June 20 whānau gathered at the former Kaituna School site – whenua purchased through the Rangitāne Treaty Settlement – before making our way to Ruakanakana for the unveiling of a new waharoa acknowledging the history, whakapapa and enduring connection of our people to this place.
The waharoa tells the story of a landscape shaped by waterways, wetlands and the people who lived alongside them. The design draws on the significance of the kanakana and the waterways that once flowed through this area, recognising the importance of these taonga to the people who occupied and cared for this whenua over many generations.
At the heart of the waharoa stands an ancestor figure. Rather than representing a single tūpuna, the figure was deliberately designed to represent the many rangatira, whānau and communities connected to Ruakanakana and the wider Wairau landscape. It reflects the many pā, kāinga, waterways and whakapapa connections that make this place so significant to Rangitāne.
The unveiling was also an opportunity to remember and honour those who came before us, including tūpuna whose names, stories and contributions remain woven throughout our whakapapa and the history of this place. As we continue reconnecting with our history, traditional place names and cultural narratives, projects such as this help ensure those stories remain visible for future generations.
A huge mihi to Keelan Walker for the vision and design of the waharoa, and to Shanara Thwaites of Gregory Engineering for helping bring that vision to life.
Ngā mihi nui also to Wiri and Reg Thompsett for their mahi preparing the hāngī, and to all those who contributed their time, skills and energy in the lead-up to today’s unveiling.
We acknowledge those who shared their knowledge and kōrero throughout the morning: Luckie MacDonald, Judith MacDonald, Dr Peter Meihana and Keelan Walker. Thank you for helping bring the stories of Ruakanakana to life and for sharing the history of this special place with those gathered.
A special acknowledgement to our kaikarakia, Kiley Nepia and Te Matahiapo (Safari) Hynes, whose guidance helped uphold the mana of the occasion.
Following the unveiling, whānau gathered back at Ūkaipō to share a hāngī, reconnect and reflect on the morning together.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and supported this kaupapa. We are grateful for the tautoko of our whānau, whose willingness to turn up, contribute and share in these moments continues to strengthen our iwi and our connection to place.
Ko ngā kōrero tuku iho, ko ngā ingoa tuku iho, ko te whenua tuku iho – these are the things that bind us together. This waharoa will stand as a lasting reminder of those connections for generations to come.