Pānui #013
Mihi from the Chair
E te Kāhui Āriki, e tangi tīkapakapa tonu te motu whānui ki te ngarohanga o Kīngi Tuheitia ki te rangi, ā, ko Kuīni Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō ki te whenua - paimārire! Kua tae mai a Hineraumati, ā, ko ia te whakatinanatanga o te mahana e āwhina ana kia hua mai ngā māra i ngā rā o te waru. He nui ngā kaupapa ki mua i a tātou o Ngāti Pāoa, nō reira kua whāriki ēnei kaupapa kia mōhio mai koutou kei te anga ki mua.
In this pānui:
Ratification Results – Marutūāhu Iwi Collective Deed
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Tatauranga 2023 - New Zealand Census
Me He Kuaka Whānau Reo
He Aute – introducing Les Hoera
Approval of S186a Temporary Fisheries Closure
Pou Rāhui and the fight against Caulerpa
Whāriki at the Venice Biennale
Are you registered?
Strengthening Global Kaitiakitanga: A Collaborative Indigenous Effort for Kūaka Conservation
Mahi Toi EOI
Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero - Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Ratification Results – Marutūāhu Iwi Collective Deed
Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust is pleased to announce the results of the ratification vote on the Marutūāhu Iwi Collective Redress Deed. The results gives us a clear pathway forward, with a significant majority (86.4%) of Ngāti Pāoa supporting the Deed.
We would like to acknowledge all Ngāti Pāoa who made time to attend in the information hui, read the material provided, and voted. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.
A total of 2,112 voting papers were issued with 693 votes being made (32.7%). This is a solid level of participation by an iwi authority of our size and stage in the Treaty settlement journey.
The voting results by resolution are:
Resolution 1 – “I, as a member of Ngāti Pāoa, support the Marutūāhu Iwi Collective Redress Deed”. Āe: 599 votes (86.44%). Kāo: 88 votes (12.7%). Blank votes: 6 (0.86%).
Resolution 2 – “I, as a member of Ngāti Pāoa, support the Marutūāhu Collective cultural and commercial PSGEs receiving the Marutūāhu Collective Redress”. Āe: 562 votes (81.1%). Kāo: 123 votes (17.75%). Blank votes: 8 (1.15%).
The Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust has written to the Minister of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, providing him the ratification results, and stating that the board is keen to sign the Marutūāhu deed. We also reiterated our desire for all parts of the Ngāti Pāoa Treaty settlement to be finalised in 2025, and for all other Hauraki settlements to be concluded too.
The next step is for the Minister of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and the Minister for Māori Development to be briefed by their officials on the results, including reports from the independent observers from TPK who attended the ratification hui. The two ministers will then decide whether the ratification results show a sufficient level of support by the iwi – we are confident the results demonstrate that.
Finally, we would like to thank Independent Election Services Ltd for running the vote.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Members are advised that an Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 1 December 2024 at Wharekawa Marae, 1237 East Coast Road, Whakatīwai 2473. Fun activities for tamariki from 10am till 1pm.
Meeting Agenda
10.00am AGM Begins
Whakatau
Presentation of Annual Report
Appointment of Auditor
General Business
Karakia Whakamutunga
12.00pm Kai o te Rā
For catering purposes, please RSVP
Tatauranga 2023 - New Zealand Census
The 2023 New Zealand Census data on iwi affiliation has been released, with 6,402 recorded as affiliating to Ngāti Pāoa. This is a significant increase since the last well-conducted census in 2013 which recorded 3,459 Ngāti Pāoa. We know there have been a lot of babies born in the last ten years, but this alone will not account for the increase. Clearly there are more who are choosing to identify as Ngāti Pāoa!
A special website, Te Whata, has been established by Te Kāhui Raraunga Charitable Trust on behalf of the Data Iwi Leaders Group to make the Māori data easily accessible. You can see highlights of the Ngāti Pāoa data here.
