Ngā Hau e Whā From the Editor

What separates an ordinary woman from an extraordinary one? The belief that she is ordinary.’ Jody Williams, Nobel Laureate.

Humble, selfless, courageous and humanitarian are just some of the words that spring to mind when reflecting on the subject of our cover story for this issue of TE KARAKA (page 10). Therefore, it came as no surprise to learn that Aroha Reriti-Crofts was made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday honours earlier this year for her lifetime of service to Māori and the community. It is no exaggeration to say Dame Aroha is an extraordinary wāhine whose work has always been dedicated to her iwi, hapū and whānau, with a particular focus on the wellbeing of wāhine and tamariki.

Dame Aroha’s diverse mahi spans all aspects of Māori life, and has notably included more than 50 years as a member of the Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL), a number of those as the national president. Over its lifetime, the MWWL has become highly regarded at the grassroots level and nationally as a powerful advocate for wāhine and tamariki, using its collective powers to lobby government and always operating with aroha and care for wāhine katoa. Today’s league members will tell you that, like many voluntary organisations, the number of active members is dwindling and ageing. It would be a travesty to think that one day the MWWL may cease to exist if membership cannot be sustained by new generations.

As you will read on page 26, the Blenheim branch is working hard on a succession plan to connect and grow future membership, with a lively group of rangatahi actively engaged in league activities within their community. As with Dame Aroha and her whānau (daughter Amiria, current MWWL national vice-president, and mokopuna Reriti), the Blenheim branch is three generations strong for some whānau. Long may we continue to celebrate this collective of extraordinary wāhine.

Moving forward, there will be only two print versions of TE KARAKA each year. Over time we aim to have more of an online presence that will expand the scope for sharing our whānau stories.

Meri Kirihimete.
Nā Adrienne Anderson Waaka

Editorial Team

Adrienne Anderson Waaka
Editor

Michael Deacon
Sub Editor

Belinda Leslie
Web Editor

Contributors

Tremane Barr
Arihia Bennett
Anna Brankin
Ila Couch
Jackie Curtis
Michael Deacon
Ward Kamo
Arielle Kauaeroa
Takerei Norton
Tā Tipene O’Regan
Mihiata Ramsden
Hana Royal
Michael Stevens
Paulette Tamati-Elliffe
Eruera Tarena
Rob Tipa
Max Tiweka
Lisa Tumahai
Phil Tumataroa
Fern Whitau

Design
La Fábrica Design Studio

Print Management
Ruruku Ltd (Ngāi Tahu Pakihi Whānau)

Publisher
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
PO Box 13 046
Christchurch 8141
Phone 0800 KAI TAHU (0800 524 8248)
Fax (03) 341 6792

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 87 published December 2020
© Ngāi Tahu Publications Limited
ISSN N0. 1173/6011

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu used paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and manufactured under the strict ISO Enviromental Management System.

Front Cover
Dame Aroha Reriti Crofts, the first Ngāi Tahu wahine to be made a DNZM pictured at her recent investiture at Government House in Wellington.
Photo: Supplied by Government House.