Kia ora e te iwi,
It has been a big year for Rangitāne o Wairau. Events have been a major focus with more than 60 events over the last year. Most memorable from my perspective were the reopening of the Tuamātene Wharemoe, Te Matatini, Anton’s Fush and Chip nights, the AGM weekend, the Chamber of Commerce event hosted by Rangitāne, the Horton St opening and the Tuia 250 ki Tōtaranui Poroporoaki at Ūkaipō.
It has been a big year for our businesses too. The conclusion of the first part of the Woodbourne Settlement purchase by Kurahaupō Iwi was significant after many years of negotiation. Other commercial milestones included the completion of the first stage of our development in Horton St, the purchase of the Flaxmill Vineyard and increasing occupancy in Rangitāne House.
New initiatives include Rangitāne collaborating with other Te TauihuIwi to develop marine farming space in Tasman and Golden Bay and utilising an Investment Manager to manage funds helps diversify our resource base. This has been particularly important in economically turbulent times and when interest rates are at record low levels – and projected to stay low for some time yet.
We are anticipating another busy year for 2020. Significant events will include the Tauihu unveiling 24thJanuary, the Rangitāne festival at Easter and the language wānanga planned for mid-year. Although delayed, the Conservation Management Plan for Te Pokohiwi will be completed in 2020. Tina Porou (who is managing the development of the plan) will make a presentation on the draft plan in January for feedback.
A highlight this year has been the addition of new staff Taylah MacDonald, Corey Hebberd and Sally Neal increasing our capacity to manage events, our properties and environmental issues respectively.
I would like to thank and acknowledge Wendy Hynes and Tā Mark Solomon for their contributions. The concept for the Tauihu and the dinners at Tuia 250 were first presented to Trustees last year by Wendy. Tā Mark’s calm and considered direction for the businesses has been invaluable.
I would also like to thank our volunteers and kete holders for their mahi and enthusiasm and in particular Trustee Jeremy MacLeod for his work in the ahurea space. They have provided the ideas, enthusiasm and energy to drive many of the big projects and new initiatives this year.
The vegetables in the maara kai are looking great and a harvest event will be held in January by the Takahi Whenua team. Thank you to those who helped with the weeding on Wednesday despite the somewhat dodgy weather.
Our office staff are having a well deserved break with the office closing at midday on 24 December and opening again on 6 January.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year – ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hau ki a koutou.
Mā te wā
Nick
Photo Gallery: Images from the Kirihimete Party at Pukatea last Saturday.