The Census information will help us understand the Ngāti Pāoa community, where we live, and other important matters. For example, there are currently around 90 Ngāti Pāoa who live on Waiheke Island. More problematically, only 23.3% of Ngāti Pāoa own their home, which is low compared to all Māori (27.5%), and very low compared to all New Zealanders (66%). This information supports our conviction that housing is of great importance to whānau and needs to be a priority for the Trust.
Me He Kuaka Whānau Reo
The Me He Kuaka Reo o te Kāinga programme is halfway through semester two in the second year of delivery. Since the programme started in February 2023, 63 tauira from Ngāti Pāoa have completed the course and graduated. That is a very high success rate.
At the completion of every course the tauira are invited to provide feedback about the course through an online survey. The feedback from the tauira has been very positive and encouraging. This was also reflected in the external evaluation of the programme undertaken by Ihirangaranga Kaupap a Māori researchers on behalf of the Ministry of Education who provided the initial funding for the programme.
A snippet from the evaluation report produced by Ihirangaranga is included below, along with some direct feedback from the tauira. As you can see from their feedback, learning te reo Māori is more than an intellectual journey of learning grammar and structure:
Te Kura Whānau has demonstrated notable success in its delivery, marked by effective modes of delivery, engaging content, and a high-quality team of kaiako. Online learning options received widespread praise for their convenience, inclusivity, and flexibility. Whānau participants outside the rohe and with busy schedules valued the accessibility of online learning, fostering engagement and participation. The programme’s multifaceted approach, offering both online and face-to-face options, catered to diverse preferences and needs within the community. Additionally, the quality of content and resources, enriched with local and Ngāti Pāoa-specific elements, garnered significant appreciation. The positive impact of kaiako, along with their adaptable and informal teaching style contributed to creating a welcoming and encouraging learning environment.
The outcomes of the programme indicate a thriving community of te reo and tikanga Māori learners characterised by high engagement, meaningful connections, and empowered learners. Whānau participants expressed enjoyment, appreciation for shared learning experiences, and eagerness for the programme’s continuation. The sense of connection to Ngāti Pāoa and deepened knowledge of te reo showcased the programme’s success in achieving its intended outcomes.
Direct feedback from whānau was also received, including:
The course was excellent, everything I hoped, whanau involvement, Pāoa central, personalised, inclusive and a safe space, kaiako were excellent.
Just repeating gratitude to the Iwi Trust for the kickstart on my te reo journey!
I loved the whole experience especially the whakawhanaungatanga being encouraging towards everyone no matter degree or stage they are at in their te reo māori
At the end of this semester, another group of at least 20 tauira in the level one and two programme will also complete the course and graduate.
As kaiako, Katie and I are grateful and humbled to be a part of the transformational journey of supporting Ngāti Pāoa whānau to reclaim te reo Māori for their whānau. This is a huge commitment by you, the whānau which significantly contributes to building the cultural capacity of Ngāti Pāoa as an iwi. Nei rā te mihi manahau ki a koutou katoa kua eke ki te taumata i hiahiatia ai e koutou ko tō whānau.
Me he kuaka tātou.
drinA paratenE, Katie Thompson - Kaiako
He Aute – introducing Les Hoerara
The Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust is pleased to introduce you to Les Hoerara, who has been employed as Pou Hāpai Ākonga Māori to help us deliver ‘He Aute’, a project funded by the Ministry for Education to enhance engagement of ākonga Māori in schools through Glen Innes, Panmure, Tāmaki, and Point England.
Les hails from the small townships of Wharekāhika (Hicks Bay- kōkā) and Te Araroa (matua) on the East Coast, an interesting two and a half hour drive from Gisborne. After his parents left the coast for Wainuiomata (slaughterman and dental nurse), Les and his siblings all attended Māori boarding schools, following in the footsteps of his maternal side of his whānau.
