Pānui #010
In this pānui:
NPIT Election & AGM
Meet the Candidates Hui
He Hui Rautaki
He Rā Maumahara
Appearing before the Māori Affairs Committee
Pou Rāhui: Ngāti Paoa response to caulerpa
Me He Kuaka: Update & Weekend Wānanga
Matariki ki Makomako Marae hui
Are you registered?
Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga: Iwi Business Database
Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero: Rātāroa
NPIT Election & AGM
Ngāti Paoa anticipates an important election on 10 November 2023, as the iwi selects seven new Trustees to provide governance and leadership for the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust. Thirteen candidates have stepped up, bringing diverse skills and a shared commitment to the iwi's improvement. The candidates are:
Karla Ann Allies
Tui Barbarich-Tawera
Xavier Dobson Davis
Mihingarangi Forbes
Veronica Holt
Kerrin Leoni
Charles Joseph Rahiri
James Ratahi
Herearoha Francis Skipper
Tania Tarawa
Lucy Anne Tukua
Leeann Wahanui-Peters
Michelle Marama Wilson
Voting, available via postal and online ballots, will begin on 9 October 2023, and conclude at 5 pm on 10 November 2023. Special voting for Ngāti Paoa who are not yet formally registered will be available by emailing info@electionservices.co.nz, or phoning 0800 922 822 from Monday 9 October 2023 to close of voting. The newly elected Trustees will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on 26 November 2023.
The AGM will be held at 10am on Sunday 26 November 2023 at the Auckland Old Boys R.F.C club rooms, 22-50 Dunkirk Road, Panmure, Auckland. The AGM Agenda is:
1. Karakia and Mihi Whakatau
2. Chairperson’s Report
3. CEO’s Report
4. Annual Report
5. Annual Plan and Five Year Plan
6. Announcement of newly appointed Trustees
7. Appointment of Auditor for FY23-24
8. Trustee Remuneration
9. General Business
10. Karakia Whakamutunga
Meet the Candidates
To support our iwi in making informed decisions during the trustee election, a “Meet the Candidates Hui” has been scheduled for Sunday 8 October 2023, where candidates will share their visions and aspirations for our iwi.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 8, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue: ZOOM - a link will be sent out via email on 7 October 2023
The Hui will be in a hybrid format, with the candidates gathered in the Ngāti Paoa office in Panmure, then broadcast live via Zoom. Because of space constraints there will be a very small live audience.
How to Watch Online
We are providing a live broadcast of the Hui for your convenience. This is to enable as wide a participation as possible and to manage the challenges of engaging with the high number of candidates we have this election cycle (13 candidates).
If you are a registered member of Ngāti Paoa, and/or have subscribed to our Pānui, you will be sent a link to the zoom on 7 October 2023. You can share this link with your friends and family so they can watch too! We will also broadcast this zoom live via the NPIT Facebook page.
Get together and host a “Watch Party” with Whānau
We encourage you to turn this event into a meaningful gathering by hosting a “Watch Party” with your whānau. Come together, watch the Hui online, share your thoughts and engage in discussions about the future of Ngāti Paoa.
He Hui Rautaki
A strategic planning and NPIT update hui will be held on Sunday 15 October at the Auckland Old Boys R.F.C club rooms, 22-50 Dunkirk Road, Panmure, Auckland.
A draft five year strategic plan will be presented at the hui for discussion and feedback. An update will also be provided on Treaty settlement matters, including the progress of the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill, the Pare Hauraki Collective Redress Bill, and outstanding matters for the Marutūāhu Iwi Collective settlement arrangements.
He Rā Maumahara
On 3 November 1863, the warship HMS Miranda shelled Ngāti Paoa kāinga at Pūkorokoro, causing the inhabitants of the kāinga to flee. Ngāti Paoa oral traditions record that men, women and children were killed in this unjustified and deadly attack.
A commemoration – He Rā Maumahara – is being held on the 160th anniversary of these tragic events, Friday 3 November 2023.
This day is significant for us as an Iwi. For the past four years Ngāti Paoa from Makomako Marae have led Waitakaruru school (including staff and any whānau that want to participate) on a hikoi to the local maunga (Rataroa), marae (Makomako), awa (Pukorokoro), and moana (Tīkapa). As they hikoi to these specific places korero is shared by whānau around the history of these spaces. It is a day dedicated to educating tamariki from local schools and the community about this significant historical chapter, ensuring they remember the past that shaped our community.
