< Previous 20 Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea purchase Bell’s Produce In its largest acquisition since settlement, Te Rarawa has purchased iconic Bell’s Produce Ltd, as part of a strategic investment into the region’s growing horticultural industry. Fol- lowing a robust process by the iwi’s asset holding company Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea, the Bell’s purchase adds to Te Rarawa’s ex- panding commercial asset base. The purchase is in line with our strategic de- velopment plans for horticulture. "Our cli- mate lends itself well to horticulture and we’re looking to grow jobs and capacity and a highly skilled workforce to suit our region. This acquisition gives us a good 10-year start toward achieving our horticultural aspi- rations," Board Chairman, June McCabe, said. Employing more than 100 staff during peak season, Bell’s 212ha operation adjoins farm- ing land owned by Te Rarawa in Pukepoto. "We can potentially amalgamate adjoining lands and work with Bell’s to use their expe- rience and infrastructure to expand produc- tion," June said. "In the Far North we have plenty of sunshine hours and a warm cli- mate, all perfect for growing sweet juicy fruit and fresh vegetables," she said. Haami Piripi, Chairman of Te Rarawa said he is excited for the iwi as Bell’s Produce is a strong horticultural platform for Te Rarawa to build from. "We’re continuing their good work in the local economy" Haami said. The Rūnanga decision to back the purchase was made using our guiding ‘Four Pou’ principle that works across economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing. "It’s a sound, sustainable business, socially it will help de- velop our workforce and expand our horticul- tural knowledge and capacity. Culturally it strengthens our presence and identity as a significant investor in the rohe, and it’s a business that applies environmental good practice," Haami said. Bell’s Produce was established in 1995 and its founders are delighted to see the family business become an iwi business. They look forward to seeing Te Rarawa take it to the next level. "It’s a great opportunity for Te Ra- rawa to step it up a gear and the potential to amalgamate the properties allows them to increase growing capacity," Allan Bell said. With his 43 years’ experience Allan will stay on as a member of the Bell’s Produce Board. "Together we’ll keep things ‘business as usu- al’, for our valued staff." he said. The Bell's Produce purchase has been par- tially funded by ANZ and Ngāti Kuri, which plans further collaboration with Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea in horticulture. Above: A pōwhiri was held at the North Rd venue to mark the hand over of the ownership of Bell’s Produce to Te Rarawa. A large number of Te Rarawa whānau and hapū members attended along with Te Rarawa representatives, the Bell family, employees of Bell’s Produce, Ngāti Kuri and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Far North District Council. 21 Bell’s Produce; from family business to Iwi business Above: L-R Sean Stratton, GM Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea, Nick Bell, June McCabe, Chair Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea; Allan Bell, Haami Piri- pi, Chairman Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa; John Reed, Jeffrey Moore. Above: Kaumātua Eru Hara- wira speaking at the powhiri. Above: Kaikaranga call assembled manuhiri to a large marquee that had been erected behind the North Rd shop for the handover day. Several hundred people attended the occasion. Above: The iconic Bell’s delivery truck often seen between Kaitāia and Auckland. Above: Business as usual at the Bell’s North Rd shop. 22 Photos above: Earlier in the year, members of the Ahipara Komiti Kaitiaki took a trip around the Tauroa Waitaha area to look at recently completed fencing projects, and the land under the Korowai co-governance regime with DoC. The trip was a great opportunity for kaitiaki to walk the land and to think about priorities for the future. Ahipara Kaitiaki Komiti hikoi to Waitaha 23 Kevin Robinson retires after 30 years of service Long standing Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa CEO has stepped down from the position after nearly 30 years of service for Te Ra- rawa. Kevin is the longest standing Iwi CEO in Tai Tokerau and probably across the mo- tu. He started working for the Iwi in 1989 before things such as CEO titles and sala- ries were a thing for Te