Issue 62

A vibrant presence

Renowned artist Cliff Whiting had a huge influence on Ngāi Tahu, says Tā Tipene O’Regan, who tells the story of how Cliff came to work for the tribe.

Enduring values

Taiaha wānanga have been run at Awhitu Estate, on the edge of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere for the past 25 years. The wānanga are open to boys and men who want to learn the ancient art of mau rākau, not for combat, but to carry traditional knowledge forward into the changing world. The three-day workshops have…

At sea/welcoming Haunui

“Having some of our whānau from down here on board is a very significant thing. As years go by I think people will come to understand that. I don’t think that it has kicked into the mindsets and the thinking of many people that the arrival of a canoe like this is actually a huge event – something that hasn’t been done for hundreds and hundreds of years.

“I’m not too sure yet if the significance of that effort – in trying to emulate what our ancestors did – is fully realised yet.”

The struggle for Takahanga

Today Takahanga Marae stands proudly overlooking the ocean on an historic pā that has been occupied for generations. Kaituhi Tony Bridge reports on how the long-standing vision for the marae was finally realised. Hariata Manawatu, of Kāti Kurī, vividly remembers those early fundraising days for Takahanga Marae. “You know, we must have been fundraising since…

From the CEO

Chief Executive Officer, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Arihia Bennett Whanaungatanga in action Twenty years ago our whānau made a deliberate move from the city to create an intergenerational home in Tuahiwi. We have seen three generations and now a fourth spending time together in the family home. As well as sharing all the living…

From the editor

Sometimes connections are obvious, at other times they unfold unexpectedly. In this issue, Tā Tipene O’Regan talks about his relationship with Dr Cliff Whiting who was recently honoured at the Arts Foundation Icon Awards. The awards recognise New Zealand artists who have made a significant contribution to the country and their art form. There are only 20 Icons at any time.

Whenua – Takapō

Takapō was a traditional mahika kai site used by Ngāi Tahu hapū on their seasonal mahika kai expeditions to Te Manahuna (McKenzie Basin). Photograph: Tony Bridge Click the image to view.

He Whakaaro
Increased protection for ancestral lands and waters

Three recent judgments from three different courts have had lawyers talking in the last few weeks. The first two made national headlines. The third was not so widely reported, but may prove to be the most important in terms of protection of ancestral lands and waters.

Te Ao o te Māori
Nathan Wilson

As the tide rises and falls, the ocean moves the black sands up and down the beach and with it deposits of gold concealed within its grains. Nathan Wilson (Ngāti Māhaki), with help from his whānau, makes a living from mining the fine gold dust using long-handled shovels, a home-made sluice box, and water pumped from a nearby river.

He Kōrerorero
Dangerous stuff

Since I was a small child, I’ve collected things; books majorly, but also edged weapons and seashells, music (as in 78s and LPs as well as tapes and CDs) and artworks… not paintings or drawings (I enjoy making my own) but furniture and work by skilled wood-turners. Some jewellery, primarily pounamu. And, also since I was a kid, I’ve made survival kits.