Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou.
We have an exciting week ahead. On Friday at dawn we will be unveiling the Tauihu sculpture on Grove Road. We will be gathering at the northern end of the Railway Station carpark at 3.45am for a 4am start. Breakfast will be served at the Waterfront following the unveiling. The Tauihu stands 4m high and is cast in bronze and set in steel. It will be lit up with in-ground lighting designed to look like waves breaking under the ihuwaka. This contemporary initiative was first discussed by Trustees last year as a permanent feature not only to commemorate Tuia 250 but also to convey the deep history and stories of the Wairau to both visitors and locals. The project has been mostly grant funded reflecting its significance to the region culturally, for education and tourism. This will be a unique and momentous occasion not to be missed so we hope you can make it.
The Audit and Risk Committee meeting on Tuesday will review the proposed 2020-21 budgets for the Trust and RHL/RIL. The Trustees are meeting over the weekend to discuss the budget, governance, strategy and annual plans.
We are currently preparing for consultation on the proposed east coast access by-laws by the MDC for access to Te Karaka/Cape Campbell. We are very interested in your views and concerns. Please contact Sally Neal (taiao@rangitane.org.nz) or myself if you would like to make a submission on this issue to Trustees.
Please note in your calendar that there is a meeting with Tina Porou planned for 19 February to review the Conservation and Management Plan for Te Pokohiwi. We will have more details soon.
We have also started working on the preparations for Te Tapuwaetahi o Rangitāne Festival in Easter (10-13 April). This is a very large event and we are calling for as many volunteers as possible to help with the organisation and participation for the events and also to help manaaki our manuhiri. This is a great opportunity to represent and support Rangitāne o Wairau. If you can help in any way please call Donna at the office.
Finally, it is with sadness that we say goodbye to Sarah Lee. Sarah has given notice of her resignation so that she can have time to fully focus on her health and wellbeing. Sarah has been instrumental and a key part of the team for organising events, managing kete and fundraising. Whilst we will miss her, we fully support and understand the need to take time to recharge and get better. Sarah finishes in mid-February.
That’s all for this week.
Mā te wā
Nick