Huaki
“To bring to Light”
Edition 23
MHone Heke Cup Brings Kaikohe Whānau Together
emorial Park in Kaikohe was alive with energy on 4 September as taitamariki and kaimahi from across the midnorth came together for the Hone Heke Cup sports day Organised by Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha Trust (TKEMKT), Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS), Ara Whakamaua (AW), and Regent Training Centre (RTC), the day brought taitamariki who often miss out on these experiences into the heart of healthy competition, whanaungatanga, and fun
From the first whistle, the park rang with cheering as taitamariki took to basketball, touch, and tug of war Each game was hotly contested, with plenty of laughter, determination, and encouragement from over to the round of mpetition n a
organisation, and Te Kawa a Rāhiri for the staff champions These trophies symbolise not just victory on the field, but the growing spirit of unity between local youth-focused services
As the games wrapped up, everyone gathered for kai tahi and prizegiving – a chance to celebrate effort, teamwork, and community pride The hosting students of TKEMKT gave an awesome kapa haka performance to close the day, reminding everyone of the talent and strength that lies within our taitamariki
Events like this are about so much more than sport They are about creating spaces where taitamariki feel supported, seen, and celebrated Many of the taitamariki who joined the Hone Heke Cup don’t always get the chance to be part of school sports teams or wider competiti Thi k h
e t effort tions in if id-
The day also reflecte power of collective eff Each of the organisat involved works hard their own way to upli taitamariki in the mid north Coming together for the Hone Heke showed that collaboration can achieve what single service can do alone The message was clear: our taitamariki thrive when the village stands together
The hope now is for the Hone Heke Cup to grow into a yearly tradition with more youthsed organisations from across the rohe ng the kaupapa Every new team adds energy and expands the opportunities aitamariki to connect through sport, fun, shared pride
rophies were handed out and the es said it all The real highlight was seeing mariki walking away with a sense of , connection, and memories of a day was theirs Hone Heke Cup has already proven to be
From Ngāpuhi to the World: Indigenous Connections
The 7th International Indigenous Voices in Social Work Conference was held in Calgary, Canada from 12–15 August 2025 Hosted by the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work, the gathering drew Indigenous social workers, academics, policy makers, and community leaders from around the world The theme, “One Child Every Child: Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, Connecting, and Being for Advancing the WellBeing of Our Future Generations,” provided a fitting platform to showcase Ngāpuhi’s mahi, experiences, and aspirations for taitamariki
Representatives from Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services – Dr Moana Eruera, Eriata Peri, and Nola Naera – delivered three powerful presentations The first highlighted the Mahuru Remand Programme, a tikangabased alternative for taitamariki on remand, demonstrating the healing potential of whakapapa-centred approaches The second, Taitamariki Māori Voices Challenging Western Discourse, explored how young people understand and navigate intimate partner relationships Drawing on taitamariki perspectives, the kōrero unpacked healthy and unhealthy patterns, and introduced a decision-making tool designed to help taitamariki identify concerns in relationships and make empowered choices The third
Each presentation was followed by many thoughtful questions from participants eager to learn more. Audience members expressed strong interest in Ngāpuhi approaches and sought guidance on how aspects of this mahi might be adapted within their own communities and contexts
Beyond the lecture theatre, the conference offered profound opportunities for cultural exchange and shared learning Delegates
participated in traditional Blackfoot ceremonies such as pipe and smudge, where karakia, drums, and chants created a powerful sense of connection across nations An excursion day allowed for deeper immersion into Blackfoot worldviews Eriata and Nola joined a group exploring local creation traditions and were guided through the tikanga of raising and dismantling a tipi, an experience rich with similarities to marae tikanga Meanwhile, Dr Eruera entered the sweat lodge, a ceremony that embodied deep spiritual intensity Within the enclosed heat and darkness, accompanied by drumbeats, singing, and the rising smoke of smudge, participants prayed, released, and reconnected with themselves and each other For many, including Dr Eruera, it was a powerful reminder of the shared centrality of wairua in Indigenous healing practices
The final night culminated in a gala dinner where Indigenous drums, dance, storytelling, and kai tahi wove together communities from every corner of the globe The richness of the experience lay not just in what was shared from the Ngāpuhi perspective, but also in what was brought home – a reaffirmation that Indigenous peoples everywhere carry unique but resonant knowledges, stories, and strategies for caring for their children and future generations
The Calgary gathering affirmed that Ngāpuhis challenges and aspirations are part of a global narrative of Indigenous resilience and transformation For NISS, the conference strengthened relationships, created new connections, and reaffirmed the value of continuing to stand proudly in Indigenous spaces worldwide The learnings brought home will ripple outward – informing practice, inspiring taitamariki, and contributing to the collective journey of Ngāpuhi whānau
• Audit, Investigation & Forensic Research
• Office of the Auditor General Approved School Auditor
• Small to Medium Size Direct Business Support and Tax Services
• Advisor to Maori Land Court
• Maori Business Advisory & Mentoring
Te Matakite o Aotearoa Exhibition -
50 years on, the long march arrives to Waitangi
Waitangi is proud to be marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Māori Land March with an exhibition called, Te Matakite o Aotearoa. Central to the exhibition is the fulllength 1975 documentary Te Matakite o Aotearoa: The Māori Land March, directed by Geoff Steven, a powerful visual record of a pivotal moment in Aotearoa’s history.
