WMI Mailer No82 June 2026

TINO RANGITĀNETANGA EXHIBITION OPENING Mailer

The Tino Rangitānetanga Exhibition was launched at Aratoi, the Wairarapa Museum of Art and History.

The exhibition and related events are being curated by Rangitāne o Wairarapa to celebrate the history and enduring presence of Rangitāne across the Wairarapa community.

“Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā is delighted to support the launch of the Tino Rangitānetanga Exhibition at Aratoi in Masterton,” said Sonya Rīmene, chairperson of Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā.

“We acknowledge the leadership of our whānau at Rangitāne o Wairarapa and their commitment to telling our stories and sharing our journey with our own whānau and the wider community.”

The 22 metre Kurahaupō canoe is the centrepiece of the exhibition and there are taonga from Te Papa, the National Library, Aratoi and other institutions.

“Our exhibition shows the genius of our ancestors as they crossed the Pacific Ocean and adapted to their new home here in Aotearoa,” said Suni Brown, the exhibition lead for Rangitāne o Wairarapa. “It also highlights the enduring presence of Rangitāne across our region and the determination of our ancestors to retain their identity, often against overwhelming odds,” said Suni Brown.

›› Continue over

Wairarapa Moana are proud to provide funding support to this exhibition. It will serve as an anchor for learning, connection, and healing across generations. This kaupapa aligns directly with our own aspirations: to honour the past, to walk confidently in the present, and to shape an empowered future grounded in Te Ao Māori.

The exhibition is open from 1 May to 15 August. During this time, Rangitāne will be hosting a series of events for whānau and our wider community. Ka whati rā te taura harakeke; ko te taura whakapapa, e kore

We are working on the establishment of our online register that will empower our people to connect with their whakapapa in ways that honour our collective history and support the ongoing kaitiakitanga of our Wairarapa Moana legacy.

The register will be launched soon. We look forward to bringing this opportunity to you and your whānau.

New homes for whānau

Rangitāne has opened a new housing development at Renall Street in Masterton. There are ten homes for whānau in the complex which has been named Te Manawaroa o Kuki Rīmene to recognise and honour our kaumātua, Kuki Rīmene.

“This is an important day for us as Rangitāne,” said Sonya Rīmene, chairperson of Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā. “We received this land at Renall Street as part of our Treaty Settlement back in 2017. It is fantastic that we have been able to develop the site and provide new homes for whānau. Uncle Kuki was an important part of our Treaty journey and it is fitting that we commemorate his contribution. We are pleased that Uncle Kuki’s whānau have been able to join us for this occasion.

“This is a first for us as Rangitāne and we have appreciated the support from our development partners including the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development and the Masterton District Council,” said Sonya. “We look forward to continuing this momentum with our next development, Te Pokohiwi o Tauarohaki, a housing development at Dannevirke. In coming months, seven houses will be located at this site to provide homes for Rangitāne whānau”.

From top:

Entering the Whare for the first time; The Kaikaranga and Kairuruku greet the dawn; Unveiling the sign for Te Manawaroa o Kuki Rīmene papakāinga; The Kaikaranga team.

Farm update

Autumn has come to the Wairarapa Moana farms ….

That means the spring calving farms are winding down, Farm 14 (our winter milk farm) is ramping up and the Dairy Support farms are getting ready to winter graze cows.

The spring calving farms are nearing the end of the milking season and are drying their cows off ready for them to have a break from milking over winter. The cows will be dried off in batches as they finish being milked. Drying off involves administering antibiotics to cows that have experienced mastitis or high cell counts during the season.

Teat seal is also used on all dry cows to seal each teat. These practices help safeguard the udder from dirt and bacteria while cows are not milking, reducing the risk of infection when they calve and return to milking in spring.

Over winter, the cows will be grazed both on the dairy farms and at Ford Road and Ropiha. The cows winter diet is approximately half grass and half grass silage. Farm 14 is our winter milk farm, supplying fresh milk through winter. They have already had their break from milking over the summer and have just finished calving. The Farm 14 team is focused on maintaining pasture quality by supplementing feed on the feedpad, as well as rearing calves on farm. Farm 14 cows are fed a carefully balanced diet, including pasture, grass and maize silage, PKE, grain in the shed, and kiwifruit, all mixed through a mixer wagon.

The farm teams have completed a body condition score refresher training. The body condition scoring system measures the amount of fat and energy reserves each cow has and helps guide feeding decisions to ensure cows reach their target condition for calving. Body condition naturally fluctuates throughout the season, with cows typically losing condition after calving, so we monitor closely and feed them at the right level so they are in good condition when they calve.