This year, Ngāti Paoa invites you to join the hikoi as we remember the events of that fateful day.
Date: Friday 3 November 2023
Karakia: 6.00am @ Pūkorokoro Awa Bridge, Park at Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve.
Pōwhiri: 9.30am @ Pūkorokoro, Ray’s Rest Reserve.
For catering purposes, we ask that you RSVP by clicking the button below and providing your details.
The tireless efforts behind organizing this commemoration come from dedicated Ngāti Paoa wāhine affiliated with Wharekawa and Makomako marae, supported by the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, and the local community. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Appearing before the Māori Affairs Committee
On 21 August 2023 Parliament’s Māori Affairs Committee, chaired by MP Arena Williams, heard oral submissions on the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill.
Oral submissions from the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust were made by chair Herearoha Skipper and CEO John Hutton. Trustees Mihingarangi Forbes, Tania Tarawa and Kerrin Leoni made their own personal submissions, as did former Ngāti Paoa negotiator Hauauru Rawiri, and other Ngāti Paoa.
We would like to acknowledge the support from the Ngāti Paoa individuals who were able to attend in Wellington. If you haven’t watched the Māori Affairs Committee hearings yet, you can do so here. You can also read the comprehensive Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust submission here.
In total around 340 submissions were received. We would like to acknowledge the effort so many Ngāti Paoa made to submit. Ka nui te mihi!
By our count around 74% of the submissions unconditionally support the Bill. Another 5% either support the Bill with conditions or were unclear. A small handful opposed the Bill in its entirety. Around 20% raised concerns about the consolidation of the Waiheke Station into the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, but did not otherwise oppose the Bill.
The next step is for government officials to brief the Māori Affairs Committee and for the Committee to deliberate on whether changes should be made to the Bill. They will then agree a report and provide it to Parliament, which is when the ‘Second Reading’ of the Bill takes place.
After the second reading, a third reading will be scheduled. This will be a big event, and the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust will help organise travel to Wellington. After the third reading and ‘Royal Assent’ by the Governor General, the Bill will become an Act, and the Ngāti Paoa historical Treaty claims will be settled.
Māori Affairs Committee chair, Arena Williams, and the Hon Aupito Williams Sio
Pou Rāhui: Ngāti Paoa response to Caulerpa
Tēnā tātou e te whānau
It has been 9 weeks since the identification of the exotic seaweed, Caulerpa, on Waiheke Island. In the time since our initial notification we have been busy working with government departments to identify the breadth of the infestation and ensure that we have the appropriate authorities in place to take action when we are ready. We are also looking to identify the full range of treatment options to remove the toxic seaweed from the moana and the installation of signage on land and at sea to warn of the dangers to boaties and fishermen.
We have received permission under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to begin hand removal of the exotic seaweed and are continuing to work through the option of suction dredging. The planning for the hand removal approach is underway. At this time we are grateful to the staff at Biosecurity New Zealand and the Ministry of Primary Industries for their support in navigating the legislative requirements, and to the Auckland Council for their agreement to the use of the old Blackpool School as a base of operations while we are combatting Caulerpa.
We remain committed to taking urgent action, with engagement being led by Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust Chair, Herearoha Skipper. For Waiheke, we want to ensure there is wide acceptance that the response at Waiheke Island is being led by us as Ngāti Paoa iwi. This has meant a significant upsurge in work for all of our staff in the making of preparations and engaging with the range of Crown agencies in this space.
However, the commitment to combatting the exotic seaweed extends beyond Ngāti Paoa. Iwi across the motu, Te Wero Nui with Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea, Ngāti Hei, Ngāpuhi, Iwi Leaders, local communities, organisations, and more have recognised the severe ecological threat posed by Caulerpa. Their involvement highlights the urgency and importance of addressing this issue as a nation.
The commitment from those in the wider community, who also recognise the danger of the exotic seaweed to the marine ecology of the whole of Aotearoa, has been significant. Monitoring by the Waiheke Marine Project that led to early detection at Waiheke is to be acknowledged.
We continue to work with the team from Biosecurity New Zealand, Auckland Council (including the Waiheke Local Board), and Ministry of Primary Industries to finalise our plans for entering the treatment phase. At the same time we are engaging with Bremworth NZ, Auckland University, the New Zealand Navy, Waiheke Marine Project, Kennedy Point Marina, Commercial Dive Specialists, and a whole host of local interest groups and individuals to challenge the thinking as to the future possibilities for successful treatments, and the timeframes for taking action.
