From the 4th – 8th of Maramamātahi/November, twenty-eight members of Te Rōpū Whakahau met in Ruatāhuna for our annual hui-a-tau. The kaupapa this year was Te Kura Huna o te Uruwera – the treasured knowledge of Te Uruwera. The atua blessed us with fine weather to wananga together and enjoy some of the many treasures of this beautiful whenua. Our rōpū stayed at Mātaatua Marae for two nights, then Uwhiārae Marae for another two. Hosted by wonderful haukainga at both marae, their manaaki, generosity and kindness will always be cherished. Other highlights included visiting Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Huiarau, local business Manawa Honey, herds of horses, delicious kai, and a trip to see Waikaremoana (which included a hearty dip for the bravest of the rōpū). We were also privileged to be given permission to visit Te Māpou marae with the incredible maunga, Maungapōhatu watching over us until the clouds came as we left – signalling our farewell. The final night hākari was brilliant. Tino reka te kai and an awesome band including two of Prince Tui Teka’s nephews!! Huge congratulations to Jacinta Beckwith, recipient of this year’s Meri Mygind Award and Jacob Powell, recipient of the Robyn Hakopa Award. Ka mau tō kōrua mahi!!
An amazing experience for us all, it was hard to leave Te Manawa o te Ika. Ngā mihi nui to organiser and wahine toa, Mere Honeycombe, for moving heaven and earth to make this happen, and her fabulous organising committee Awhina Chapman, Tangimeriana Rua and Carla Jeffrey. To the whānau and hapu of Ruatāhuna, Ngāputahi, Waikaremoana and Maungapōhatu – tēnei te mihi nunui ki a koutou.
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