Ngā Hau e Whā From the Editor

Mar 31, 2017

In this issue we take the opportunity to acknowledge Tā Mark Solomon on his 18 years as Kaiwhakahaere o Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (pages 10 – 15). We reflect upon his contribution to Ngāi Tahu, to Māoridom, and in fact to the whole of Aotearoa. Over the last 18 years he has been a constant presence, playing an instrumental role as Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu found its feet post-Settlement, forming strategic relationships with the Crown and other iwi, and guiding Ngāi Tahu through difficult times, such as the Christchurch earthquakes. The years he has dedicated to the iwi, and the affably humble way he has always carried himself, mean he will be missed by many.

On pages 30 – 33 we discuss the issue of whenua in Tūrangawaewae – Where Do We Stand? Tūrangawaewae means “a place to stand”, and this article highlights the fact that as an iwi Ngāi Tahu needs to take a clear direction on tūrangawaewae and the concept of land ownership. When Te Kerēme (the Ngāi Tahu Claim) was settled, the intention was to restore mana whenua and kaitiakitanga in Te Waipounamu, but in recent years there seems to have been a more commercial focus. Is there a way to honour the aspirations of Ngāi Tahu tīpuna by increasing the tribal footprint, while still allowing the wealth of the iwi to grow?

Te Whaka a Te Wera at Paterson Inlet, the largest mātaitai (customary fishing reserve) in the country, is a fine exemplar of kaitiakitanga. Fifth-generation Rakiura resident Phillip Smith talks to Rob Tipa about its importance, and the responsibility to ensure sustainable use of our natural resources.

Twenty years since the Ngāi Tahu Deed of Settlement was signed, it is important that the iwi remember why Te Kerēme was fought, and ensure that their actions and decisions continue to build a legacy that Ngāi Tahu tīpuna would be proud of.

Nā Adrienne Anderson


Editorial Team

Managing Editor
Phil Tumataroa

Editor
Adrienne Anderson

Assistant Editor
Anna Brankin

Sub Editor
Diana Leufkens

Web Editor
Belinda Leslie

Contributors

Tremaine Barr
Arihia Bennett
Helen Brown
Michael Deacon
Shar Devine
Alice Dimond
Ranui Ellison-Collins
Kurt McLauchlan
Takerei Norton
Rata Pryor Rodgers
Mark Revington
Adrienne Rewi
David Slack
Aaron Smale
Michael Stevens
Amanda Symon
Megan Tamati-Quennell
Nuku Tau
Gerry Te Kapa Coates
Rob Tipa
Phil Tumataroa
Maatakiwi Wakefield
Fern Whitau

Design
La Fábrica Design Studio

Advertising
Pam Graham: [email protected]

Printing
Spectrum Print – Blue Star Business

Publisher
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
PO Box 13 046
Christchurch 8141
Phone 03 366 4344
Fax 03 365 4424

Send contributions and letters to the editor to:
The Editor
TE KARAKA
PO Box 13 046
Christchurch 8141
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© 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 73 published March 2017
© 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 sustainable forest management through independent third party forest certification.

Front Cover
Tā Mark Solomon steps down. Photograph by Phil Tumataroa.