Nov 2024 Email Newsletter Summer 2024

Something for every explorer this raumati 🌞

Dunedin based film company, Scrambler, captured a little bit of the magic of Tohu Whenua around the country to create a short and snappy resource for you, and us, to introduce Tohu Whenua to new audiences.

We will be promoting this clip throughout raumati/summer, with targeted online ad campaigns across all our social media channels and we would love you to share this video on your social media channels too.

 

QR Codes coming to a Tohu Whenua Post near you!

These codes will offer visitors an interactive way to dive deeper into the history and significance of each site, enhancing their overall experience. 
  
Each QR code will link directly to the webpage for each individual site, providing seamless access to detailed information. This initiative not only enriches the visitor journey but also creates opportunities for organic promotion through social media sharing. By connecting sites through these codes, we are building a network that strengthens engagement and deepens connections to the Tohu Whenua programme. 
  
Your regional coordinator will be in touch soon with more details. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to them! 
 

New brochures ready to order!

To order brochures, contact RSingh@heritage.org.nz

The new Te Tai Poutini West Coast brochures are also available to download here: 
Te Tai Poutini West Coast

Otago will be available online before Christmas.

Te Tai Tokerau Northland Update

The return of the cruise ships to the Bay has been evident at Pompallier and Kerikeri Missions, and even those not lucky enough to sample the special offerings from the French Cafe and the Honey House during the Savour Northland event, can still be assured of a warm welcome and something delicious to complement their unique heritage experience! 

The crews at Waimate Mission and Pompallier,  in partnership with Tintype Central, recently offered people a rare opportunity to experience  mid-20th century photographic technology in action, producing some images that I’m sure will become ‘instant heirlooms’ for those who took part.  

Some of the lesser known history of Waimate Mission ‘in war and peace’ was revealed at our Heritage NZ stand at the Bay of Islands P&I show (New Zealand’s oldest, having begun in 1842!) – who knew that during the Northern War it briefly served as a military outpost and casualty station? 

 
Looking ahead, and given recent events, we can expect to see even larger crowds than usual in attendance and enjoying a great family day on February 6th. If that sounds a bit daunting, or if you just want a different Waitangi Day experience at a place where history happened, all of our Tohu Whenua properties will be open and offering free entry on the day. Waimate and Mangungu Missions both hosted Tiriti signings (Mangungu the site of the single largest signing) and the story of Clendon House is interwoven with both the Tiriti and He Wakaputanga / Declaration of Independence. 

Looking forward to a great summer ahead in Te Tai Tokerau. 

- David Clendon

Waitaha Canterbury Update

We're all getting very excited to organise the Waitaha Canterbury launch event in 2025. With nominations rolling in now and more to come over the next few weeks, I am well on track to showcase Ōtautahi and history where it happened. Final site selections will be made early next year and we will have more details about the launch coming soon.

It's essential to me that the sites selected showcase a range of special places of cultural significance of takata whenua (tangata whenua) for all visitors to enjoy and I'm grateful to everybody who is engaging with our process to make that a reality.

- Jake Thomas

Welcoming Ōkārito

What started out as a very rainy day cleared just in time for us to start and the sun shone on our event.

We were honoured to be joined by Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister, Hon Paul Goldsmith who was welcomed with a pōwhiri from Ngāti Mahaki and spoke about the important role Tohu Whenua plays in celebrating our stories and providing visitors with meaningful experiences.

We were entertained by children from local primary schools Franz Josef, Whataroa and Hokitika who all performed stunning waiata. Our 150+ guests were also invited to take one of four walking tours of the area, guided by knowledgeable locals covering subjects like the pā and kainga, gold-rush era buildings, the kōtuku and living in Ōkārito today.

​​​​​​​Thanks to our friends from Ngāti Mahaki, DOC and Ōkārito for enhancing the experience for all of us.