Accompanying the film are large prints on canvas of Dame Whina Cooper and the land march, along with the Background to the Making of Te Matakite o Aotearoa: The Māori Land March, Stevens own reflection on his process, the challenges and the vision behind documenting this journey Visitors can then view the original 1975 Māori Land March flag known as the Pou Whenua in the Ko Waitangi Tēnei exhibition Screenings of the documentary film will be held daily at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm
Director Geoff Steven offers insight into the time and style behind his work: “The mid1970s were exciting and changing times We had recovered from the culturally turbulent 60s and we baby boomers were flexing our own muscles both culturally and politically I was a young filmmaker interested in the so-called ‘direct cinema’ or cinema vérité style of documentary making where practitioners documented what happened in front of their camera letting the story unfold in front of the lens as it happened’ The finished film is the story of a group of people, who with dedication, determination and dignity took their message to the country”
StillcapturedfromTeMatakiteoAotearoadocumentarybyGeoffSteven
Owen Taituha, Curatorial Manager at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, says it is an honour for Waitangi to host Te Matakite o Aotearoa “As a place where history, treaty, land and identity converge, Waitangi offers the perfect setting to remember the 1975 Māori Land March an event that changed the national conversation about Māori land rights and Te Tiriti”
In 2025, Te Matakite o Aotearoa becomes more than a document of its time it is a living bridge between past and present The film’s observational style invites audiences today to step into the shoes of those who walked, spoke and marched Its a reminder of the spiritual, physical and political dimensions of the Land March: the hardships, the marae pōwhiri, the petition, the oratory and above all, the convictions that drove thousands to mobilise for the whenua
As we commemorate this quinquagenary, the exhibition at The Gallery, Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi offers a powerful space for reflection and will be on display until 19 October 2025
Local elections: make your vote count
Local elections are your chance to help shape the future of Northland – and this year, your vote matters more than ever.
Your vote is your opportunity to choose who will represent you in regional council, which makes all sorts of decisions that affect your everyday life – from environmental care and flood protection to public transport and regional development
There are 22 candidates contesting eight seats for Northland Regional Council: six general and two Māori The ninth seat – the Mid North General Constituency – had one candidate who was elected unopposed
You can view the full list of candidates and watch their videos online: www nrc govt nz/ candidates2025
This year, there’s also an important poll on Māori constituency seats that all voters can participate in Northland Regional Council has had a Māori constituency since the 2022 elections but is now required to hold a binding poll on the future of this constituency
This means that when you vote in the local government elections, you’ll also be asked to vote on whether to keep or remove the Northland Regional Council Māori constituency, Te Raki Māori The outcome of the poll will be determined by a simple majority vote
Voting papers should have received by voters across the region, and voting is simple – grab a pen, mark your voting papers, and return them on time If you didn’t receive yours, call 0800 922 822 or email specialvotes@electionservices.org.nz to request a Special Vote
It’s a postal vote, so papers must be put in the mail by Tuesday 7 October to ensure they arrive in time to be counted
Otherwise, voting papers can be handdelivered to a ballot box up until midday on Election Day, Saturday 11 October – find a list f l i di i il b i
Whenua Whānui Fund: Restoring Whenua, Reconnecting Whānau
Two neighbouring whānau are showing whats possible when people return to their whenua with a shared vision of restoration, resilience, and reconnection With support from the Kaipara Moana Remediation Whenua Whānui Fund, their stories are examples of how collective action can heal the land and people
For Hohipere Williams, returning to her ancestral land in Pīpīwai is more than a homecoming, it’s a commitment to kaitiakitanga Alongside her whānau and hapū, she’s working to restore the health of the Pātūtahi River, fencing off waterways and regenerating forest remnants to reduce sediment and erosion With support from KMR and partners like Trees That Count, the vision is clear: a thriving, productive landscape surrounded by tens of thousands of native trees, where future generations can live, work, and flourish
“Our tupuna set this land aside for us, so our generation must use it wisely It is about taking kaitiaki responsibilities seriously ” – Hohipere Williams
Just down the road, Sonny Henare has traded a career in psychiatric nursing for a life back on the whenua With his partner Honey and the support of his wider whānau, Sonny is restoring a 28-hectare block once farmed by his grandparents
The Whenua Whānui Fund offers:
They’ve already completed 1 5km of fencing to protect the Kaikou and Mangataeore awa, with plans to begin native planting in 2026 For Sonny, this is about more than environmental restoration and inspiring others to do the same
“This is about bringing whānau on board because it is an opportunity we really don’t want to miss out on ” – Sonny Henare
The KMR Whenua Whānui Fund is designed for collectives such as hapū, marae, kaitiaki groups, community groups, catchment groups, landcare groups and trusts who want to lead sediment reduction and restoration projects in the Kaipara Moana catchment The fund offers:
• Up to 70% co-funding for eligible projects
• Support for project planning, engagement and education
• Access to expert advice and guidance from KMR Field Advisors
If your whenua is in the Kaipara Moana catchment and you’re ready to take action, the Whenua Whānui Fund is here to help. Let’s work together to protect our taonga, uplift communities, and leave a legacy for generations to come Sign up today via www kmr org nz/application
KMR supports groups to protect and restore the Kaipara Moana
Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Whenua Whānui Fund supports groups to participate in projects that protect the Kaipara Moana
Our projects support people, places, and nature KMR invests in projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land
Our projects:
• Help valued species to thrive
• Restore mahinga kai
• Diversify on-farm income
• Help meet environmental standards
• Increase resilience to storms and extreme weather
The Whenua Whānui Fund is open to all groups including iwi/hapū, marae, landcare groups, catchment groups, kaitiaki, schools and trusts administering land with multple ownership.
