Mailer 71

Whānau Celebrate Induction into NZ Business Hall of Fame

This is an annual black-tie event attended by over 500 dignitaries and guests, including Rt Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor General of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kingi, supported by partner Lyn Harrison, children Anaru, Tane, Kiri, Aroha and Marama and other whānau, were joined by the many others who have been part of his journey to this career pinnacle: Wairarapa Moana Incorporation, Mangatu Incorporation, Wi Pere Trust, Miraka, Ahuwhenua entities,

Wakatū Incorporation, Federation of Māori Authorities, Kāhui Wai Māori, former and current work colleagues.

The New Zealand Business Hall of Fame, established in 1994 by Young Enterprise, recognises and celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Whānau from all over Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia descended on Tamaki Makarau to celebrate and tautoko the induction of Kingi Smiler into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame. ›› Continued on page 2 ...

›› Continued from page 1

This prestigious award is an acknowledgement of Kingi’s outstanding business career, his leadership of many successful inter-generational Ahuwhenua Māori organisations, contribution to assisting and encouraging excellence in Māori agribusiness, and whānau development.

Each award recipient is interviewed as part of the evening’s proceedings.

We heard the story of the Naenae school boy, who, supported by his whānau, particularly his Mum Margaret Smiler (nee Black), ensured Kingi had the best education available. That meant sending him all the way from Naenae to Scots College in Wellington. As Kingi put it, that was key to him going on to become an accountant and joining international accounting and business consultancy firm Ernst Young. The rest is now history.

Not one to shy away from controversy, in his kōrero Kingi managed to remind the audience that addressing breaches of te Tiriti, and historical wrongs, by returning to us our whenua, must occur if we are to move forward as a nation.

Haka, karanga and waiata tautoko filled the banquet room to whakamana and honour Kingi. Concluding with “Ko Wairarapa Tēnei”, the 500 guests were left in no doubt that Kahungunu, Rangitane, Wairarapa tuturu were in the House!

The other 2023 laureates award recipients were Wally Stone, Sir Paul Adams, Theresa Gattung, Ted Manson, Michael Barnett, Kelly Tarlton (posthumous award).

Kingi has now joined other of our rangatira, Te Puea Hērangi, Ta Āpirana Ngata, Mavis Mullins, Pania Tyson-Nathan and Paul Morgan in the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

From Top (L-R):

(First photo)

(Second photo)

Tim

(Third photo) Doing the haka: Tiopira Rauna.

Human Rights Commission takes

Wairarapa Moana case to United Nations Indigenous Forum in Geneva

Ko Pukehāpopo te maunga

Ko Waiomoko te awa

Ko Ngāti Konohi te iwi

Ko Ngāi Te Rīwai te hapū

Ko Paikea te tipuna

Ko Tongariro te maunga

Ko Taupō-Nui-ā-Tia te moana

Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa te iwi

Ko Ngāti Te Rangi Ita te hapū

Ko Te Heuheu te tangata

Ko Ruapehu te maunga

Ko Wanganui te awa

Ko Ngā Pāerangi te iwi

Ko Tō Maerangi te hapū

Ko Pāerangi te tangata

Ko Waimihia Maniapoto–Love

tōku ingoa

It was a privilege as part of my mahi with Te Kāhui Tika Tangata (the New Zealand Human Rights Commission) to raise the Commission’s concerns about the actions taken by the Government against Wairarapa Moana Incorporation to the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), Geneva, in July 2023.

EMRIP provides expertise and advice on the rights of indigenous people as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People to the Human Rights Council based in Geneva, Switzerland. Here is the message I delivered on behalf of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata in Geneva:

“Tēnā tātou, thank you Madam/Mr chair and esteemed participants. I present this statement on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission. The Commission has a statutory responsibility to advance and

deepen understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the 1840 treaty between Maori and the Crown – and the relationship between Te Tiriti and human rights. The two are closely aligned and go hand in hand.

Within this mandate, the Commission notes its concerns over the actions of the New Zealand Government with respect to Wairarapa Moana Incorporation.

In December last year, and at the direction of the Government, legislation was passed that removed this group’s rights to seek the return of their lands, territories, and resources. This occurred without the group’s consent, and despite their right to seek return being confirmed by the Waitangi Tribunal and Supreme Court.

Such action contravenes our nation's founding constitutional agreement, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fundamental human rights, and Indigenous Peoples' rights under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It highlights the human rights breaches that can occur when human rights are not included in higher law that can bind the legislature.

We invite the Special Rapporteur to visit New Zealand to investigate and provide effective remedies for this clear breach of rights.”

My kōrero at Geneva built on the work of your own whānau member Anne Carter, and Professor Claire Charters, the Commission’s Rongomau Taketake at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues earlier in the year in New York.

The Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, Mr Francisco Tzay-Cali, in response said that he had noted the request to visit New Zealand and hoped for an official invitation in order to start procedures.

We understand your Committee of Management has issued a written invite to Mr Tazy-Cali, and the Commission fully supports this.

Thank you for the opportunity for the New Zealand Human Rights Commission to work with you and complement your own efforts at international advocacy.

Pūkaha Marae Opens its Doors in Spectacular Matariki Celebration

Te Whare (Wānanga) Taiao o Manukura – Pūkaha, a significant cultural landmark and taonga nestled in the heart of our tapere, welcomed manuhiri from near and far as it celebrated its grand opening during the enchanting Matariki festival.

The marae, Te Whare Wānanga Whātonga, came alive with karakia, waiata, tikanga, hautapu and a sense of unity as it marked a new chapter in its rich history.

The opening ceremony, held on the eve of Matariki, was a momentous occasion where Rangitāne, local iwi kaumātua, kuia, koroua, kaikarakia, kaikaranga, brought together dignitaries, and community members to honour the marae's significance and pay homage to the tupuna, Hamua and Te Rangiwhaka-ewa, who had laid the foundation for this sacred space. The wharekai is named Rere Te Waiwai, the wharenui is named Te Whare Wānanga o Whātonga. The event was a true reflection of the spirit of Matariki, a time of renewal and celebration of the Matariki, and a time to celebrate Rangitānetanga.

As the sun rose on the horizon, the marae grounds were adorned with intricate whakairo, wharekai, wharemoe showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the rohe alongside native bush and all its tamariki. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as the whānau gathered in the wharenui - ka puta te ihi, te wēhi me te mana.

Mavis Mullins and Tina Te Tau – Brightwell are the Rangitāne representatives on the Pūkaha Board. Kaumātua

– Mike Kawana and Manahi Paewai were instrumental in the development of Te Whare (Wānanga) Taiao o Manukura and the ceremonies of the day.

Tipene Kawana and Karl Rongonui are senior carvers at Rere Te Maramara the whare whakairo at Pūkaha. There is still more whakairo to align the wharenui and other toi like Harapaki (tukutuku) and kōwhaiwhai which will be getting done over the next couple of years. Whānau will have the opportunity to join the Rangitāne Ringa Raupā group learning the processes and supporting with the completion of the remaining toi that is needed throughout the full facility.

Pūkaha sought funding from the Crown, with many sponsors and major support and contribution from Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua, Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust.

Pūkaha looks forward to enhancing and growing the mana of Rangitāne tonu.

Mānawatia a Matariki!

2023

Can you help?

PATRICK MANAHI MEIHANA

The office is holding unclaimed dividends for Patrick, and we are attempting to locate any descendants or rightful beneficiaries and would appreciate any information that may bring a successful result. This is the information we have about Patrick

Patrick’s parents were Nuki and Hinerau Mason. Patrick was born on 9 May 1947 and died in Wairarapa on 16 June 2014.

Patrick’s wife was Jo and was understood to have children Raewyn, Pat, Dan, Troy, Jodi-lee and Tania.

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

Call Amethyst on 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email: wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

Where are you?

The office is seeking the whereabouts of these shareholders, descendants, or trustees.

Ngamotu Todd

Brian Ivan Workman

Gregory Charles Smith

Barry Trevor Thompson

Maureen Poharama

Leah Hemi

Vivien Davis

If you are able to provide any relevant information or contact details, please contact Amethyst on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

Pre-AGM Meetings 2023

Are you wanting to attend the Pre-AGM Roadshows?

Come along and hear an update on the business and activities of the Incorporation and Trust. All meetings start at 10.00am followed by a light lunch.

To help us with venue and catering arrangements contact the Masterton office to register. Phone 0800 662 624 or 06 370 2608 or email info@wairarapamoana.org.nz

Roadshows and Annual General Meetings 2023

What you need to know about the AGM Meetings

MEETING INFORMATION

The Wairarapa Moana Incorporation and Wairarapa Moana Trust meetings are outlined in the Annual General Meetings booklet. If you have any queries, please contact staff at the Masterton office.

If you have any questions for the Committee of Management or the Trustees we would like to receive these by Monday September 25th 2023 so responses can be covered in the livestreaming of the AGMs.

For those that are unable to attend the meetings you will be able to view the livestream on our website at www.wairarapamoana.org.nz

The Trust's AGM will start at 9.00am and the Incorporation's AGM at 10.30am and will be completed by 1.00pm on Saturday October 7th 2023.

