From the Editor

Jul 7, 2019

Ngā Hau e Whā
From the Editor

As we go to print with this issue of TE KARAKA, Oranga Tamariki continues to be at the forefront of media attention. As is often the case the coverage is largely condemning of the actions of the organisation and its leadership. I am sure there are many success stories to counter these but I guess they don’t make for such sensational headlines. On page 16 Where to from here? is an eloquently written piece by Anna Brankin that explores the challenges for the iwi as we move forward in our strategic partnership with Oranga Tamariki – a partnership founded in a shared aspiration to work together to reduce the numbers of Ngāi Tahu tamariki in care. While there is clearly a long way to go, it is important to remain mindful that transformational change is an evolutionary journey – it doesn’t happen overnight and it certainly doesn’t happen in isolation.

Te Hōkai Nui is an exemplar of what can be achieved with the right attitude and the right partnership. This iwi-led initiative with Otago Polytechnic has produced 56 Applied Business Management degree graduates over the past three years – an opportunity for a higher educational attainment that would not have otherwise existed for many of those on the programme. Read more on page 20.

And, embracing the digital age, Maru Nihoniho is a wahine putting a new spin on reaching and engaging with tamariki and rangatahi – she’s all about big ideas and out of the box thinking – using interactive technology to develop resources (games and apps) with a kaupapa Māori cultural lens to attract our kids. Her most recent project SPARX is a resource designed to support young people suffering from mental health issues. You can read her journey on page 28.
Nā Adrienne Anderson Waaka


Editorial Team

Adrienne Anderson Waaka
Editor

Anna Brankin
Assistant Editor

Diana Leufkens
Sub Editor

Belinda Leslie
Web Editor

Contributors

Tremane Barr
Arihia Bennett
Gwen Bower
Chris Brankin
Freya Hargreaves-Brown
Helen Brown
Allanah Burgess
Russell Caldwell
Gerry Te Kapa Coates
Ila Couch
Michael Deacon
James Harding
Ward Kamo
Dean MacKenzie
Arielle Monk
Madison Henry-Ryan
Nuku Tau
Rob Tipa
Phil Tumataroa
Kim Victoria
Kaia Waaka
Fern Whitau

Design
La Fábrica Design Studio

Printing
Spectrum Print – Blue Star Business

Publisher
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
PO Box 13 046
Christchurch 8141
Phone 03 974 0177
Fax 03 365 4424

Send contributions and letters to the editor to:
The Editor
Te Karaka
PO Box 13 046
Christchurch 8141
[email protected]

© 1995 The entire contents of Te Karaka are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher. All letters addressed to Te Karaka will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly marked “Not for Publication”.

Opinions expressed in Te Karaka are those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Issue 82 published June 2019
© Ngāi Tahu Publications Limited
ISSN N0. 1173/6011

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has used Blue Star Group, which is an FSC® certified print supplier. The paper used for this publication is FSC® certified, promoting responsible forest management through independent third party forest certification.

Front Cover
Mileena Allan-Griffiths, a star in the making.
Photograph courtesy Siggul/VAM.