Rāpare 15 Haratua 2025 | Thursday 15 May 2025

The following information is in this pānui:



Oranga Rangatahi

Oranga Rangatahi 2025: Wānanga 1

Kaupapa Matua: Ngā Tikanga me ngā Kawa o te Marae

“Ka pū rūhā, ka hao te Rangatahi”

In April 2025, Ngāti Tamaterā held our first Wānanga Rangatahi in Harataunga, at Te Paea Marae. We had over 30 Rangatahi and at this wānanga we focused on building cultural identity, leadership, and hauora among our young people. Guided by Ngā Tikanga me ngā Kawa o te Marae, the wānanga was a space for rangatahi to connect to their roots, gain life skills, and explore future pathways through creative and engaging activities.

This wānanga was facilitated by Ngareta Skipper and her Ohu whakahaere, for Rangatahi by Rangatahi and all descendants of Tamaterā.

Key Workshops and Activities

1. Tikanga and Kawa o te Marae

Delivered by Davon Pokiha, this foundational workshop guided rangatahi through marae protocols including pōwhiri, karanga, whaikōrero, and manaakitanga. It strengthened their understanding of their cultural roles and responsibilities as uri of Ngāti Tamaterā.

2. Mau Rākau

Lead by Punehu Wilson and Marutūāhu Skipper This interactive session taught the basics of Māori martial arts, focusing on ngā mahi wero. Rangatahi explored both the physical and spiritual elements of mau rākau, deepening their connection to whakapapa through traditional weaponry practices.

3. Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships

This kōrero delivered by Mahinarangi Skipper (Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki) offered a safe space for rangatahi to learn about hauora, consent, self-respect, and communication. It promoted healthy relationships and emotional intelligence, reinforcing their sense of mana and wellbeing.

4. Kapa Haka - Reha Watene

Rangatahi actively participated in kapa haka throughout the wānanga. Through waiata, haka, and movement, they developed confidence, unity, and cultural pride. It was awesome seeing our shy kids come out of their shells and enjoying it.

5. Whakapapa – From Hoturoa to Tamaterā

A key learning focus of the wānanga was understanding the whakapapa line from Hoturoa to Tamaterā. Rangatahi were supported to create a tune for their tātai whakapapa and present it as a whakaari (performance) to their peers, incorporating kapa haka, storytelling, and music to bring their whakapapa to life.

6. Future of Work – Kōrero with Elle Archer & Shark Tank Activity

Guest speaker Elle Archer (Oranga Ōhanga lead) delivered an inspiring kōrero about the Future of Work, highlighting the increasing role of technology, innovation, and digital skills for rangatahi Māori. Her kōrero encouraged participants to consider how they can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This kōrero was followed by an exciting Shark Tank activity where rangatahi formed teams to brainstorm and pitch their own business or project ideas. The activity was a highlight of the wānanga—sparking leadership, creativity, confidence, and collaborative thinking. While Māori economic development was mentioned, the real focus was about unlocking potential and imagining bold futures.

Kōrero from Elle:

Kia ora e te whānau

Our kaupapa is gaining real momentum, and it’s been inspiring to see our rangatahi leading the way. At Te Paea Marae, I had the privilege of presenting on the future of mahi and running a mini “business shark tank” session with our future business leaders. It was an energising wānanga beautifully organised by Ngareta Skipper, and the level of engagement from our rangatahi was outstanding – ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.

Now, we turn toward our pakeke and kaumātua. We’re currently planning an intergenerational engagement wānanga to bring our voices together – past, present, and future – to shape the direction of our iwi economy. We’re also finalising the wider schedule of whānau engagement days across the rohe, so please keep an eye out for upcoming dates. We can’t wait to walk this journey with you.

Alongside this kanohi ki te kanohi engagement, I’ve also been connecting with economists from within our rohe and further afield. These conversations have helped us to observe, reflect, and better understand where we truly stand as Ngāti Tamaterā in the wider economic landscape. It’s clear that the next stage of our oranga ōhanga journey will be shaped not just by data or strategy - but by us, as an iwi, coming together, sharing whakaaro, and designing a future grounded in who we are.

Aku mihi

Elle 

Te wānanga e whai ake nei

Date: 3-5 July 2025

Location: Te Pai o Hauraki Marae, Paeroa

Kaupapa Matua: Te Taka o te Marama, Matariki, Taiao

Age group: 13-21years

Registrations will be posted on the Facebook page soon.

He pia he tauira

Our rangatahi have begun the 2025 He Pia He Tauira programme strong with a site visit around the Wynyard Quarter with Programme Lead - Amiria Puia-Taylor and Waterfront Placemaker - Ariane Craig-Smith. The rōpū walked along the CBD Viaduct from Silo 6 to Queen’s Wharf and back, stopping at the base spaces along the way (see highlights below). The group will make their way around Auckland over the next few months, to establish place and people while having discussions about interconnectedness and kotahitanga. 