Les taught in reorua / rumaki settings (English, Maths, Science, Social Studies - Junior school, Te Waharoa aka Te Ao Haka, Tourism Māori and Scholarship Te Reo Māori - Senior school) in Wainuiomata (HoF),Kaikōura (AP), and Dannevirke High School (DP).
Most recently, Les has been working in the consultancy space developing the cultural capability of senior leadership teams, including kaupapa such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Mana o Te Wai, and a deep range of other topics and subjects from the Kaupapa and Mātauranga Māori viewed through a Te Ao Māori lens.
Outside of work with the Trust, Les is a gym enthusiast, an artist (kōwhaiwhai and pointillism drawing), and an avid hokohoko shopper, of which Ōtāhuhu and Māuinaina have already been visited.
Approval of S186a Temporary Fisheries Closure
The joint application by Ngāti Pāoa and other Pou Rāhui project iwi (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Hei, Ngāti Tamaterā, and Ngāti Rehua Ngāti wai ki Aotea) has been successful in securing a Section 186a ‘Temporary Fisheries Closure’ for various locations around Tīkapa Moana
The closure around Waiheke Island is much-needed and supports the Ngāti Pāoa rāhui already in place. No kūtai (mussels), kōura (lobster), pāua and tipa (scallops) are to be taken there.
The closure will run for two years until 6 August 2026. This is shorter than the six years we originally sought and it is frustrating that we will need to apply for a further S186a closure in 2026. The closure should nevertheless contribute to the restoration of our marine environment, in which many of our taonga species are facing functional extinction.
Other closures that were sought (and approved) are for tuangi (cockles) at Umupuia (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki); and for tio (oysters), kūtai, pipi and tuangi at Te Mātā and Waipatukahu (Ngāti Tamaterā). The Ngāti Hei closure for tipa along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula remains in place. Ngāti Rehua Ngāti wai ki Aotea continue to struggle against invasive Caulerpa, and a separate Controlled Area Notice supports their rāhui.
Ngāti Pāoa recognises the kotahitanga from all Pou Rāhui project iwi in seeking the closures. We also acknowledge the nearly 100 submissions made in support of the application, including by local councils, iwi, and organisations such as Forest and Bird, Stet Ltd, Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust, Mussel Reef Restoration Trust, NZ Sport Fishing Council, Hauraki Gulf Forum, WWF, Foundation North, Environmental Defence Society, and many others.
Pou Rāhui and the fight against Caulerpa
Tēnā tatou
Since our last update we have had almost five months trialling the biodegradable wool whāriki across three rohe – Waiheke, Aotea (with Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea), and Ahuahu (with Ngāti Hei). The challenges we encountered are those to be expected when working in the moana space, including weather, and changes to the invasive Caulerpa infestations.
Since July the whāriki have been deployed and all monitoring dives have now been completed. Initial reports have confirmed our expectations and provide us with significant insights into of the performance of the whāriki across different benthic conditions and infestations. For instance, the whāriki appear to work better in dealing with new infestations and at deeper depths – when at shallow depths, particularly on rocky substrates, the whāriki get damaged by wave action.
Our final report for the project, which will include the scientific analysis, is due with Biosecurity NZ at the end of November. We will be able to share the outcomes at that time. Our initial view is that the whāriki will be proven to be an important eradication tool for invasive Caulerpa, particularly in early stages of infestation.
On another front, Pou Rāhui iwi have been working in partnership with Regional and District Councils from Northland to the Waikato to prepare a better business case about how we best deal with the threat of Caulerpa. The business case will provide a ‘roadmap of action’ to central government, including the need for a greater level of resource to combat Caulerpa.
This mahi brings together mātauranga and western science, with an argument made that collective effort is required from central government, regional councils, mana whenua, and local communities. The business case will examine arrange of different options for managing invasive Caulerpa, including whether and how eradication could be achieved.