AGM MAIL-OUT

Included in the AGM mail-out to shareholders will be the Information Sheet; the Expression of Attendance Form; the Proxy Form; Issue 71 of the Mailer; the 2023 Annual Report; and the 2023 Annual General Meetings Book.

Please return your Expression of Attendance Form to the Masterton office by Monday September 25th so everyone can be adequately catered for.

If you wish to vote by proxy, the form must be returned by 12.00pm, October 3rd to the Masterton office.

Nomination to the Committee of Management

WAIRARAPA MOANA INCORPORATION

Anne Carter and Te Horipo Karaitiana will retire by rotation at the Annual General Meeting to be held on October 7, 2023. There is also an extraordinary vacancy due to the resignation of Naomi Aporo.

There are three vacancies to the Committee of Management. Two three-year terms and one one-year term.

Nomination forms were available between August 7 and August 25, 2023.

Voting information and candidate profiles will be posted to shareholders with a current address on the share register by Friday September 8, 2023.

VOTING PAPERS

Voting papers and supporting information will be posted to shareholders from electionz.com on September 8th 2023. You have the choice to vote electronically or by post.

If you vote by post, you must send your vote to Christchurch in the envelope provided by electionz.com DO NOT send your postal vote to the Masterton office.

PAPAWAI MARAE

There will be a pōwhiri at 6.00pm on Friday 6th October. Accommodation and meals are available to those who would like to stay at the Marae.

Numbers are required for sleeping and catering so please fill in the Expression of Attendance form so our marae whānau can accommodate and cater for those wanting to stay at the marae.

TRAVEL TO THE AGMs

A travel subsidy of $100.00 will be available to each shareholder who lives further than 20km from Kuranui College. The subsidy form will be available when you register at the AGM. Completed forms and bank details must be received by Monday October 16th and payment will be by direct credit.

WAIATA WĀNANGA

Wairarapa Moana is excited that members of Te Rangiura o Wairarapa have composed a waiata and a haka specifically for Wairarapa Moana.

We would love you to participate in the wānanga to learn about these compositions.

OUR WELLBEING

We can all help to keep our whānau and community safe and well. Please do not attend the AGM meetings if you are sick or feeling unwell.

Annual General Meetings 2023

Wairarapa Moana Trust Wairarapa Moana Incorporation

6 October 2023 (Friday) Papawai Marae

7 October 2023 (Saturday) Kuranui College, Greytown

Dates to remember...

WAIRARAPA MOANA INCORPORATION

August 31

–2.00pm

Notice of General Meetings and Annual Reports will be posted to shareholders.

September 8 Voting papers and candidate profiles for election to Committee of Management and AGM Resolutions will be posted to shareholders from electionz.com.

October 5

October 7

All postal & electronic voting closes at 12.00pm.

Annual General Meeting.

Matariki: Celebrating Success

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Staff Awards 2023 was our opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge all our kaimahi, suppliers and partners. We were privileged and honoured that Tamati Rimene-Sproat, one of our whānau, was master of ceremonies. Tamati is a mokopuna of Hemi Te Miha, a descendant of one of the 139 original tīpuna of Wairarapa Moana. Basically, he kept us to time, sang, danced, and delivered a programme in both te reo Māori and Pākehā!

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Staff Award 2023 winners:

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Values Award

Gilvani Borges, Farm 8

Sponsored by Wairarapa Moana Incorporation

Dairy Unit of the Year Award

Farm 4

Sponsored by Bluegrass Contracting

Dairy Support Unit of the Year

Ropiha

Sponsored by Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Super Air

Pasture and Feed Management Award

Farm 4

Sponsored by: SWAP Stockfoods

Dairy Support Unit Best Stock Management Award

Kaharoa

Sponsored by John Stevens Electrical

Best Calf Rearing Award

Farm 3

Sponsored by Vetora Waikato

Dairy Support Unit Reproduction Award

Ropiha Road

Sponsored by South Waikato Water Solutions

Dairy Reproduction Award

Farm 4 & Farm 9

Supported by LIC

Best Whare Award

Dan and Edwina Te Aho – Farm 14

Sponsored by Rectify Electrical

Dairy Financial Management Award

Farm 4

Sponsored by Farmit Accountants

The Extra Mile Award

Simon McLachlan, Data & Insights Manager

Sponsored by Promoto Motorcycles

Farm Dairy Hygiene and Management Award

Farm 8

Sponsored by Donaghys & Mainland Engineering

Health & Safety Award

Farm 11

Sponsored by Rural Safe

Farm Pride Award

Farm 7

Sponsored by Seay Earthmovers & PGG Wrightson

Mahi Kapa Nui Award

Farm Maintenance Team

Sponsored by Farmlands

Farm Environment (Te Taiao) Award

Farm 4

Sponsored by Acro Environmental

Ngā Tangata Award

Taupo Office

Sponsored by Russell Drake Consulting

Te Ara Miraka Award

Farm 8

Sponsored by Miraka

This year featured a special acknowledgement of all of those who have been with us for 10 years or more:

Kingi Smiler, Lyn Harrison, Michael Allan, Brett Bennett, Charmaine Kawana, Ngaere Webb, Kim Turner, Jay Arifin, Arik Asmedi, Yuyun Purwanti, Wiwan Widodo, Jemima Price, and Moana Totoro.

