Whānau Stories Archives - Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Stephanie Dijkstra: Representing Ngāi Tahu in governance and policy

As one of the youngest Ngāi Tahu external appointees, Murihiku-born Stephanie Dijkstra (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Mamoe), says that self-doubt is one of the challenges that she overcomes when representing the Iwi. She says taking on an external appointment role to represent Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu grew Stephanie personally and professionally.

He-Rau-Tau-He-Tini-Mahara, A hundred years, a thousand memories

The Hall that holds 1000 memories | Overlooking sparkling cyan sea. Dwarfed by volcanic mountains. Tūtehuarewa, a white weatherboard community hall, stands in the bay of Koukourarata (Port Levy) as she has for nearly 100 years. Whānau and community will celebrate the life of the whare at her centenary celebration in April 2023. They will…

He raki whakahirahira – Kāi Tahu celebrates Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients

He mihi aroha, he mihi whakamānawa – This year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List sees a magnificent line up of Kāi Tahu members honoured for their extraordinary leadership and contributions. Tahu News also acknowledges renowned kaumātua Dame Aroha Reriti-Crofts as the first Kāi Tahu Dame Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit. E kā rika…

He mana tō te ikoa – The mana carried within a name

A Ngāi Tahu academic says Māori are the lead experts in the history of Māori place names in Te Waipounamu. Dr Matiu Payne has responded to a recent letter published in the Akaroa Mail that he says is a misinformed opinion about Horomaka, an area of special significance for his iwi.

Haka challenge to battle domestic violence

It’s no secret many whānau are under pressure during the strict conditions of New Zealand’s efforts to combat the Coronavirus . This Friday a nationwide campaign will launch using haka to help whānau through these trying times.

Rau Aroha, Rau Mahara, Rau Mihi – ANZAC Tribute

Mātaki mai! Areare mai! Some of our Ngāi Tahu whānau take time to share their kōrero about ANZAC day. Hai taoka maria anō mō tātou katoa.

He Toa Makorea – The Last of An Exceptional Generation

He ika a Whiro a Epiniha Rātapu, nō Ngāi Tahu. One of two remaining living veterans of the 28th Māori Battalion, Epiniha shares through his daughter Myrtle stories and memories during WWII.

Getting ready for ANZAC Day

Ahakoa he tikanga hōu, he tikanga aroha tonu – While this year’s way of commemorating differs … it is still done with love.

COVID-19 update to whānau

I hope that you and your whānau are adjusting to life in your ‘bubble’ – I know that a lot of us are facing different challenges, whether it be keeping tamariki entertained, keeping on top of our workloads if we’re lucky enough to be working from home, or simply worrying about whānau members that we won’t be able to see for the next few weeks. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu want to support all of our whānau where practical through this period, and this email will update you on some of the latest developments.

COVID-19, Kaiwhakahaere update

In these unprecedented times, the health and wellbeing of our whānau members remains our top priority. We know that kaimahi from our papatipu rūnanga have been working hard to connect with whānau in their rohe to identify what support is required – particularly for our kaumātua and those with underlying conditions that place them at greater risk. With this in mind we have begun calling all registered kaumātua to check in on them.