Issue 97

Against a rising tide of social and economic challenges, erosion of rights, abuse of Te Tiriti partnership amidst other chatter, there remains much to celebrate as we reach the end of 2025.

As we reflected on the content for this issue, we noted several recurring themes: restoration, returning and recognition – all positive manifestations of a strengthening cultural renaissance.

Tracey Wright-Tawha is a name synonymous with whanau wellbeing in Murihiku. Her commitment and passion span decades, and earlier this year Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust – the Whanau Ora agency she founded – marked 25 years of enhancing the lives of whanau in the south.

It is a privilege to feature Tracey of the cover of this issue in recognition of her contribution – He mihi maioha i to
manawanui me to tuku aroha, e whaea Tracey.

The restoration of Takapuneke is finally being realised through a partnership between Onuku Runanga and Christchurch City Council. This site of immense cultural and historical significance is having its heritage restored, and is now on track to become a “must see” attraction where locals and visitors can gain insight into the profound events that shaped it.

The journey of the Shortland pounamu over almost 180 years ago is fascinating. From Aotearoa to England and back, the taonga was gifted back to Kai Tahu by the Crown at the signing of the Ngai Tahu Deed of Settlement in 1997, and remains an important symbol of our Te Tiriti partnership.

We were deeply saddened by the recent passing of Masashi Yamada, the Japanese businessman and philanthropist, a lifelong friend and supporter of Kāi Tahu. His generosity was instrumental in financing the Settlement and has continued over the years – not least through the Yamada O’Regan secondary school scholarship fund.

Over the years TE KARAKA has featured two stories on Mr Yamada, and we have no doubt his legacy will continue. From the TE KARAKA editorial team to you and yours, we wish you a Meri Kirihimete me kā mihi o te tau hou Pākeha.

Nā Adrienne Anderson-Waaka me Sascha Wall