July 2024 Email Newsletter July 2024

Welcoming Huriawa

About 50 guests, led by kaikaranga Aroha McCallum were warmly welcomed onto Puketeraki Marae at Karitane as part of the Tohu Whenua launch event before gathering at Huriawa Peninsula where the site marker was unveiled. Guests were invited to explore Huriawa with Karitane Māori Tours manager and guide Chris Wilson. It was great to be able to celebrate the day alongside fellow Tohu Whenua site managers and staff from Totara Estate, Larnach Castle and Olveston. 

A huge thank you to Matapura, Suzanne, Chris and everyone that brings Huriawa to life for visitors, for being part of our community – it is a pleasure to have you on the Otago itinerary. It was a real treat to walk and paddle alongside Kati Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, (the kaitiaki of this special area) and hear them share stories of their ancestors - the earliest people of the area. 

Matariki celebrations around the motu

Mānawatia a Matariki!  What a special time of year this is for Aotearoa, a great time for reflecting and starting fresh.  We are thrilled to see so many Tohu Whenua sites celebrating Matariki and have been proud to share the details on social media. 

Remember to let us know if you have events coming up you’d like us to give a push online. Email tohuwhenua@gmail.com with the details.

See below, the "memory tree" at Te Waimate, where visitors can hang named stars to remember loved ones who have passed + a snap from Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai.

Still to come:

• July - Westland Puanga-Matariki Festival (various events)

Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• 6 July - Bone Carving Workshops
• 7 July - Pounamu Toki Workshop 
• 9 July - Hangi and a Movie (Mt Zion)

Rangihoua Open Day

A picture-perfect Autumn day in the Bay of Islands set the scene for a community wānanga hosted by Ngāti Torehina and Fish Forever/Bay of Islands Marine Park at Rangihoua Heritage Park.  Our ‘classroom’ for the day consisted of two marquees set up on the lawn between the beach and Marsden Cross. After a warm welcome and korero from the mana whenua, Ngāti Torehina, representatives of local community groups talked about their various kaupapa and activities.

Many of those present arrived by sea, courtesy of the R Tucker Thompson Sailing Trust, and what better way to approach the site of New Zealand’s first planned European settlement, and the first Christian service, conducted by Rev Samuel Marden on Christmas Day 1814.

Several groups actively involved in restoring the health of marine ecosystems in the Bay gave some insight into their activities (and invited ‘citizen scientists/observers’ to aid their cause!), while Kiwi Coast talked of their efforts over decades to protect and create habitat for our iconic bird.

As Tohu Whenua representative, I spoke briefly about the remarkable men and women who established their mission, under the protection initially of Ruatara, and then Hongi Hika. However we judge their various successes and failures, there is no doubt they played a part in our nation- building.

A remarkably powerful presentation from whanau of Ngāti Ruamāhue told of their hapu response to the challenge of managing koiwi exposed by cyclone Gabrielle, and the extent to which lessons learned and skills acquired during the response has generated confidence that any future events can and will be appropriately resolved.

The overall success of the day reaffirmed a commitment from all involved to make this an annual event, an opportunity to acknowledge our past, to share knowledge and experience in respect of current challenges and opportunities, and so forge connections within and between our diverse communities.

- David Clendon

Waitaha Canterbury Update

The overall goal is to receive nominations that extend from Te Ahi Kaikōura Tama Ki Te Raki (Kaikōura) through to the Waimate District and inland to Aoraki.

Utilising his primary method of engagement, kānohi ki te kānohi ‘face to face’ hui, Jake is enthusiastic and eager to share the Tohu Whenua kaupapa, and has enjoyed meeting whānau in Kaikōura, Bank Peninsula, Hakatere (Ashburton) and Arowhenua so far. By utilising one of his core values Whakawhānaungatanga ‘making a connection’ Jake is having fun getting others excited about the programme and looks forward to receiving nominations for over the next few months – watch this space.

Thanks to our World Heritage Day video stars

A big thankyou to those who sent us videos for our World Heritage Day clip. We aimed to highlight the variety of heritage in the Tohu Whenua network and loved seeing your smiley faces from all corners of the motu. If you missed it, check out the clip below.

Out and about in Te Tai Tokerau Northland

He's shared some guidance on how to talk to visitors about Tohu Whenua and how to encourage visitors to include more Tohu Whenua sites in their itineraries.

If you would like someone from the Tohu Whenua team to come and and see your staff, please email Jill (Te Waipounamu South Island Regional Coordinator) or David (Te Tai Tokerau Northland Regional Coordinator) to organise a time.

Remember we also have some handy resources available for download on our website. The Talking Points for Visitor Hosts is a snappy and useful one to start with.

Click here for resources.

Next up... Ōkārito!

The Tohu Whenua team has been working with Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the Ōkārito Community Association and DOC colleagues to bring this nomination together and we are thrilled to be able to welcome this special place to the Tohu Whenua whānau this year.  

This will be the 7th Tohu Whenua in Te Tai Poutini and plans for a launch event are coming soon.