As part of the business case process, a community hui was being held on Thursday 17 October 2024, drawing on local knowledge and experience, and providing opportunity for community input. Our particular thanks goes to all those who travelled long distances to attend.
We have also been fortunate that the Pou Whakarae (Governance Group) set up for the business case has been joined by three renowned professors as science advisors: Chris Battershill, Kura Paul- Bourke and Barry Scott.
Along with the above, we have begun working in partnership with other providers to seek funding and help develop new tools we hope can be used to eliminate invasive Caulerpa. These include:
naturally based hydrogel containing a biodegradable toxicant
under-water treatment chamber
ultraviolet light
ultrasonics
All our fingers (and toes) are crossed that these will provide cost effective tools for a national elimination strategy for invasive Caulerpa. We will continue to keep you all updated as we progress.
Mauriora whānau
Blair Anderson
Whāriki at the Venice Biennale
Introducing fashion designer Jeanine Clarkin
Jeanine Clarkin is an internationally recognised Ngāti Pāoa (and Ngāti Hako) fashion designer with a great love of wool. She has recently attended the Venice Biennale, where items she designed were shown.
Jeanine has been involved in efforts to restore marine health in Tikapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf) for the past few years. In July 2023, when invasive Caulperpa was discovered off Waiheke, Jeanine joined dive boats to observe the spread and collect data. Soon afterwards Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust came up with the idea using a natural biodegradable product, instead of polyurethane plastic, to help combat Caulerpa by smothering it. The Trust collaborated with Bremworth Carpets and Wisewool New Zealand to develop a prototype whāriki (or mat), which was trialed successfully off Waiheke Island in February this year. Further scientific trials are currently underway.
Below is a korero with Jeanine about her work and her trip to Venice.
What inspired you to transform the whāriki into wearable art?
The approach of using woollen whāriki to fight Caulerpa really resonated with me. I had helped out during the February trial. The felted, carpet-like texture of the wool matting was so fascinating to work with. As we prepared it for use, I couldn’t help but envision its potential beyond marine restoration.
As a designer, I’m naturally drawn to the intersection of art and environmental advocacy. My instinct was to take this fabric and create a series of wearable art pieces to promote and amplify the message of protecting our moana. Fashion can be a powerful platform for storytelling, and I wanted to use the pieces to highlight the importance of sustainability and conservation.
Why did you go to the Venice Biennale?
I’ve always had a strong interest in art and design, and this year, there’s been a significant contingent of artists from Aotearoa at the Venice Biennale. Brett Graham and Mata Aho Collective have created incredible works, but it was Elisapeta Heta’s exhibition with the international ocean activation group, Oceanerg, that captured my attention.
Elisapeta’s show, Re-Storying, takes place inside an ancient cathedral and creates a space for kōrero (conversation) about the ocean. I felt compelled to contribute to her installation through an activation that incorporates dance, movement, fashion, and kōrero. It was an opportunity for me to amplify our own situation here in Aotearoa and respond to her work in a meaningful way.
What did you do at the Biennale?
Elisapeta’s exhibition ended on October 13,and I spent the last week of the show responding to her work to raise awareness through my activation. My goal was to bring attention to the environmental challenges we’re facing, using art as a medium for advocacy.
Crocs NZ sponsored the footwear for the activation, and they’ve provided a tan colour that complements the wool matting perfectly. Earlier this year, I showcased a collection at Fiji Fashion Week inspired by the rāhui (conservation measures) in the Hauraki Gulf. It was a deeply moving experience, and I believe we were able to bring the same energy to Venice.
I was also able to visit Manifesta Biennial in Barcelona, which had sculptures and artworks that discussed the Moana and climate change, and which became an appropriate backdrop to shoot our Whāriki. (The image below is worn by rangatahi Rangimarie and Nikau from Ngāti Whātua, who were in Barcelona for America’s Cup manaaki, and Lula, a fashion model from Barcelona).
Together as artists, we are on a journey of artistic exploration and environmental advocacy, and I’m excited to share our stories and amplify our message on a global stage.