Rarawa. Alongside Gloria Herbert they set about building an or- ganisation for the Iwi. Initially as Te Rōpu-a- Iwi o Te Rarawa in 1986 and as Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa from 1989. Kevin has worked with all the Chair’s of Te Rarawa including Haki Campbell, Robert Harris, John Kamariera, Gloria Herbert, Mal- colm Peri, and Haami Piripi. Starting off in a voluntary capacity and then sharing a mod- est salary with Gloria Herbert, he has guided the fledgling organisation through a sus- tained period of growth and to the successful completion of the historic Treaty settlement in 2015. Kevin reflects on the process. "In the beginning it was all about making things better for our children and our Te Rarawa whānau." He referred to Whina Cooper who led out the 1975 Land March which saw Te Rarawa became very active in seeking re- dress. "We had huge concentration in getting our treaty settlements dealt with. From then until the time we settled in 2015, was forty years," he said. He has worked with a lot of hapū leaders and staff members during this time, many of whom have passed away. "To have been part of those early discussions, listening to the aspirations of our kuia and kaumātua , then to see it through to final settlement with the crown, I am very fortunate," he said. Kevin leaves the organisation in a strong po- sition and he says "it is no longer a time to look at grievances, but development for the iwi, wider community and local economy. Figures released at the recent Te Rarawa AGM show the iwi has grown its asset base from $39.8 million to $70.3 million since set- tlement in 2015. Kevin sees future strength in iwi working together to grow their asset base collectively for the benefit of all Māori. "If we’re going to make a difference econom- ically, we’ve got to develop our people, and see more of our tamariki come out of school with higher qualifications. After 30 years including more than 20 as CEO, Kevin leaves the role extremely proud of what has been achieved. His departure signals the end of an era. "Without the sup- port of my whānau I wouldn’t have been able to do it. It’s been a job that’s taken me round the motu and across the world; London, Hong Kong, Spain. I’ve met some wonderful people." Kevin feels his departure is timely, the role needs refreshing, and with the structures in place it is time for him to move in a new di- rection. "With my retirement comes the op- portunity for the Te Rarawa board to formu- late a great future and appoint a new CEO to guide the waka through the next part of the journey. With the dedicated staff we have, and new trustees on board I’m handing over the responsibility of this multimillion-dollar organisation into safe hands," he said. Kevin is regarded by his staff and Iwi mem- bers as a humble and nurturing person who is always there to pitch in and get his hands dirty. As Chairman of his marae at Motuti Kevin intends to stay actively involved with his people and there will be ample opportuni- ty to get his hands dirty. "You can’t help but stay in involved in iwi affairs, I will still be do- ing what needs to be done on a hapū level," he said. We wish Kevin well for the future and give him back to Ngāti Tamatea. 24 General Manager appointed for Te Rarawa Anga Mua (TRAM) George Riley has been appointed to lead the Te Rarawa development subsidiary, Te Ra- rawa Anga Mua. Te Kukupa interviewed George to talk about his role and to find out a little bit about his background. What is the focus of TRAM? TRAM’s focus is outlined in our mission statement ‘Supporting the intergenerational development of Te Rarawa whānau, hapū, marae and Iwi’. We look to deliver services that contribute to these overall outcomes. For equity of resource allocation and effort these activities are referenced against the four pou of Oranga, Taiao, Papori, and Ohanga. We try to ensure that outcomes from each area are being attained. Most of our current work is based on Crown contracts via MSD, MOH, NDHB or MOE. However in the last couple of years we have moved towards co-design of the contracts for service. This has been suc- cessful so far and we anticipate continued development with our current and future funding partners. We also have a focus on working with other Iwi and kaupapa Māori organisations. Two areas worth mentioning are our contribution to the Te Hiku iwi Devel- opment Trust and Collab. At a Te Hiku level we are working on a Crown Joint Work Pro- gramme along with Te Aupouri and Ngai Ta- koto. Our