Get to know Paul Madgwick

As Chairman of Te Runanga o Makaawhio, Paul has supported our Tohu Whenua team since the programme arrived in Te Tai Poutini West Coast in 2018. As well as being part of the original selection panel for sites in the region, Paul has played an integral part in the launches of Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre and Te Kopikopiko o te Waka and most recently worked closely with Jill Mitchell-Larrivee (our Te Wai Pounamu Regional Coordinator) throughout the nomination and launch of Ōkārito; our newest Tohu Whenua site.

In Paul's words, "Ōkārito holds a special place in the history of Ngai Tahu and also our earlier whakapapa of Ngati Wairangi, Patea and Waitaha, and so Ngati Mahaki are thrilled to be part of this.Tohu Whenua is fitting recognition for the mana of this place. Several pa and kainga here testify to centuries of occupation -- and war - plus Ōkārito was renowned far and wide for its whare wananga for learning the traditions and lore of Te Tai Poutini." 

Paul is also a newspaper editor, a member of the Westland District Council and is receiving widespread acclaim for his new book Poutini: The Ngāi Tahu History of the West Coast. Drawing on a lifetime of research, Poutini gives a detailed account of the succession of Māori settlements along the West Coast, interweaving pre-contact history with early interactions between Pākehā explorers and Ngāi Tahu, land sales and the allocation of Māori reserves, all of which also feature in dedicated chapters. 

To find our more about Paul's new book, CLICK HERE.
 

Calling all Marketing and Communications Advisors 📣

APPLY/FIND MORE INFO HERE
Permanent part-time position (24 hours per week)

The Kaitohutohu Whakatairanga me Whakawhiti Kōrero Marketing and Communications Advisor will lead communications with internal and external audiences with a strong emphasis on digital marketing. This will involve managing social media channels, developing tourism-oriented content for digital and print media, preparing regular communications for our partners and stakeholders, and supporting campaigns and events.

The ideal candidate has a range of skills in both marketing and communications and can switch easily between the two disciplines, bringing their creative flair along for the ride. They have a well-stocked toolbox particularly when it comes to the digital space, an awareness of trends in travel and tourism marketing, and lots of good ideas to help us grow our audience. We are a small team with lots to do and a range of partners and stakeholders so we are looking for a team player who is adaptable, agile and positive.

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 10 December 2024.

Otago Update

A big welcome to Larnach Castle's new GM; Adrian Clifton. Adrian has managed the Scenic Hotel in Dunedin for the past eight years and has past experience managing hotels and events both in Aotearoa and abroad in England. He has a big passion for the history of Larnach and it was great to meet him and hear how much he's looking forward to the busy tourist season ahead.

Congratulations to Ōamaru on another successful heritage festival.  From the photos we have seen today, it looks like a great time was had by all.

We wish Historic Hayes property lead Jemma Parker all the best as she heads off on new adventures. Thanks for being a great Tohu Whenua advocate Jemma, we’ll miss your enthusiasm and your welcoming smile.

Up the road, a member of the public recently attempted to steal the name plate off the Otago Central Rail Trail's post. A reminder to please keep an eye on your posts and let us know if you have any issues with them or need any repairs.

- Jill Mitchell-Larrivee 

Deck the Tohu Whenua halls

Otago:

• 4 Dec - Christmas Shopping Night @ Larnach Castle
• 8 Dec - A Community Christmas @ Totara Estate 
• Every Sunday - Arrowtown Market @ Arrowtown

Te Tai Poutini West Coast:

• 13 Dec - Christmas Parade @ Hokitika
• 15 Dec - Christmas on Broadway @ Historic Reefton

Te Tai Tokerau Northland:

• Fri, Sat & Sun from 13 Dec to 29 Dec - Festive Fun (Kids games, decorations) @ Te Waimate Mission
• 21 Dec - Christmas Carols @ Pompallier Mission and Printery

 

Remember to let us know if you have any special events coming up for the Christmas (and any) season and we will be sure to give you a shout out on social media.