The aim is to begin implementation of trial treatment options in the next two weeks.
We will keep Ngāti Paoa updated both by Pānui and through our Facebook page, so please watch this space!!
Mauriora
Blair Anderson
Me He Kuaka: Update & Weekend Wānanga
Ko te reo te mauri o te iwi
Purutia, kia mau, kia ita
Kia puāwai ai
Language is the lifeforce of the people
Holdfast
That it may flourish
The Me He Kuaka Reo Māori program marks a significant step in enhancing Māori language proficiency of Ngāti Paoa whānau. For the first time, we have a te reo Māori program tailored to support whānau learning, and the use of te reo Māori in the home. Empowering whānau to kōrero Māori within the home, where families feel most comfortable to embrace it with the support of their own loved ones. Our program aims to boost family confidence in using te reo in contexts relevant to their daily lives and interactions within their whānau.
Although initially designed as a 10-week, full-time, face-to-face rūmaki reo program, it has been easily adapted to accommodate various delivery modes (such as online learning) as we worked to understand the needs of our iwi in this space. By making these adaptations, we have made te reo Māori more accessible to our whānau, ensuring we can continue to support their learning through versatile delivery methods that cater to their diverse needs.
Our achievements include:
2 successful 10-week, full-time, face-to-face rūmaki reo courses.
2 thriving 20-week online courses.
A series of 5 face-to-face wānanga reo (2 already completed).
20 x 1 hour online sessons.
Upcoming waiata wānanga on October 14th, from 9 AM to 5 PM, with registration available on the NPIT website.
Many of our whānau have formed new connections to Ngāti Paoa through this reo program. Noho marae experiences and tūtohu whenua visits to historically significant landmarks have expanded their knowledge of Ngāti Paoa's history and deepened their sense of belonging.
We remain committed to offering an engaging program that accommodates the diverse needs of our whānau, encouraging regular feedback. We are proud of the positive and constructive feedback received thus far, driving us forward in our mission to preserve and celebrate the lifeforce of te reo Māori within Ngāti Paoa.
drinA paratenE
Education Lead
Te Kura Reo o Hauraki Wānanga
A snapshot of Ngāti Pāoa whānau at Te Kura Reo o Hauraki, Te Pai o Hauraki, 26-28 September 2023
Matariki ki Makomako Marae Hui
The trustees of Makomako marae organised a special event this year, combining a Marae hui with a Matariki celebration to strengthen the bonds of whanaungatanga. The primary goal was to reconnect whānau to the marae and set future goals for its success. Newly appointed trustees introduced themselves face-to-face and explained their roles.
The festivities began with a bus tour of local pepeha connections, including Tikapa, Rataroa lookout, Waitakaruru, Makomako marae, and urupa. Afterwards, attendees participated in various activities like making manu aute, harakeke, mahi whai, mahi toi, mu torero, and koruru. These activities fostered unity among all generations.
The event featured an informative presentation on tupuna Tiwai Paraone by Tainui Rehua, along with mātauranga and pūrākau from Apanui Skipper about the local area's connection to Matariki. A touching slideshow also remembered those who had passed away in the past year. The day concluded with a delicious hākari, featuring hangi, fried bread, and steam pudding.
The kaupapa received support from Te Manatu Taonga – Ministry for Culture and Heritage, aligning with its principles of remembering loved ones, celebrating the present, and looking toward the future. The organisers aim to make this an annual tradition, bringing the whānau and hāpori together under the guiding principles of Matariki.
Germaine Manuel-Barbarich &
Tui Tawera
Makomako Marae, Chair
Register you and your whānau today and have your say in the upcoming elections.
Not sure if you are already registered, want to know the status of you application?
Email your name and DOB to:
registration@paoa.co.nz
Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga: Iwi Business Database
In an exciting collaboration, Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust and the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust are teaming up to create opportunities for businesses in our communities. At the heart of this collaboration is the utilisation of the Iwi Investment Grant to establish Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga, an iwi business database.
The primary goal is to enhance access to business opportunities for Ngāti Tamaterā and Ngāti Paoa businesses, particularly in the government procurement sector. By pooling resources and knowledge, these businesses can better identify and seize contracts offered by government agencies, such as Auckland Council and its Council Controlled Organisations.
