Home Ownership Workshops that will help get you started by taking you step-by-step through the home-buying process.

9am-3pm, Wednesday 18 May, Hamilton* 9am-3pm, Saturday 21 May, Hamilton* *Locations and times for the Home Ownership workshops are still to be confirmed.

For more info on workshops, Contact Waikato-Tainui Housing Administrator Tania Bidois via email at taniab@tainui.co.nz

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Kawe says, “Individuals who take part in a Waikato-Tainui Pre-Employment Workshop and apply what they learn will gain confidence in their ability to be successful in their career goals.”

Pre-Employment Workshops Kirikiriroa

Tuesday 12 July Tuesday 18 October Tuesday 15 November

Tamaki Makaurau

Tuesday 21 June Tuesday 13 September Tuesday 6 December

To register your interest for these workshops, go to waikatotainuicareers.com or for more information contact Papakura Kaa via email at papakurak@tainui.co.nz or call 0800 TAINUI.

Kia tapako te kaakaa noo uta Kia hokaa te karoro noo tai Ka rere i te ao o te rangi.

Huia! Tuia! He poo, he ao, he awatea!

Nau mai haere mai ki tenei puurongo o Te Kookoo Manu.

SALE OF THE BASE

By now you will know that Te Whakakitenga o Waikato has decided not to approve an offer from the Kiwi Property Group to purchase all 100 percent of The Base at Te Rapa.

The offer from Kiwi Property followed a decision by Tainui Group Holdings (TGH), supported by Te Kauhanganui (now renamed Te Whakakitenga o Waikato), to sell a 50 percent share in The Base.

Funds received from the 50 percent sale will give TGH the opportunity to achieve a number of positive outcomes including reducing debt in The Base, supporting the commercial diversification strategy and buying whenua.

L - R: Sir Henry van der Heyden and Rahui Papa

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COLLABORATION = STRENGTH

We believe that in collaboration lies strength and this is the whakaaro that we bring to our membership of the Iwi Chairs Forum.

We play an active role in the forum by openly sharing our learnings, expertise and experience.

Currently we are either leading or involved in portfolios that include Whaanau Ora, Te Pire Reo, Freshwater and Te Ture Whenua Maaori.

In May members of Te Arataura and management attended the quarterly forum at Te Puia in Rotorua where kaupapa included a presentation on Iwi-Council partnership; a report from the Minister of Maaori Development Te Ururoa Flavell covering Maaori land, reo and environment; the development of a New Zealand Maaori Sports Collective; maatauranga initiatives; and approval of new Terms of Reference for the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group.

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ANNUAL REPORTING SEASON

We are fast approaching the time of year when we will deliver our report of annual achievements and financial accountability.

MARAE REPRESENTATION

Implementation of the new rules arising from the Governance and Representation Review is underway. One change that will affect each marae is the reduction in representation from three to two. Marae have six months, from when the rules were registered in December 2015, to confirm who their two representatives will be.

For the remainder of this term, the third representative can attend Te Whakakitenga o Waikato meetings when both the other two members are absent.

For those members who will not be returning, we thank you for your contribution. There have been some important decisions made this term and your contribution is acknowledged and appreciated.

Our Annual Report is now in development and will be presented to Te Whakakitenga o Waikato at its Annual General Meeting on 23 July for adoption.

This will be followed by a stakeholder event on 25 July to announce our Annual Result.

The formal report back to the iwi will take place on 30 July. This is the opportunity for tribal members to ask questions and better understand the achievements that have been realized during the last financial year.

So put this date in your diary - Saturday 30th July 2016. Venue details will follow.

The reduction in marae representation is due to be completed by 15 June 2016.

CONNECTING WITH YOUR IWI

Like every iwi we have many members who, for one reason or another, are disconnected from their tribe. If you know someone wanting to connect here’s how they can do it: • Check out our website waikatotainui.com • Register and keep their details up-to-date waikatotainui.com/tribal-register • Attend a marae meeting • Attend poukai waikatotainui.com/events-calendar • Like our Facebook page facebook.com/Waikato.Te.Iwi • Subscribe for online editions of Te Hookioi magazine waikatotainui.com/te-hookioi • Attend the biennial Waikato-Tainui Games • Attend the Turangawaewae Regatta held in March every year • Contact us direct at tearataura@tainui.co.nz

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Ko Papa o Rotu te marae Ko Ngaati Maahanga te hapuu Ko Waikato te iwi

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TE PAPA O ROTU

MARAE

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