On Saturday, December 7th 2024, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hauiti celebrated its 30-year anniversary with a gathering at Rātā Marae. The day began with a pōwhiri and kawe mate, a ceremony honouring those who have passed and bringing whānau together.
Whakauae Research Centre played a key role in the day's events. Our presence in the Rātā War Memorial Hall centred on sharing our work and research with whānau, hapū, and the iwi. A standout feature was a comprehensive visual timeline of leadership and governance, which mapped local, regional, and national events from 1810 to the present day.
The Whakauae stall was a focal point for whānau interested in learning about the centre's mahi. Posters highlighted current and past research projects, giving whānau a comprehensive view of the contributions made by Whakauae. The Kāinga project drew particular attention, with large workbooks inviting whānau to share their thoughts on the meaning of kāinga, home, and community. Whānau received copies of publications, including Te Pūtake: He Pou Herenga o Ngāti Hauiti, a resource capturing Ngāti Hauiti kōrero tuku iho, narratives, and whakapapa.
Our very own Whakauae Pou Tikanga, Utiku Potaka, was central to whānau engagement. He also oversaw the Te Pātiki Holdings and Rātakutaonga Whenua Topu Trust stall, one of many stalls set up in the Hall, and led a guided farm tour. He shared insights shared insights into Ngāti Hauiti’s taiao aspirations and agri-business goals during the tour. Toi Māori and art installations by Ngāti Hauiti artists Maihi Potaka and Brigham Anderson transformed the hall, showcasing tukutuku, kōwhaiwhai, and other toi Māori practices.
Photo albums and a commemorative 30th-anniversary edition of Te Karere magazine showcased special memories. Each page illustrates snapshots of moments long past but never forgotten. These also tell stories and names that have shaped and contributed to our iwi development over the years.
A Treaty Principles Bill submissions stall provided practical support, helping whānau understand how to prepare and write a submission opposing the Treaty Principles Bill.
The day concluded with a hākari in Paihere, the whare kai, where a hāngī brought everyone together. Whānau from near and far reconnected, shared stories, and celebrated the achievements of Ngāti Hauiti over the past 30 years.
For Whakauae, the event was an opportunity to showcase our mahi transforming Māori lives through research excellence. The stall, the publications, and the conversations with whānau all reinforced the centre's aim: to enable our whānau to establish rangatiratanga over their own lives.
The 30th anniversary event captured the spirit of Ngāti Hauiti: an iwi committed to its past, present, and future. We now look forward to 2025 and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Whakauae next year.
On Saturday, December 7th 2024, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hauiti celebrated its 30-year anniversary with a gathering at Rātā Marae. The day began with a pōwhiri and kawe mate, a ceremony honouring those who have passed and bringing whānau together.
Whakauae Research Centre played a key role in the day's events. Our presence in the Rātā War Memorial Hall centred on sharing our work and research with whānau, hapū, and the iwi. A standout feature was a comprehensive visual timeline of leadership and governance, which mapped local, regional, and national events from 1810 to the present day.
The Whakauae stall was a focal point for whānau interested in learning about the centre's mahi. Posters highlighted current and past research projects, giving whānau a comprehensive view of the contributions made by Whakauae. The Kāinga project drew particular attention, with large workbooks inviting whānau to share their thoughts on the meaning of kāinga, home, and community. Whānau received copies of publications, including Te Pūtake: He Pou Herenga o Ngāti Hauiti, a resource capturing Ngāti Hauiti kōrero tuku iho, narratives, and whakapapa.
Our very own Whakauae Pou Tikanga, Utiku Potaka, was central to whānau engagement. He also oversaw the Te Pātiki Holdings and Rātakutaonga Whenua Topu Trust stall, one of many stalls set up in the Hall, and led a guided farm tour. He shared insights shared insights into Ngāti Hauiti’s taiao aspirations and agri-business goals during the tour. Toi Māori and art installations by Ngāti Hauiti artists Maihi Potaka and Brigham Anderson transformed the hall, showcasing tukutuku, kōwhaiwhai, and other toi Māori practices.
Photo albums and a commemorative 30th-anniversary edition of Te Karere magazine showcased special memories. Each page illustrates snapshots of moments long past but never forgotten. These also tell stories and names that have shaped and contributed to our iwi development over the years.
A Treaty Principles Bill submissions stall provided practical support, helping whānau understand how to prepare and write a submission opposing the Treaty Principles Bill.
The day concluded with a hākari in Paihere, the whare kai, where a hāngī brought everyone together. Whānau from near and far reconnected, shared stories, and celebrated the achievements of Ngāti Hauiti over the past 30 years.
For Whakauae, the event was an opportunity to showcase our mahi transforming Māori lives through research excellence. The stall, the publications, and the conversations with whānau all reinforced the centre's aim: to enable our whānau to establish rangatiratanga over their own lives.
The 30th anniversary event captured the spirit of Ngāti Hauiti: an iwi committed to its past, present, and future. We now look forward to 2025 and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Whakauae next year.