Autumn and winter also provide an opportunity for our team members to rest and recharge before the busy spring season, with many taking annual leave and enjoying time away from the farms.

From top: Trees on farm showcasing their autumn colours; Cows eating silage Cows on Farm 14 feedpad; Farm staff receiving cow therapy training.

Kohunui Marae Trustees – Grants do make a difference

Last year (2025) Kohunui Marae trustees decided that they would prepare an application for a $15,000 grant to help assist with everyday equipment that they believed really needed updating.

Applying for the grant was an easy process with some great advice and guidance from Wairarapa Moana to ensure our application met all criteria. After getting a variety of quotes and considering our needs we were absolutely thrilled that Kohunui’s grant application had been approved. We could now order items that would “make a difference” for the marae.

The following is what was purchased:

These were all utilised in early January of this year when we hosted the Heta Hemi Te Miha and Huria Kinihe Te Kaoho family reunion at the marae.

Now that we have a good supply of mattresses that fills our mattress room, all whanau wanting to stay have a relaxed, comfortable sleep on these thicker-than-usual mattresses which have zipper covers that can be easily wiped and kept clean. They are making a real difference to your overall sleep quality.

When we set up in our wharekai for events, these woodentopped trestle tables look fantastic. They are easy to assemble, tabletop surface easy to wipe clean, light to lift/

handle and can be moved anywhere with the new mobile table trolley. A bonus for everyone’s health and safety.

The black chairs are now used regularly in our wharenui for many different occasions. Always used at pōwhiri our manuhiri can now be seated on these soft-cushioned chairs. They have been utilised in the last few months for marae visits from GWRC for hui, Victoria University for their studies, Te Tumu Paeroa for whanau land meetings and a school visit from Onslow College to name a few.

It is also important to note that Kohunui Marae (being the southern-most marae in Wairarapa) has now been classified as a civil defence support marae. We are able to tautoko anyone in need who may be stranded or misplaced due to unplanned natural disasters. We can host them in comfort ensuring their well-being is supported. During the last two major weather events experienced recently, the marae was opened for anyone to come, stay and feel safe. SWDC kindly assisted by providing us with kai supplies for those staying.

Kohunui is an intimate marae warmed by a fireplace in the wharenui which as we could say “keeps the home fires burning”. Our kitchen is modern and uncomplicated with an easy-to-use oven and dishwasher. The wharekai seats a minimum of 40 people whilst our wharepaku and shower facilities provide adequate up-to-date conveniences. It’s a great country marae to visit, to enjoy, and to stay.

Kohunui Marae trustees and our greater whanau are incredibly grateful to Wairarapa Moana Incorporation for our grant. We thank you very much as these were some of the basic essential items required for the marae to operate efficiently. Having decent quality equipment goes a long way, making a difference and making us proud of our marae.

Therefore, if anyone would like to experience or book our marae for your next hui, reunion, gathering, or marae staycation, you will surely be welcomed. You can contact us via:

Facebook Page Kohunui Marae Trustees

Google Kohunui Marae – Booking Request Email kohunuiwairarapa@gmail.com

Roadshows and Annual General Meeting 2026

PRE-AGM ROADSHOWS 2026

Mark the dates in your calendar!

An update on the business and activities of Wairarapa Moana will be provided at the regions below. Venue details will be provided soon.

Nominations For Election to the Committee of Management

Nominations to the Committee of Management open Monday 17th August and close 12.00pm Friday 4th September 2026.

Anne Carter and Bradley Tatere are due to retire by rotation and are eligible for re-election.

Nominations must be in writing and signed by both the proposing shareholder and the candidate. The candidate must include a personal statement of no more than 400 words on why they are seeking election to the Committee of Management and their relevant skills and expertise and also include a recent digital photo.

The Committee of Management are elected by registered shareholders and are responsible for approving the strategic direction for the incorporation and for monitoring performance against the strategy.

Voting papers and candidates’ personal statements will be posted to all shareholders with a current address on the share register.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026

The Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 17th October 2026 at Kuranui College, Greytown.

Further information will be provided closer to the meeting.

The postal and on-line election process will be managed by electionz.com whose systems are independently audited and certified. This provides complete confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the election process and the results.

Shareholders living in New Zealand, Australia and overseas are likely to experience a delay in receiving their voting papers and AGM packs by postal services.

