Huaki
“To bring to Light”
Edition 29
Taitamariki Take the Stage to Redefine Rangatira at Waitangi
On Waitangi Day, one of the largest crowds in the Forum Tent gathered to hear from a group often spoken about, yet not always heard from. Our taitamariki.
Through a collaboration between Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services and Mana Mokopuna – Childrens Commissioner, a panel of young Te Tai Tokerau leaders took the main stage to speak openly about leadership, rangatiratanga and the future they are stepping into now
Hosted by Tuhoronuku, the panel brought together Hurike Elliot, Hineteaio Chapman, Chels Reti, Rangimārie Te Whenua, Elyse King and Mihi Te Rauhi Daniels They were asked to describe youth leadership in their own words, reflect on the differences between leadership today and 50 years ago, and define what makes a good leader
What followed was direct, honest and deeply considered kōrero
Mihi described a rangatira as someone measured not by age, but by what they provide for their people Leadership, she said, is about contribution It’s about how you show up for others and grow into the best version of yourself in service to your community
Others reflected on the tension between generations While acknowledging the leadership of those who came before them, they expressed a desire to lead alongside their kaumātua in a world that has changed significantly The past cannot be judged by today’s standards they noted and the present cannot be led by yesterdays realities alone
The familiar saying “Ngā rangatahi ngā rangatira mō āpōpō” was also challenged. Several panelists shared their frustration with the idea that leadership is always positioned in the future
“When is tomorrow?” they asked
Elyse reflected that whether someone is seen as rangatahi or rangatira often depends on perspective In some spaces she is viewed as rangatahi In others she is expected to lead The distinction, she suggested, is not about age, but about who is looking
Questions from the floor further sharpened the conversation When asked what behaviours from older generations frustrate them, the response was quick and playful Rangimārie Te Whenua remarked that sometimes leadership feels like “show ponies” They expressed concern that theres more performance than practice, urging a return to mahi over image
More seriously, the panel was asked by Dr Moana Eruera, how they would bring along
taitamariki who are disconnected from whakapapa, lack access to te reo, or struggle to articulate themselves in public forums Responses acknowledged the complexity Some spoke of personal determination and pushing forward regardless of circumstance Hurike Elliot emphasised the respect owed to those young people and their parents, recognising that many are simply doing their best within challenging realities
The kōrero widened to consider whānau, not just individuals If young people are to step forward, how do communities ensure the environments they return to are also strengthened?
Throughout the discussion, the crowd was
receptive and engaged Seats filled quickly, with many standing along the sides and outside the tent to listen in The appetite to hear from taitamariki was unmistakable
The panel did more than answer questions about leadership It demonstrated that this generation is already thinking critically, holding nuance, and speaking with clarity grounded in aroha If Waitangi is a space to reflect on the state of the nation and the relationship between peoples, then making room for taitamariki voices is not symbolic, it is essential
And while the panelists did suggest a slightly later start time next year, they made one thing clear, they are not waiting for tomorrow, they are here now
Kamokamoscones
The Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust and Te Pou Taiao o Patuharakeke are transforming weed-covered dunes in Bream Bay into healthy and resilient native habitat.
Recipe for a large family
Ingredients:
• 3 cups of self-rising flour
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 2 1⁄2 cups of warmed milk
• 1 cup of grated raw kamokamo
Method:
• Mix flour, sugar and grated or melted butter
• Add grated kamokamo.
• Ensure the mixture is moist
• In bowl, knead dough (adding flour as needed)
• Place on to floured surface and roll out about 2-3cm thick
• Cut into desired portions
• Place on to floured oven tray and bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven
Bream Bay Coastal Care Trustee Marilyn Cox says the goal is to make room for native planting and regeneration.
“My vision is that we should have a lovely progression from native dune plants nearest the coast, through the mid-dunes with kānuka, harakeke, and pōhuehue, to the forest trees on the back dunes ”
Weed control expert Mike Urlich says nature-based solutions are critical to
“When woody weeds such as wattle and banksia establish in dune systems they take over and, if they catch alight, they form very intense and fast-spreading fires It creates immense fire risk, as well as destroying native biodiversity.”
The Climate Resilient Communities Fund supports projects that help Northland’s most affected communities withstand our changing climate
Northland Regional Council and Department of Conservation support the project Council’s Coastal Biodiversity Manager Laura Shaft and DoC Community Ranger Abby Clarke remove invasive wattle near homes
Kim Hill-Stratigi In-Person Session Coming to Tai Tokerau in March 2026
By Roimata Haika
Running a business carries weight for leaders and their whānau. In March 2026, strategist Kim HillStratigi joins us in Tai Tokerau for an in-person kōrero, sharing practical insights to help business owners regain clarity and momentum.
Running a business can be heavy, carrying responsibility for people, whānau, finances, and futures, often all at once
Many leaders are expected to stay strong and keep going, even when they havent come up for air in months
Kim Hill-Stratigi understands that weight deeply
A business strategist and advisor with more than 30 years’ experience, Kim has walked alongside businesses across Aotearoa, Māori and non-Māori, start-ups through to established organisations, iwi entities, and leaders carrying real responsibility
As a successful business owner herself, Kim
knows the pressure that comes with running a business, the impact on whānau, the constant decision-making, and the reality of lying awake at night trying to hold it all together She’s won some, lost some, and learnt deeply along the way
Through her practice, Stratigi Ltd, Kim supports business owners, boards, and leadership teams who are under pressure, stuck, or ready to level up She is particularly drawn to those who have been keeping it all afloat for too long, helping them regain clarity, confidence, and momentum
Kim’s approach is straight-up, practical, and values-led She cuts through the noise, starts with people and purpose, and helps put strong
foundations, strategy, and structure in place without the fluff
Of Rangitāne whakapapa, with strong ties to Waikato-Tainui, Kim moves with ease between Māori and Pākehā worlds She brings tikanga, lived experience, and commercial discipline together in a way that feels grounded, natural, and effective, always with a long-term view
We’re really looking forward to welcoming Kim to Tai Tokerau for an in-person session in March 2026 We feel lucky to have her joining us kanohi ki te kanohi, creating space for meaningful kōrero, reflection, and practical insights for business owners and leaders in our region More details, including kaupapa, venue, and registration, will be shared soon
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