Tēnā koutou,
We have had two short weeks in a row in the Wairau with Labour Day last week and Marlborough Anniversary on Monday. The weather has been great which almost makes up for the disappointing World Cup result.
Whatu Mauri for the Tauihu sculpture took place recently on the site at Grove Road. Two mauri stones were placed in the whenua, one from the Wairau Bar and one from Tapuae-o-Uenuku. Around 30 iwi members and representatives attended the blessing which was led by Trustee Jeremy MacLeod and master carver Heemi Te Peeti. The Tauihu, featuring tupuna Māui and Tukauae, will be installed in January next year. We will have more details on the unveiling in the next few weeks, be sure to mark it in your calendar.
We have had several events over the past few weeks including the Kaumātua Hauora Day at Ūkaipō. As part of the well-being kaupapa, our kaumātua were treated to services provided by hairdressers, Te Piki Oranga nurses, a podiatrist, manicurists, mirimiri and health and social services advocates. It was great to hear our kaumātua were well taken care of and enjoyed being pampered for the afternoon.
Another successful Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market was held recently at Seymour Square. It’s great to see the market growing and becoming increasingly popular each time. The next market will be held on Wednesday, 5 February 2020.
Takahi Whenua led a day trip to Te Karaka (Cape Campbell) to plant Karaka trees and other native plants from the nursery at Tuamātene. We would like to thank to Rob and Sally Peter for allowing access through their farm and for helping with the planting. Well done Rick, Rata and Kereana!
This week we have an RHL/RIL hui today, preceded by a hui with the NZDF and Kurahaupō yesterday to progress the Woodbourne settlement.
On Sunday, 10 November, there will be a working bee at Te Pokohiwi to mow and tidy the tracks. This will be followed by a BBQ lunch at Tuamātene. Please contact the office if you wish to attend as we need numbers for boat transport and catering purposes. This is a working bee so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.
Next week Te Tauihu Kaumātua will be visiting the Nelson Provincial Museum to view the Kura Pounamu. The exhibition features over 200 pounamu taonga including “Te Hurika” a pounamu touchstone weighing in at 170kg. You can read more about the exhibition here –Kura Pounamu.
Finally, our Wānanga Waiata planned for November have been postponed until the new year.
Mā te wā
Nick