partners in Collab are local provid- ers Waitomo Papakainga Development Soci- ety Inc, Ngati Kahu Social Services and Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri where we collaborate to ensure appropriate whānau services are delivered. It is anticipated that TRAM will bring more focus to the activity of marae and hapū development in the new 5 year strate- gic plan which is currently being developed. What is your role as General Manager? My role is to ensure the current work pro- grammes are sustainable from a funding and worker perspective. So staff management and development are primary functions on a day to day basis. Reporting to the TRAM Board and liaison with the Chair is essential for the maintenance of the Board’s function on behalf of the iwi of Te Rarawa. Reports are mainly focused on ensuring compliance, prudent financial management, risk manage- ment, contractual obligations and steady pro- gress towards the overarching strategic out- comes as determined by the Board of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa. This year we will produce a 5-year business plan for consider- ation and approval by the Runanga. What is your work background? My work background includes formal training as a Secondary School Teacher; ending up with 14 years in the Mathematics Department at Kaitaia College, a stint as a Fisheries Of- ficer and Relationship Manager in Te Hiku, then hapū development and the CEO role at Te Runanga-a-Iwi o Ngāpuhi. I have spent most of the last five years working as the GM Māori for Northland Inc, the economic devel- opment agency for Northland. I also fulfil Governance roles at the Federation of Maori Authorities, Leadership New Zealand and Te Tii (Waitangi) B3 Ahu Whenua Trust. Whereabouts are you from? I was raised in the Bay of Islands in the Te Nana, Te Tai and Hau whanau. My primary hapū are Ngāti Kuta from Te Rāwhiti, with Ngāti Rāhiri and Ngāti Kawa on the Waitangi side. We also have strong links to Ngāti Wai at Ngāiotonga. My whakapapa to Te Rarawa comes through Kahuwhakarewa and Te Wai- huka down to Whai Hakuene and his son Hakuene Te Tai. Alongside of that two of my favourite role models at Hātō Petera College were from Te Rarawa; teachers Lang Davis and Victor Mokaraka. And your family? I married a girl from Kaitaia Jan Wright. In 1987 we moved here with our daughter Jen- na. A son Matt followed and they are Kaitaia kids through and through. Jan is still teaching at Kaitaia College where she is an Assistant Principal, Jenna is on maternity leave from the College, and Matt is studying politics and history at Auckland University. 25 Matariki Ki-o-Rahi: More than just a game More than five hundred children from 23 schools from around the Far North, and as far as Whangarei, came together to celebrate Ma- tariki at the 2019 Ki-o-rahi games at Taipa re- cently. Ki-o-rahi, a high speed and dynamic traditional Māori ball game, plays out on a cir- cular field and includes cultural knowledge and negotiating skills. "Ki-o-rahi is one of many indigenous games we promote at Te Rarawa. It’s not just a game, but an opportunity to exchange culture, tradition, knowledge and life skills," said Pau- lette Montino, Team Leader at Te Rarawa. Paulette first learned Ki-o-rahi more than ten years ago, and saw its huge potential socially, culturally as well as physically. She began teaching the game to students in the Far North as part of schools’ cultural and educational curriculum in 2009. Soon after adopting the game, teachers and students wanted to expe- rience how other schools played, hence the Matariki games were born. Wiremu Sarich, Programme Educator at Te Rarawa, and a key advocate of indigenous games, was thrilled with the turn-out this year. "The Matariki Games are a great space we create to allow our children to really be them- selves," said Wiremu. "Ki-o-rahi is about stu- dents having the freedom to express them- selves, develop socially, while at the same time learning vital skills they can use through- out their lives," he said. Teams line up at the start of each game on 'Te Ara', meaning ‘the pathway’, where players negotiate ground rules for their game. Each team incorporates traditional knowledge, such as names of marae, hapū or maunga into the unique setting of each game. Local appetite for the games has grown to the point where more than fifty schools registered to play this year, but only twenty-three were able to take part. Te Rarawa is looking at solu- tions to accommodate the growing