Kia ora koutou,
New Zealand Junior White Sox players Mikayla and Caitlyn Lewin (Rangitāne) are currently competing in the Canada Cup tournament in Surrey, British Columbia. The JWSX went down to Delta Heat 4-0, and Chinese Taipei U19’s 8-1, at the weekend. They are set to play Las Vegas Blast today. We wish Mikayla, Caitlyn and the team all the best for the rest of the tournament.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga confirmed last week that Meretoto and Motuara are now listed as wāhi tūpuna. A wāhi tūpuna is defined as “a place important to Māori for its ancestral significance and associated cultural and traditional values”, the listing process started in 2015. There is a report that comes with this, which is very interesting reading, you can find it in the publications section on our website rangitane.org.nz/publications.
We are meeting at Tuamātene this Sunday at 10.30am to plan and prepare the Maara Kai for planting. The purpose of the Maara Kai is to teach and promote self-sufficiency (rangatiratānga) by growing and harvesting of edible crops; promote wellbeing, good nutrition, and healthy activity (oranga); share gardening knowledge, including customary techniques (kaitiakitānga and mātauranga) through mentoring, education and practical participation; build involvement and community cooperation (whanaungatānga).
A planting day is planned for 5 August. We have some gumboots and some gardening tools but we may need more shovels so if you can bring one along. There will also be an opportunity to share your thoughts on the wharenui. There is a significant cost repairing this building and it would be good to hear your thoughts on repair versus other options. A barbecue lunch will be provided (if you have any special dietary requirements please let the office know).
I look forward to seeing you there on Sunday.
Mā te wā
Nick