Kia ora koutou,
I am delighted to introduce one of our Rangitāne rangatahi, Talia Macdonald, as the newest member of our team. Talia, pictured here with Megan Luff from Marlborough Girls’ College, will be joining us for a few weeks as part of a work experience initiative. She will be our Executive Manager of the Scanner, uploading hard copy membership forms into our database. This is important mahi and we are very grateful. Nau mai, Talia!
Towards the end of next year (Nov-Dec 2019) there will be a nationwide commemoration – Tuia 250 Encounters – that celebrates the first encounters between Māori and Europeans during James Cook and the Endeavours’ voyage, particularly in Tōtaranui, Marlborough Sounds.
Driving this event locally is the Totaranui 250 Trust, a non-profit organisation formed to oversee local commemorations 250 years since these first encounters.
Their objectives are;
- To raise the profile and awareness that Tōtaranui is the name for Queen Charlotte Sound
- To acknowledge the extraordinary feats of Pacific voyagers who reached and settled in Aotearoa and specifically in Marlborough
- To share our untold regional stories relating to first encounters so we better understand our shared history
- To engage with local communities to create and participate in commemorative projects and activities
The commemorative events are being planned now, so that these are in time for the arrival of the replica Endeavour and a fleet of five waka hourua in Tōtaranui at the end of November 2019. The Tōtaranui 250 Trust will be holding a public meeting at Whitney St School at 5.30pm, 29 May 2018. You can also check out their website totaranui250.co.nz and facebook page for more information.
Whilst I acknowledge that this event has its controversies, it is also an opportunity to celebrate Rangitāne o Wairau culture and stories, and to play a pivotal role in building a more cohesive community in a high profile event that will attract a lot of funding. I am very interested in your thoughts and whether there are projects we should consider for this event.
Work in progress at the moment is “business as usual” including sorting out recruitment, financial reporting, dealing with Councils and progressing things like the Te Pokohiwi Management Plan. We have also started working on a presentation for our strategy to support consultation.
Finally, please don’t forget Wave 8 funding applications close at the end of June. This is significant funding from Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu and is to support whānau realise their aspirations. Please remember initiatives must demonstrate a kaupapa Māori approach, e.g. whānau centred, use of te reo Māori, incorporation of mātauranga Māori, the inclusion of te ao Māori values, collaboration with other Te Pūtahitanga initiatives.
Please let me know if you need assistance with a business plan or an application.
Mā te wā
Nick