Register you and your whānau today and contribute to the collective strength of our iwi.
By becoming a beneficiary of the NPIT you are kept up to date with what is happening across the rohe, participate in Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust events, and have your say during important events such as elections and ratifications.
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
Strengthening Global Kaitiakitanga: A Collaborative Indigenous Effort for Kūaka Conservation
Lisa Castle-Tauroa, of Ngāti Pāoa and Makomako Marae, is a dedicated advocate for ecological conservation. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree to deepen her knowledge of cultural revitalisation and reconnection, which contributes to the work she has been doing through her advocacy for ecological conservation. Lisa recently attended the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Flyway Science Symposium in Beijing, China. The symposium, themed "Science for Flyways," focused on manu migration, habitat management, and the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Lisa's participation underscored her commitment to global environmental stewardship and cultural reconnection, emphasising the vital relationship between the Kūaka and the identity of Ngāti Pāoa.
A highlight of the symposium was the collaboration with iwi whanau from Ngāti Kuri, Alaska, Australia, and China which strengthened international partnerships and promoted shared strategies for Indigenous-led habitat restoration. Lisa engaged in discussions on Indigenous-led conservation, climate change adaptation, and collaborative frameworks that elevate the role of traditional knowledge. Her ongoing work at Pūkorokoro continues, fostering community and Indigenous-led initiatives and authentic partnerships that honour ancestral whakapapa and nurture a sustainable future for our migratory manu and the global whenua they connect with.
Dr. Vincent van Uitregt from Victoria University, Sheridan Waitai, Ngati Kuri trust board and Advisor Te Ara Whanui Research Centre, Estelle Thomson, Yup’ik Tribal leader, and Lisa Castle-Tauroa met at Beijing Forestry University after a session on shared kaitiakitanga responsibilities for migratory manu like our Kūaka. The discussions focused on "Indigenous and Community Roles in Habitat Restoration and Conservation" and highlighted a proposed Indigenous-led trilateral co-stewardship initiative.
Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero:
Below is the statement of Ngāti Pāoa Values for the Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area, as recorded in the Ngāti Pāoa Deed of Settlement (Attachments Schedule). The statement of values forms part of the ‘overlay classification’ that will be provided for the site, which requires the New Zealand Conservation Authority to have particular regard for those values when making decisions, including recognising Ngāti Pāoa as kaitiaki over the area. The kōrero is written by the late Morehu Wilson.
Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Taramaire holds significant traditional, customary, spiritual and holistic values for the descendants of Paoa and Tukutuku.
Taramaire is the stream that drained from the inland swamp area of the adjacent interior to Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana, and is located at the Northern section of the Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area.
Ka whakaritea ai te tupuna Paoa e āna uri ki te manu poaka e whēnei ana te kōrero - Ka kōhure a Paoa me te turuturu pourewa te āhua e haere atu ana.
Ko te kōrero nei e whakaatu ana mai rā i te taroaroatanga o Paoa ki waenganui i tōna rōpū. Waihoki, ki tā te kōrero nei e whakarite ana i te whanonga rangatira o te manu i a ia e kai ana ki runga i te tahuna moana kite whanonga rangatira o te tupuna a Paoa. He ōrite te āhua.
The descendants of Paoa compare him to the pied stilt in this way: “Paoa’s appearance is distinguished as the pied stilt’s movements. ”This was a direct reference to Paoa’s height; Paoa seemingly towered above the others in his company when they arrived among the people at Hauraki. His gait was compared to that of the pied stilt as he walked among them. The comparison also describes the chief-like characteristics of the pied stilt, carefully selecting its prey on the banks adjacent to the sea, as similar to those of Paoa who was described as a man of thoughtful countenance, analysis and consideration.