• A Site Visit - a KMR Field Advisor walks the whenua with you to understand your aspirations and sediment reduction options and priorities
• Project Funding – KMR can fund up to 70% of the estimated project works including fencing, site preparation, planting and plant release costs.
• A Sediment Reduction Plan – your Field Advisor prepares a Plan to unlock KMR funding Once a contract is signed, the mahi can begin and a first instalment invoiced and paid
• Community engagement and project management – KMR can assist with some of the costs of running your project
Advice & Support – your Field Advisor can assist you through the project to help the mahi stay on track.
If you are thinking about planting near waterways or on erodible hillsides this winter, get in touch with KMR as soon as possible.
Powering Communities, Honouring Kaumātua:
A Brighter Energy Future for Northland
In the heart of Whangārei, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway - one that’s reshaping how energy is generated, shared, and valued across Te Tai Tokerau. At the forefront is Kaumātua Energy, a community-based energy company with a bold vision: to create a fairer, cleaner energy future that puts people before profit and honours the kaumātua who have long been the pillars of our communities
Born on a cold winter’s day out of frustration with rising power bills and corporate energy models, Kaumātua Energy was founded on a simple but radical belief: energy is a necessity, not a luxury Too many elders in Northland face the heartbreaking choice each winter - turn off the heater or hot water to keep the lights on. Kaumātua Energy is determined to change that.
At the heart of its mission is energy justice - ensuring that seniors, whānau,
and local businesses benefit directly from renewable energy initiatives. The company’s innovative model is as practical as it is visionary By leasing rooftop space on schools, marae, community centres, and other public buildings, Kaumātua Energy installs solar panels that feed power back into the grid. The revenue generated is then reinvested into the community.
Currently, customers aged 65 and over receive a 10% discount on their power bills, with the goal of increasing that to 30% as the solar network expands.
Community households benefit from affordable local pricing, while partner businesses enjoy discounted solar installations and receive 20% of profits from surplus energy sold back to the grid.
This approach flips the traditional energy model on its head. Instead of relying on centralised power stations and opaque pricing structures,
Kaumātua Energy envisions a future powered by thousands of small, local solar hubs - each contributing to a self-sustaining network that prioritises transparency, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
But the company’s commitment goes beyond solar panels. It’s about fostering a culture of energy efficiency and environmental kaitiakitanga By encouraging local businesses to participate in solar generation, Kaumātua Energy is building a regional ecosystem where clean energy is not just a commodity, but a shared responsibility.
What truly sets Kaumātua Energy apart is its deep respect for kaumātua - the elders whose wisdom, resilience, and aroha have shaped Northland’s communities. In honouring them, the company is not only addressing energy hardship but also reinforcing the values of manaakitanga (care and respect) and kotahitanga (unity). It’s a model grounded in tikanga Māori and community empowerment, offering a
blueprint for how energy can be both sustainable and socially just.
As the world grapples with climate change and energy inequality, Kaumātua Energy offers a hopeful path forward. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from tech giants or global corporations - it can begin in a small town, on a school rooftop, with a vision to uplift those who’ve given so much.
In Northland, the sun is more than a source of power - it’s a symbol of possibility. And thanks to Kaumātua Energy, that possibility is being turned into real, lasting change.
Mangawhai and surrounding areas, it’s Spring - the perfect time to care for your garden and prepare it for the seasons ahead
Drop by Te Arai Native Nursery to discuss best practices for garden maintenance, including how to use sheep’s wool to lock in moisture and care for your native plants Our team is here to help you grow a thriving, sustainable garden this season
Or
Come visit us for expert advice and all your gardening needs! Open 5 days a week
ngā karere o te tai tokerau te kūkupa - connect, engage and be informed with te ao Māori news from te tai tokerau #tekukupa listen on-air,