WMI encourages all shareholders and especially those living overseas to ensure their email address and mobile numbers are up to date on the share register so electionz.com can provide email and mobile notifications to you that will offer an added opportunity to cast your vote on-line, should you wish to use the on-line option.

Dates to remember

WAIRARAPA MOANA INCORPORATION

August 24 12.00pm

Notification of all resolutions for the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Notice of Meeting close at 12.00pm 24 August 2026. All resolutions must be received by the WMI Secretary, Wairarapa Moana office, 4 Park Ave, Masterton or PO Box 2019, Kuripuni, Masterton 5842 or charmaine@wairarapamoana.org.nz.

Resolutions received after closing will not be considered.

August 17 Nominations open for the election to the Committee of Management. Forms are available from the WMI Secretary, Masterton office.

September 4 12.00pm Nominations close for the election to the Committee of Management.

Late nominations will not be considered.

September 16 Notice of Meeting and the Annual Report will be posted to shareholders.

September 18 Voting papers and candidate profiles for election to the Committee of Management; and AGM Resolutions will be posted to shareholders.

October 13 9.00am

October 15 10.00am

All proxy voting closes at 9.00am.

All postal and on-line voting closes at 10.00am.

October 17 Annual General Meeting held at Kuranui College, Greytown.

Pitopito Kōrero

Jess Jenkins (Ngāi Tūmapūhia-a-Rangi), has been recognised for her exceptional undergraduate work at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was one of the recipients of the Captain Jonathan Fay Prize.

The Fay Prize is awarded to graduates with “the most outstanding imaginative work or piece of original research in any field”. Jess wrote her thesis on ‘Colonial Land Expropriation and the Modern Geography of Opportunity in Aotearoa New Zealand’. Shortly to graduate from Harvard, Jess plans to live and work in New York, however, Jess looks forward to returning home in the future. Ka mau te wehi!

Manu Kawana, Rangitāne, Ngāti Te Au - Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from Massey University, recognising his outstanding contribution to Māori education, cultural development and community wellbeing. Our congratulations to Manu. Kei whea mai!

Mākuini Kerehi, has been awarded Leader of the Year, Tangata Whenua, at the ACE annual awards in Auckland. The award recognises the incredible work she does in leading a range of inspiring programmes and initiatives at REAP Wairarapa. Congratulations Mākuini. Tau kē!

Construction of Australia’s first ever marae could start in a few months after support from the Australian federal government who recently donated $1 million towards the $18 million West-Sydney marae and cultural centre.

Conversations between Māori and local indigenous mob elders took place over 40 years ago where they both came to a mutual agreement to build a marae on the land. In 2022, the Sydney Marae Alliance (SMA) got approval to occupy the Hyland Road Reserve in Sydney. In June 2024, they got consent from the New South Wales Planning and Development Department and the Cumberland City Council to build on the 15-hectare block.

Wairarapa Pā Wars 2026

The 2026 event was held over Easter at Wairarapa College in Masterton drawing approximately 1800 people for a weekend of competition, connection and cultural pride.

This year’s event was hosted by Ngāi Tūmapūhiaa-Rangi hapū with participants from Ākura, Hiona, Mangaakuta, and Papawai Pā; Hurunuiorangi, Kohunui, Te Ore Ore, Te Uru o Tane, and Tūmapūhia Marae; as well as Pouākani Marae in Mangakino.

Whanau of all ages competed across a range of disciplines, from ki o rahi to crossfit to kapa haka, representing their pā or marae. It is an event where whanau can come together to celebrate their shared identity as Wairarapa Māori.

The event was supported by a range of local organisations including Wairarapa Māori Wardens, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Tū Ora Compass Health, Masterton District Council, and Trust House.

From top:

Kapa Haka – Tūmapūhia-a-Rangi; Kī-o-rahi in action; Tamariki Rippas Rugby – Te Ore Ore v Papawai; Basketball – Mangaakuta v Tūmapūhia-a-Rangi; Kohunui Mokopuna Warriors Rugby Rippas.

Photos courtesy Larissa Deana Carlson

Shareholder information

To help us keep our records up to date, we ask that you contact us if any of your details have changed recently. This ensures we can continue to communicate with you without interruption.

Bank account details

Dividends are paid by direct credit to bank accounts.

If you are living overseas and have unpaid dividends, these will be paid by direct credit to your overseas bank account in March, June, September or December; or to your New Zealand bank account if you have one.

If you are living in New Zealand, unpaid dividends will continue to be direct credited to your New Zealand bank account.

Thank you to all our shareholders who have provided new or updated postal addresses and bank account details.