Ngāti Paoa moved onto the western shores of Hauraki Gulf /Tīkapa Moana where they lived close to other related tribes. This occurred directly after battles with resident iwi led by Kaiwhakapae and Taurua’s children Korohura and Putohe, along with Paoa’s grandsons from Horowhenua, Taukiri and Manawa – Korohura winning the hand of Puhanga, a daughter of the Te Uri o Pou chief Parinui, as a peace offering. Te Rua o Puhanga is the name given to a sacred site at the southern extremity of the Wildlife Management Area. When Ngāti Paoa firmly established themselves on the western shores of Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana, Kohukohunui and Rātāroa became their sacred mountains.
By 1785, Te Haupa had made Te Tāpapakanga a Puku his headquarters. He and his iwi were able to consolidate their northward expansion from this base.
At Hauarahi, where the Hauarahi River meets Hauraki Gulf /Tīkapa Moana and near the current Kaiaua Service Centre, an incident occurred that demonstrates the contextual relationship of Ngāti Paoa and the resident bird life along the coast of Wharekawa – the coastline that extends from Te Tāpapakanga a Puku in the north through to Pūkorokoro / Miranda in the south. Tauwhare, a warrior chief of Ngāti Paoa, was pursued by another neighbouring iwi. Tauwhare was easily recognisable as his hair was fair and red. At Hauarahi, he was able to mix soot from a fire that he had used to extract oil from a kuaka (a bar-tailed godwit) and used that oil to darken his hair colour in order to change his appearance. He returned to meet his pursuers and they allowed him to pass by at Hauarahi, seemingly unaware that this was indeed the chief they were seeking.
Additionally, in the aftermath of the introduction of the muskets to Aotearoa, Ngāti Paoa tradition records that, while fleeing the invaders from the north, a great number of Ngāti Paoa warriors were overrun along the shoreline of Wharekawa and killed by those who held the upper hand in warfare as a result of their early access to and possession of guns. The shoreline was considered sacred, as the bodies of those slain were left where they were killed and their remains were absorbed into the immediate surrounding environment.
Today, Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana’s 8,500 hectares of inter-tidal flats support some 40,000 birds. Sixty different species have been recorded, twenty-four of them wading birds. They include godwits, the dramatic-looking eastern curlew and the tiny red-necked stint. Many of Pūkorokoro / Miranda's migratory wading birds make an arduous 10-12,000 kilometre journey from the Arctic Circle to arrive in spring(September-October) and fly north again in the autumn (mid-March). They need to stop over at mudflats along the way to “refuel”. Bar-tailed godwits, the most common Arctic wader at Pūkorokoro / Miranda, are believed to make only one stopover on the way north in the Yellow Sea region of China and Korea. Coming south they are believed to cross the Pacific in one non-stop flight to New Zealand. Red knots, the second most common bird, stop over during northern migration in northern Australia and in the Yellow Sea. They also make several stops on their way south. Many of these birds will double their bodyweight before setting off on such long flights.
The Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area is listed as an internationally important wetland under the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources. The Wildlife Management Area is located adjacent to the great pāsite of Rangipō; a significant historical site for Ngāti Paoa and Te Uri o Pou.
The inter-tidal mudflats of estuaries are an important component of coastal habitat for many shorebirds. At an international level, the Ramsar Convention (1971) provides guidelines for the identification of wetlands of international importance, the criteria determining that Pūkorokoro/ Miranda Taramaire meets the threshold of “international importance”.
The Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area is part of one of the most important wintering sites for shorebirds in New Zealand, including the pied stilt. Over the past twenty years, the site has held an average of about 32,700 birds per year. These include the pied stilt that has been characterised proverbially from the seventeenth century as a simile for the attributes of Paoa, the eponymous ancestor of Ngāti Paoa.
Moreover, Ngāti Paoa maintains its customary rights at the Pūkorokoro / Miranda Taramaire Government Purpose Reserve Wildlife Management Area as the resident iwi who upholds its environmental responsibilities and commitment to undertake traditional duties and give effect to traditional protocols.