Phase one of this collaboration will focus on creating and growing this database, and phase two will see businesses gain access to valuable training through workshops and networking events. Creating opportunities to hone skills, build connections with other like-minded entrepreneurs, and even find mentors to guide them on their journey.
If you are a business owner and are interested in joining this venture then follow the link below to register your interest and find out more.
Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero: Rātāroa
Below is the statement of association for Rātāroa, taken from the Ngāti Paoa Deed of Settlement (Attachments Schedule). The statement of association is referred to in the ‘statutory acknowledgement’ the Crown is providing Ngāti Paoa over the Pūkorokoro / Miranda Scenic Reserve. Given the upcoming He Rā Maumahara to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the shelling of Pukorokoro on 3 November 1863, it seems appropriate to include this kōrero written by the late Morehu Wilson.
Pūkorokoro / Miranda Scenic Reserve (OTS-403-271, OTS-403-277)
The Pūkorokoro / Miranda Scenic Reserve and the Pūkorokoro / Miranda Scientific Reserve are of historical, cultural, spiritual and traditional significance to Ngāti Paoa. Both reserves straddle the sacred peak of Rātāroa, a traditional Ngāti Paoa landmark that overlooks the southern region of Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana.
The name Rātāroa refers to the abundance of a species of quality flax that grew within the eastern area of the revered mountain peak.
The reserves have many significant native tree species, including kahikatea, rimu, tawa, miro, hinau, mahoe and maire. Located within the reserves were ara pikitanga (ascending pathways) that led Ngāti Paoa hapū, in particular Ngāti Kaiwhakapae, Ngāti Taurua, Ngāti Korohura, Ngāti Kapu and Ngāti Horowhenua, from the coastline to the westward interior. The area was renowned as a traditional hunting and bird-snaring site used extensively by Ngāti Paoa.\
Ngaromānia was a significant contributor to the expansion of Ngāti Paoa along the western shores of Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana and into Tāmaki (Auckland). Ngaromānia was the son of Te Whiringa and the grandson of Kaiwhakapae and Taurua. He, along with his uncle Korohura and his brother Tokohia, divided the conquered land among themselves. Tokohia and Ngaromānia resided at pā called Te Whanga, Whakatau-toroa and Te Kauri.
The grand-nephew of Ngaromānia was the Ngāti Paoa ariki Te Haupa, who lived at Makomako Pā on the south-eastern side of Makomako stream, directly below Rātāroa. His lineage from Kaiwhakapae and Taurua, Te Whiringa, Tokohia and Te Mahia (his father), as well as his chieftainship and bravery as a leader, combined to qualify his authority along the western coastline of the Firth of Thames.
Rātāroa stands above significant pā sites such as Whakatautoroa and Makomako. The majestic peak of Rātāroa was considered a sacred part of the holistic cultural landscape that included the life-generating thermal waters springing from the lowlands. Kāinga (villages) such as Ōpua, Papakauri and Mangakirikiri were all located adjacent to Rātāroa as a result of the area’s prolific resources.
Rātāroa was symbolically dedicated by Ngāti Paoa chieftains as a pillar of support for the Kingitanga when the New Zealand Wars began in 1863. Its location was advantageous to hapū, as the pathways would provide access to the waterways feeding into the central north Waikato catchment. The close proximity to the coastline area for seafood and wading birds, and the ability to harvest and utilise the abundant natural resources of flax and reed found there were significant attractions.
Consequently, Rātāroa, and the wider reserve areas, would be frequented by other hapū and iwi during their travels to hunting and fishing grounds located in the Ngāti Paoa rohe (tribal area) and surrounding lands, and along the coastline and waterways.
Following the nineteenth century New Zealand Wars, Ngāti Paoa were alienated from their tribal domain around Rātāroa.
Ngāti Paoa tauparapara and haka are performed on our marae today. They refer to the four mountain peaks of the Marutūāhu Confederation of tribes:
Kohukohunui e, Kohukohunui e
Tīkapa te moana e papaki mai rā, e haruru mai rā
Paoa ki uta, Paoa ki tai e
Titiro whakawaho ki Moehau rā waho, ki Te Aroha uta,
Ki Rātāroa!
Kohukohunui,
The Hauraki Gulf breaks and roars,
Ngāti Paoa inland (at Waikato), Ngāti Paoa beside the sea (Hauraki)
Look out toward Moehau, to Te Aroha inland, to Rātāroa!