New shareholders of WMI

Privacy restrictions.

Due to privacy restrictions, the Māori Land Court no longer provides Wairarapa Moana with your contact or address details when Successions are completed. As a result of not receiving contact details, we are unable to update our shareholder register or send important information to you..

If you have received confirmation of your Succession to Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation, please provide your current address and relevant contact details to Amethyst (see below). This will ensure you will receive future correspondence, shareholder updates, meeting notices, and other important information.

Notification of a deceased shareholder

If you know of any shareholder who has passed away, please inform the Masterton Wairarapa Moana office.

This will enable us to keep our records up to date, and we can also provide assistance on succeeding to the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation shares and any other Māori land interests.

Ma runga i te aroha, kia mau ki tō whānau me ngā whakapapa ka ora ai te tamaiti.

From a place of love, hold fast to your family and your connection to your ancestors for the wellbeing of future generations.

This whakataukī encourages people to nurture, love and care for whānau members and the idea of collective responsibility which emphasises the importance of whānau and their connection to each other.

Shareholder emails

Do you still have an active email address?

The office has experienced a number of email bouncebacks resulting in shareholders missing out on important information. The majority of the bouncebacks appear to be a result of an email mailbox being full or the email address being invalid.

If any of your details have changed, please let us know. Contact Amethyst on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

If your email address has changed, or is no longer operating please contact Amethyst (see below) so your details on the Share Register can be updated. .

UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS

Wairarapa Moana is holding over $3 million in unclaimed dividends

The list of shareholders’ names whom we hold unclaimed dividends for is available on the Wairarapa Moana website at: www.wairarapamoana.org.nz > Share Registry > Missing Shareholders

Substantial unclaimed dividends

We will be highlighting those shareholders holding substantial dividends in the Mailer, with the aim of reducing the total unclaimed.

LEAH MANIHERA WARETINI

Leah was born 22 November 1935 at Oringi, Dannevirke and died on 16 August 2006 at Hastings. Leah’s mother was Miria Milly Manihera and her father, Te Aoruru (George) Manihera.

From Māori Land Court records, Leah’s siblings are understood to be: Nawery (Naway) Hariti; Georgina; Maraea; Meri; Moana; and Joy Barbara.

Leah, along with her siblings, received her interests from Maata Mita.

It is believed that Leah has children.

GEORGE WHETU KARAITIANA

Name entered on Share Register as George Whetu Karaitiana, however, known as Whetu George Karaitiana.

Parents: Tame Moana Kauri Thomas Karaitiana and Emere Piriha Nikora.

Siblings include: Tamairangi Karaitiana and Purvis Tukotahi William Barlow Karaitiana.

This shareholder passed away in 1995 in Hamilton. It is not known if there are any children.

RIPEKA VAIOULU

Ripeka was also known as Ripeka Talivai and Ripeka Darlene Healey. Ripeka has connections to the prominent Te Āti Awa Love whanau in Wellington. It is known that Ripeka and Myra Memory Love were adopted by Hana Ngahina Te Waari also known as Hana Ngahina Love.

Ripeka and Myra received their interests from Hana. According to her death notice in April 2019, Ripeka was the mother of ten children.

Currently there is an application for Succession lodged in the Māori Land Court. The named applicant is Michael Paul Vaioulu.

Your help in locating descendants, next of kin, or providing any information to the office would be much appreciated.

Please call Amethyst on ...

