Builder Paul Walker working on the Wharenui at Tuamātene.
Tēnā koutou,
It is hard to put into words how we are all feeling after Friday’s tragic events in Ōtautahi but I liked the Prime Minister’s advice that we must stick together, hug our loved ones and hold tight to our values.
A couple of hui were held last week with Whānau and Rangatahi focusing on the roll-out of the language strategy which were very successful. The recommendations made were both exciting and innovative and will roadmap the implementation of Tangata Rau, Reo Kotahi. We are excited to announce there will be two more hui coming up. The next will be for iwi members of all ages living in Whakatū Whakatū, and will be held at 6pm on Monday, 25 March at Te Toki Pakohe, NMIT in Hardy St, Whakatū (Nelson). We are also planning another Focus Forum in Ōtautahi on Tuesday, 2 April and will have more details on this hui once a venue has been confirmed.
Meanwhile the repairs have started on the Wharenui at Tuamātene. We will be starting Waiata sessions for our Kaumātua in the Wharekai on Friday, 22 March from 10-11.30am. For more details contact Donna at the office.
We are looking for a Blenheim-based casual admin person to help out at the office when staff are away or during large events. We offer a competitive remuneration and an excellent team working environment. If this sounds like you please give me a call on (03) 578 6180.
The second wānanga for the Conservation Management Plan for Te Pokohiwi and the Wairau Bar will be held on Saturday, 6 April, from 1-3pm at Ūkaipō, again this will be facilitated by Tina Porou and all iwi members are welcome to come along.
Finally, the events in Ōtautahi on Friday has left everyone in a state of disbelief and despair. Bridget and I were visiting our daughter Miria at the time. The entire city was eerily quiet and empty even after the lockdown finished that evening. If there is a silver lining, the resilience, compassion and aroha shown by everyone subsequently is exactly what it was like in Ōtautahi post Earthquake in 2010/2011. There will be a vigil at Seymour Square, Blenheim on Wednesday at 6.30pm with a minutes silence at 6.45pm. We wish to convey our deepest sympathies to the whānau affected.
I runga i te whakaaro kotahi, ko te aroha…
Nick