Kia ora koutou,
We are looking forward to things settling down in the office now after our Te Wiki o te Reo Māori events. I would like to thank Jodie, Deedee and Madelene for their hard mahi and enthusiasm which carried us through a very busy few weeks.
Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market and Anton Matthews “Fush and Chip” night were two very successful events that made a positive and well-received contribution to the Marlborough community. For me, the three most memorable things about Te Pātaka o Wairau was the setting in Seymour Square, the amazing kina sandwiches and the surprise presentation to one of our kaumātua, Gemma McKinney. Gemma was recognised not only for her commitment as part of the working party of six who have organised Te Pātaka ō Wairau, but also due to the mammoth amount of voluntary hours she has put into our Māori community, leading and chairing both the Māori Wardens as well as the Blenheim Māori Women’s Welfare League. Gemma was presented with a taonga by Tasman Pounamu Carver, Timoti Moran.
The development and launch of Tangata Rau, Reo Kotahi has provided a road map and clear direction on the revitalisation of our language strategy. This has allowed us to successfully apply for considerable funding and will pay dividends for years to come. Sarah is developing an exciting programme which will be rolled out in coming months.
Kaitiaki for customary fisheries met with Trustees Haysley MacDonald and Calvin Hart last week to discuss quota, pollution and customary fishing. These meetings will be held regularly going forward. Any questions or concerns with the marine environment should be raised with the kaitiaki or Trustees for discussion at these hui.
Coming up, our next working bee at the Maara Kai is this Sunday, 23 September from 10am, when we hope to get the more frost tender vegies in. The mighty barbie will be fired up for an awesome lunch and I hope to see you there.
Please also note that the next Kanohi ki te Kanohi hui will be at Ūkaipō, 6pm next Thursday, 27 September.
Mā te wā
Nick