demand for Ki-o-Rahi and to find ways more Far North schools can get involved. A big thanks goes out to Taipa school, for hosting the games, and for all the staff, par- ents and students who supported and worked together to make the Matariki event such a success. Above: Brendon Dowman, Angel Keogh, Lucas Baker, Riley Marsh, Kemi Kauvarevai, Harmony Broadhurst, Izaiah Kauvarevai, Kendra Thomp- son-Harris (Mangonui School) lined up at ‘Te Ara’ at the start of the game. Above: Alicia Zwart, Eva Jobe, Hazel Taukilo, Bobby Ngaruhe, Kobe Steed (Paparore School), Shawn Popata (Ahipara Primary School) Above: Wiremu Sarich, Programme Educator, Te Rarawa Anga Mua 26 Nā te Heamana other more symbolic winds like te haukainga and hauora leading us to where we are now. Over the last 30 years Te Rarawa has em- braced the notion of keeping the home fires burning and through our marae, connecting with our whanaunga across the world. But our momentum as an iwi in Te Hiku o Te Ika has now increased considerably, and our ability to influence central and local govern- ment has begun to generate new opportuni- ties reaching into the pulse of the local econo- my, connecting it to outcomes for our people. Our waka to carry iwi aspirations is the Rūnanga, its operations and representation of the iwi rohe is now well tested. In the course of implementing the settlement of our historic claims we re-shaped our organisation to bet- ter prepare us to take up the next challenge along our ongoing journey. This occurred in much the same way as Kupe re-adzed and refitted his Matahourua waka in order for Nukutawhiti to sail it back to Aotearoa. We have adapted our entity to better cope with the ture of corporate and company law and to continue to provide effective delivery of social services. We have always tried to pursue out- comes for our affiliated whānau to provide them with greater support and sustenance over and above their entitlement as New Zea- land citizens. Our next horizon is to show we can deliver measurable benefits to our constit- uent whānau. Not just in reference to our wid- er iwi, but specifically to our affiliated mem- bers which is where our priority should always be. Our social services delivery is essential but we must also continue to invest in social and cultural development chasing innovation and enterprise rather that a welfare approach. Our commercial organisations have had five years to determine their strategic direction fo- cus and priorities with a moratorium on signifi- cant spending until now. As an iwi we need to be aware and engaged about the plans and priorities of our iwi subsidiaries and be pro- active about our expectations. The winds of change are emerging and we need to prepare for the future. Now that our Rūnanga waka is equipped we need to en- sure that our crew is adequately qualified and capable of administrating a multi-million dollar asset base while at the same time re- building the mana of hapū as kaitiaki of te taiao. But the central focus in my view, must be whānau outcomes and our people’s abil- ity to prosper as Māori in New Zealand. The retirement of Kevin Robinson as our CEO ends a long history of Rūnanga activi- ties that range from fisheries to broadband. His commitment and dedication to the pride of the iwi has been outstanding and he has been privileged to be mentored by some of our most iconic leaders like Dame Whina Cooper, Gloria Herbert and Pa Henare Tate. Our progress as a waka going forward, will depend on the new and fresh faces that join our team and the skills and energy that they bring. We should now expect a wind change and perhaps in blustery winds we prepare ourselves with a strong charter that can guide our progress as we sail into our future. Our crew will continue to remain agile, build- ing upon indigenous knowledge, paradigms and customary practices that have survived for millennia. People will come and people will go but with a sound waka and estab- lished tikanga the winds of change will al- ways be able to be navigated enabling the ongoing survival of our iwi. Haami Piripi, ONZM Chairperson , Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa Ever since our tūpuna sailed around the Pacific our people have listened and learnt about trade winds which foretell conditions, prescribe futures and propel us through periods of rapid change. As a people, we have maintained our identity as we traversed the greatest expanse of water on the planet, Te Moana-nui-a- Kiwa. And those canoe trails have