06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

50 Unclaimed dividends

GRACE PEHUNGA NICHOLLS

TANGI LOUISE MCEWAN

REWETI NAMANA

VIOLET PRISCILLA WAATA

HENI RIMENE

WHAREKOKOMUKA ENA POURAU

HORIANA NEPE APATU

ROSINA LORNA MURIWAI TAUEKI

RANGIMARIE TAUEKI

BRONSON JACK TAUEKI

MICHELLE TAUEKI WHANAU TRUST

HOANI WALKER II

CAROLINE BEATRICE HOHUA

ANTHONY PARATA PENE

LINDA ELEANOR PENE

NINIWA MCDONALD

TESSA NGAIRE GREEN

RICHARD WILLIAM REIRI

JONATHAN TED REWI

MERI RIWAI

CHRISTOPHER HEMI

TE RARE ROBINSON

TOHUROA PARATA

LAVINA AGNESS ORLOWSKI

TAREHA RANA KIPA KAITIAKI

TRUST

HORIANA KUMA

ERINA MCKEE

ERUERA PARATA

PAREAKE TE AWHIMATA

TUHAKA

DUANE EDDY COLE

CHERYL MCQUADE

LEON DYSON PARKES

JODI MELISSA PARKES

KRYSTAL CELESTE PARKES

PIKIMAIRAWEA EVELENE

WALKER

BLAIR KOIA

TRACEY WARD

TUI BABBINGTON

DAVID ROOSEVELT SAMUELS

RIRIA PUAIA MACDONALD

PETER BROWN

KATHLEEN KAA PAEA

ANASTACIA WIKAHI HANITA

HUNTER

LINDA KAY KARAITIANA

KATURA WATSON

WARENA WARREN POMANA

FRANK EDWARDS

MARLENE PAULINE KINGI

GLORIA KAYE PAHURU

WENE PARATA

Shareholder search ...

We would like your help to trace descendants of NGAMIRIA ELENORA HAMUERA

Any information you may be able to share with us will be most appreciated.

Can you help

...

HUPRINI KARAITIANA

The office is holding unclaimed dividends for Huprini Karaitiana, and we are attempting to locate any descendants or rightful beneficiaries and would appreciate any information that may bring a successful result. There is very little we know about Huprini, however, following further research new information has become known:

Other names Huprini may be known by: John (Jack) Huprini Karaitiana.

Huprini’s parents are Ruiha Titapu Karaitiana (nee Taituha) and Ihaka Wiremu Karaitiana.

Born 1908 and deceased 1976. Married Elsie Rhoda Karaitiana (born Balfour) in 1924. They had one child together, name unknown. Elsie had two children in a prior relationship, Molly Frances Woodhead and Colleen Rima Woodhead.

Huprini’s known siblings are Reta Kipa, Kahu Karaitiana, Taituha Hape Karaitiana, William King Karaitiana, Mere Heeni Pitama and Robert Leggatt Karaitiana.

Any information you can share with us would be greatly appreciated.

Te Rangimarie Marae update

Te Rangimarie continues to be used by the community for many and varied activities; the community values it as a place to gather and hold wānanga, day meetings, family gatherings etc. etc. BUT… we hope exciting things are just around the corner!

In past years we have had a great deal of trouble getting grants from the likes of lotteries as we are not an iwi marae. So, for many years we have been trying to get enough money together to improve our ablution block. The toilets and showers are old and not leading the marae into a new generation. Masterton District Council is good at supporting us as it sees the value in a community marae, but there is only so much they can do to help. Grateful thanks to Wairarapa Moana which has supported us each year, and bit-by-bit we have gathered enough to start dreaming.

We have a young woman at the church who has come onboard to help us navigate the tricky parts of applying for a grant! Oh my, what a difference that has made to us oldies trying to keep Te Rangimarie up and going. We have a good chance we think this time, and the grants will be announced around the end of May. Put your hands together in prayer that this time we will succeed and then we will have lots of news and photos to share with you all as progress is made.

The church is in good heart, lots getting older but a core group of young ones who are so competent at leading service and being active in the roles within the church.

We acknowledge the recent passing of our church ladies, Archdeacon Mere Topia (nee Walker) formerly of Palmerston North, and Mrs Mizpah Mansfield (nee Matthews) formerly of Greytown. May they Rest In Peace and arise in Glory.

Watch this space! We will have photos and stories for you if we get this grant! Until then, May God keep you in the palm of His hand.

Rev Robin Irwin, Secretary

CONTACT US

If you have any queries please contact the Masterton office.

Office Hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, closed Friday

Wairarapa Moana House 4 Park Avenue

Masterton 5810

Freepost 158415 PO Box 2019

Kuripuni, Masterton 5842

Do you have a story, a news item, or a pānui you’d like to share in the Mailer?

Contact Isabel on info@wairarapamoana.org.nz or call 0800 662 624.

Issue No 83

Closing Date for Articles

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Distribution by Post Wednesday, September 16, 2026

FIND OUT MORE

WM Facebook

Join us on Facebook as we share everything from farm action, scholarships, waiata, history, news, photographs and more. www.facebook.com/ WairarapaMoanaInc

WM website

Visit the website for information, news and events. www.wairarapamoana.org.nz

Shop for WM merchandise www.wairarapamoana.org.nz/shop/ WM YouTube

Check out the Wairarapa Moana YouTube channel and listen to the collection of waiata https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCRBU5TvlRmJXh8atuVppAnw

06 370 2608

0800 662 624 (freephone) info@wairarapamoana.org.nz www.wairarapamoana.org.nz