Highlights from our rangatahi representatives:

"My favourite part was the engagement, being able to connect with people I know I can utilise for the Matariki kaupapa" - Josephine Tahapehi

"My highlight of the day was visiting the little place by the wharf (Te Wharekura) as it holds a lot of the values that I have." - Annette Vaili

Oranga Taiao

Pou Rāhui

Te Taiao in Motion

As an aftermath of severe weather in te taiao, recovery is a familiar rhythm we embrace. Our awa rise and fall, our whenua calls for care, and the skies clear once more for Tamanuiterā.

Cyclone Tam delivered destructive winds of up to 120km/h and over 200mm of rainfall to Hauraki—te karawhiu ō Tāwhirimātea in full force. Amid this rakaunui phase of ngā taka o te marama, a tohorā stranded in the chaos at Smuggler’s Bay (Kirita), just north of Kereta.

He Mokopuna ō Ureia

Identified by our pūtaiao specialists as aGray’s beaked whale (hakurā, iheihe), it is the most frequently stranded beaked whale species in Aotearoa—with four recent cases near Whangamatā & Opoutere. Known for its white, dolphin-like features, this medium-sized whale is often referred to as a mokopuna of Ureia, kaitiaki of Tikapakapa.

Kaitiakitanga in Action

Kaitiakitanga is grounded in the idea that people are connected to the environment through ancestry and whakapapa, creating a familial obligation to nurture & protect it. John McEnteer & Mita O’Brien received the karanga to meet first-call Pare Hauraki kaitiaki, Dave Hamon, at the Waikawau boat ramp to prepare the rua tūpāpaku for our hakurā. 

Supported by Craig Soloman (Pou Taiao, Ngāti Maru Rūnanga) and Eric Carter (President, Waikawau Boat Ramp Society Inc.) karakia was led by Korohere Ngāpo, and the process concluded with a valuable cetacean necropsy lesson. The urupā tohorā at Waikawau is a wāhi tapu, protected by Ngāti Tamaterā.

📞Please report whale or dolphin strandings to the DOC emergency hotline:
0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)

A Glimpse of Summer

As the cold winter mists begin to settle across Hauraki, we reflect on the warmth and vitality of summer.

▶️ Click the button below to watch our Pou Rāhui Taiohi freedive experience at Tūhua:

Mauri ora!



Pou Rāhui at RIEL 2025: Reclaiming Indigenous Ecologies of Love

Kei ngā manu taupua, kei ngā manu taiko o ngā hapū hūhua o Ngāti Tamaterā, tēnā hoki tātou katoa. He pūrongo tēnei mō tō mātou tira haere a Pou Rāhui ki te moutere o te Honu. He wānanga te kaupapa matua e kīa nei, Reclaiming Indigenous Ecologies of Love. I whakatūria tēnei wānanga i Albuquerque - New Mexico i runga anō i te whenua taurikura o Tamaya-Santa Ana Pueblo. Ānei ngā kōrerorero mō tō mātou haerenga:

We’re proud to share that our Pou Rāhui team—Pou Tangata (Herearoha Skipper), Pou Moana (Professor Kura Paul-Burke), Pou Whenua (Dr Charles Royal), and Pou Rangi (Dr Apanui Skipper)—recently represented our kaupapa on the world stage at the RIEL 2025 conference in New Mexico,USA.

Hosted by the University of Washington’s Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, the fifth International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) conference was a powerful gathering of Indigenous leaders from across the globe. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Indigenous Ecologies of Love, centred on Indigenous health sovereignty, cultural revitalisation, and collective wellbeing.

Our team, all proud descendants of Ngāti Tamaterā, shared insights from our mahi across the moana, whenua, and rangi—including the restoration of cultural practices, the training of rangatahi, and the enforcement of rāhui within our rohe moana across Tīkapakapa.

This international forum was an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the global movement for Indigenous-led health and environmental solutions. It affirmed the strength, resilience, and ongoing influence of Indigenous identities, knowledge systems, and ways of being.

We return home inspired and energised—ready to continue our mahi with fresh insights and strengthened relationships.

"Ehara te mātauranga i te mea o nehe noa iho - koia tonu te huarahi ki tō tātou anamata."

"Indigenous knowledge is not of the past - it’s the key to our future."

Waikawau Bay Farm Park

Waikawau Bay Farm Park Wetland Project Update:

Big progress at Waikawau Bay! In October 2024, 34,000 native plants were successfully planted as part of our wetland restoration efforts. To support this mahi and improve access across the site, three essential bridges were completed just in time, bridging over key drains and streamways before the autumn rains hit.

Three bridges were built providing vital access to core planting zones and monitoring points within the wetland, tying the whole area together. We’re currently in the plant-releasing phase, clearing overgrown grasses to give our young natives the best chance to thrive.

Mauri ora te whenua, mauri ora te wai!