made landfall on numerous islands, and continents with Aotearoa perhaps the final frontier, of our Polynesian explorers. The populating of Aotearoa required sailing a new type of wind, one that reflected the sowing of seeds of occupation. "He kāka- no i ruia mai i Rangiātea". And then we went on to generate 27 Ngā rā o mua Opening of St Agnes and St Mary’s church, Pūrākau, 1899 On Easter Sunday 1899 a 700-strong congregation turned out for the opening of a new church at Pūrākau on the Hokianga Harbour. When he arrived there, Father Becker had found the early mission station buildings in a dilapidated state and he built a new residence and a church. This picture is from the collection of CS Dawes from Kohukohu. The Pūrākau Mission was closed in 1915 and the church was shifted to Motuti in 1922, and named St Marys. Whakamaharatanga Me mihi kau ake ki te hunga kua hoki ki te kainga tūturu mō tātou te tangata. Ko rātou ēna i hoki wairua atu ki Hawaikinui, Hawaikiroa, Hawaikipamamao. Nō reira haere e ngā mate haere, haere atu ra. Wainui: Ngawini Kerehoma Pene Te Uri o Hina: Sir Hekenukumai Busby Motutī: Hera Paparoa, Steven Daniels Waipuna: Nan Thomas, Moses Masters, Wally Thomas, Frank Makara Te Rarawa: Timoti Flavell, Taru Busby, Gloria Busby, Clarence Robson Whakamaharatanga: Kereta Tatana, Whererika Popata, Janay Johnstone Mātihetihe: Wiremina Campbell, Marino Te Maru, Raiha Martin, Mickey Rudolph, Michael Maunsell, Tuki Rikihana, Marino Leef, Joe Nathan, Kamira Martin Mōrehu: Sue Stephens, George Rogers, Raymond Herbert, Mickey Rudolph, Pirikapa Pirini Kotahitanga: Tom Waru, Thomas Murray, Paradise Halkyard, Aggie Smith nee Heller, Eru Hokai Roma: Maree Takuira, Mita Kitasene Ngahere, Darlin Snowden, Lucy Waitai, Heeni Hapari nee Snowden, Paul Williams, Kayleb Samuels, Tame Murray Ngāi Tūpoto: Marge Neho Rameka, Bruce Ngapera, Woki Barber, Iri Morgan, Alec Ngapera, Bernard Hoani, Harold Morgan, Dawson Birch, Lynley Graham, Francis Harris, Michael Brown, Dawn Davis nee Waipouri Waihou: Mihi Rudkin, Darryn Boyce, Ann Harvey Other: Paul Marshall, Hiwi Tauroa, George Popata, Charlie (Tipene) Kanapu, Henry Taylor, Heta Tobin, Selwyn Clark, Patch Leef, Joe Hobson, Niki Tauhara NGA MARAE O TE RARAWA Korou Kore Marae, Ahipara Delegate: Putiputi McMahon Ph: 021 1585020 ; mcmahonputiputi@gmail.com Mātihetihe Marae, Mātihetihe Delegate: Debbie Martin Ph: 027 4805200; djmatini@gmail.com M ō rehu Marae, Pawarenga Delegate: Jean Beazley Ph: 021 0708118 ; jean.beazley@xtra.co.nz Motutī Marae, Motut ī Delegate: Desire’e Andrews Ph: 027 2515039; des.anduze@gmail.com Ngāi Tūpoto Marae, Motukaraka Delegate: Hoana Smith Ph: 0272567128; hoana.smith@hotmail.com Ngāti Manawa Marae, Panguru Delegate: Rihari Dargaville Ph: 0226493870; rihari.takuira@gmail.com Wainui Marae, Wainui Delegate: Lisa McNab Ph: 021 2432467; lisamcnab00@gmail.com Ōhāki Marae, Pawarenga Delegate: Sam Tecklenburg Ph: 021 1850093 samtecklenburg@yahoo.co.nz Pāteoro Marae, Te Karae Delegate: vacant Rangikohu Marae, Herekino Delegate: Katie Murray Ph: (09) 4080900; waitomo.papakainga@xtra.co.nz Roma Marae, Ahipara Delegate: Tui Qauqau Ph: 0273085986; tui.qauqau@gmail.com; Taiao Marae, Pawarenga Delegate: Lee-Anne Spice Ph: 021 499087; leeannespice@gmail.com; Tauteihiihi Marae, Kohukohu Delegate: vacant Te Arohanui Marae, Mangataipa Delegate: vacant Te Kotahitanga Marae, Whāngāpe Delegate: Richard Murray Ph: 02102579931; richard.edna@xtra.co.nz Te Rarawa Marae, Pukepoto Delegate: Waikarere Gregory Ph: 0211628071; tuituiart@hotmail.com Te Uri o Hina Marae, Pukepoto Delegate: Tui Bedggood Phone 0273085986 : bedggoodtui6@gmail.com Waihou Marae, Waihou Delegate: Makere Ngaropo-Hati Ph: 0211758389; ngaropo@xtra.co.nz Waiparera Marae, Rangi Point Matilda Bercich Ph: 027 4353796; mkbercic@gmail.com Waipuna Marae, Panguru Delegate: Abraham Witana Ph: 027 8385015; abe@terarawa.co.nz Whakamaharatanga Marae, Manukau Delegate: Roberta McLean Ph: 09 4093502; Roberta.mclean@gmail.com Ōwhata Marae, Herekino Delegate: vacant Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa PO Box 361, Kaitaia, 0441 Phone: (09) 4081971; Fax: 09 4080654 Te Kūkupa editorial team Paul; email: paul@toreatai.co.nz Rongo; phone: 09 4081971 or drop contributions off at 16 Matthews Ave, Kaitaia Toka Tūmoana 24-26 Matthews Ave, PO Box 361, Kaitaia Phone: (09) 4081971, Fax: (09) 4080654 Te Rarawa Anga Mua 16 Matthews Ave, PO Box 361, Kaitaia Phone: (09) 4080141, Fax (09) 4080654 Produced Aug 2019 Website: www.terarawa.iwi.nz Next >