Oranga Ōhanga

Pouarua Site Visit – He Hīkoi Whakamua

Ngāti Tamaterā’s investment in Pouarua Farms is a testament to the power of iwi-led land reclamation and innovation. Pouarua Farms is jointly owned by Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Te Patukirikiri. The farms are located on the Hauraki Plains, just southwest of Ngatea within the whenua Māori blocks known as Ngarua, Waitakaruru, and Puhangateuru. Since the historic 2013 purchase of the 2,100-hectare Hauraki Plains platform—once lost through raupatu—we, alongside our iwi partners, have transformed Pouarua into a model of sustainable, diversified agribusiness. Beyond its seven dairy farms, Pouarua now boasts a thriving horticultural unit growing blueberries, various cropping (maize), and dairy-beef operations, all guided by a long-term intergenerational vision to protect the whenua as a taonga for our future generations. Under iwi ownership, Pouarua has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 14% and increased Māori employment from 20% to 41%, reflecting a commitment to both environmental and social resilience. 

Some of the team held a site visit in March with John McEnteer (director), who gave an in-depth korero on the history of the purchase, where the farm is at today, and the potential trajectory moving forward. Through the kōrero and whenua experience, we reflected on the scale and significance of this kaupapa, not just as an economic asset, but as a heritage project for ngā uri whakatipu. This is more than farming—it’s a legacy of kaitiakitanga in action.

Pouarua stands as a strong example of Māori economic leadership rooted in whakapapa, whenua, and vision.

Ka nui te mihi ki Pouarua management and trustees for hosting us and sharing the story so far. He kaupapa nui mō te wā, mō ngā rā kei te heke mai.

Oranga Whānau

Nature and Wellbeing Ngāti Tamaterā Whānau Zoo Day

On Saturday 3rd May 2025, Ngāti Tamaterā whānau came together for an awesome day out at Auckland Zoo as part of the Nature & Wellbeing programme — a powerful collaboration focused on reconnecting whānau with te taiao.

Kaumātua, pakeke, rangatahi, and mokopuna walked side by side, discovering over 120 species and 2900 animals from Aotearoa and around the world, all within lush, immersive environments. Together, we reflected on kaitiakitanga and strengthened our intergenerational bonds through nature.

This kaupapa is about more than just a day out — it’s a movement. By removing barriers like ticket costs, the Auckland Zoo are creating pathways for our people to reconnect, recharge, and be inspired to protect te taiao and ngā kararehe for generations to come. 

He taonga te taiao me ngā kararehe  – ko tātou te kaitiaki. 

 Te Reo Pakiaka Programme 2025

Kei ngā ringa hāpai, kei ngā matapopore o Ngāti Tamaterā, tēnā rā koutou katoa. Nau mai haere mai ki te hōtaka o te reo pakiaka 2025.

He taonga te reo Māori, te reo o Ranginui rāua ko Papatūānuku. Kei ngā maunga whakahi, kei ngā taniwha hikuroa tēnā rā koutou katoa.

Ka whakahaerengia tēnei kaupapa e ngā matapopore o te taratī o Ngāti Tamaterā, me ngā kaiako o Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki.

Te Reo Pakiaka 2025 thank Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust in conjunction with the teaching team from Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki in supporting this online teaching programme for Levels 1-3.

This programme is designed for beginner and early medium students wanting to increase their level of proficiency of te reo Māori by the way of online Sunday fortnightly teaching sessions.

The teaching sessions are designed to be short and sharp.  All kaiako and tauira start online with karakia, pānui and mihimihi before tauira move into their breakout rooms with their kaiako.

Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki tutorial teaching team are:

Te Maharanui Mikaere, Hakopa Ngāpō, Keriata Kuiti, Natua Kaa-Morgan, Jason Tuhoe, Winara Levi and Taylor Wanakore. Pō tikanga sessions are led by Te Puna Moanaroa and Koro Ngāpō.

Registrations open each term with the next intake opening in June 2025 for Term 3.  Places are limited. If you would like to join us, please register your interest at helpdesk.haurakireo@gmail.com.

Nā reira, e mihi ana ki te katoa o ngā tauira i tahuri mai ki tēnei hōtaka reo Māori ko tāku noa nei ki a tātou katoa mā te upoko pakaru ki te kaupapa kāore e kore he hua ka puta.

Local body elections 2025

Local body elections are coming up in October 2025, and now more than ever, it's time for Ngāti Tamaterā whānau to show up and vote. With six territorial authorities across our rohe, our votes directly influence decisions that impact our marae, water infrastructure, kōhanga reo, education, and papakāinga development. Increased Māori participation means stronger representation, better investment in our priorities, and real change where it matters most.

Get signed up to vote, whānau — your voice strengthens our future.

Iwi resilience survey 

Iwi Resiliency Survey – Have Your Say & Be in to Win!

We're developing a recovery plan that reflects the unique strengths, values, and priorities of Ngāti Tamaterā. This plan will support our collective journey of readiness, recovery, adaptation, and resilience in the face of challenges like the 2023 weather events and a changing climate.

Your voice matters! By completing this quick survey, you'll help shape a future that upholds kaitiakitanga and tikanga, and strengthens the wellbeing of our whānau, whenua, and communities.

Everyone who completes the survey goes in the draw to win 1 of 10 $100 Prezzy Cards!

Let’s build stronger, more resilient iwi – together.

Complete the Iwi Resiliency Survey by clicking the button below!