Our Annual Awards Dinner just keeps on getting better and bigger every year. Rumour has it we need to find a bigger venue!

That was one of the key messages delivered by Mike King, Māhurehure in his after dinner speech at the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Staff Awards on 1 July 2023, Taupō.

We were privileged to have Mike speak to us about mental health and well-being. Mike is well known for his work as a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention advocate, comedian and New Zealander of the Year in 2019.

Mike shared with us his story of drug addiction, anxiety, confidence and vulnerability issues together with some of the insights from the hundreds of New Zealanders he has spoken to over many years about mental health and wellbeing. Some of his other take away messages were:

• “Let our Tamariki and rangatahi be who they want to be.”

• “Be Kind.”

• “Focus on the 99% that was right, not the 1% that wasn’t quite perfect!”

His kōrero sits alongside other Wairarapa Moana Incorporation initiatives to focus on the wellbeing of our kaimahi.

Living Wairarapa Moana Values

Tika, whanaungatanga, rangatiratanga, wānanga and kotahitanga.

Gilvani Borges, Farm 8 was winner of the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Values Award for 2023. The Committee of Management is the sponsor of this Award.

In May, the farms held a wellbeing “pop up” day on farm encouraging the team to take a break, kōrero about wellbeing and hear about the support available to them. This work is consistent with our values of whanaungatanga (communication), kotahitanga (working together), wānanga (knowledge), tika (integrity), and rangatiratanga (courage).

Mike’s story was told with raw and honest truth, and loads of hilarious anecdotes, which had us laughing at ourselves. We all took something away from his kōrero, to reflect, learn and grow.

Thank you Mike for sharing your journey. It takes immense strength, character and aroha to put yourself out there. Kia kaha, kia manawanui.

Te Horipo Karaitiana, Sonya Rimene and Anne Carter were on hand to present the Award at our Matariki Staff Awards Dinner in July.

This is the only Award which is decided by our kaimahi. They vote and decide who it is that they think everyday demonstrates and upholds the Wairarapa Moana values of tika, whanaungatanga, rangatiratanga, wānanga and kotahitanga.

Here is what the team said about Gilvani:

Always friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. Kind and caring.

Always greets us with a big smile and kind words. Hasn’t been afraid to take on greater responsibilities. Shows great manaakitanga by helping others and prepares nutritious kai for us, in support of our meetings and training sessions.

Congratulations Gilvani, thank you for your leadership and contribution to Wairarapa Moana.

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Committee of Management

“It is OK to show vulnerability"

WAIR ARAPA MOANA MERCHANDISE

The office has the following merchandise available for purchase. To order, contact Amethyst at wmoffice@ wairarapamoana.org.nz or visit our website shop at www.wairarapamoana.org.nz/shop/

Notification of a Deceased Shareholder

If you know of any shareholder who has passed away please inform the 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 whanau 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, the idea of collective responsibility which emphasises the importance of whānau and their connection to each other. Contact

Shareholder Search –Can

you help?

We would like your help to trace descendants of shareholder WHETU BENNETT

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

Call Amethyst on 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

WAIRARAPA MOANA: THE LAKE AND ITS PEOPLE

The story of the North Island’s third largest lake complex from history to environmental problems.

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A Walk Down Memory Lane John

Graham Parker

Wairarapa Moana descendant, John Graham Parker, was born on 30 January 1906, in Pirinoa, Wairarapa.

He was the sixth of the thirteen children of Horace Stanley James Parker and Makere Gillies, also known as Makere Kiriti, Makere Kirihi, Makere Ruiha and Waina Ruiha. The European name used was Margaret Gillies. Through his father he descended from Captain James Parker, a whaler and Captain Parker's wife Riria Taihekeheke, whose mother was Hineipaketia, chieftainess of Ngāti Kahungunu.

Makere Gillies descended from Te Kahui Tipua and also had close ties to Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa areas being a half-sister to Joseph Gillies through having the same father, Alexander Gillies.

Alexander's father, Archibald Gillies, was a prominent early pioneer of the Wairarapa, having leased land from native chiefs in the early days, among whom were Manihera Rangitakaiwaho and Ngatuere Tawhao Tawhirimatea, and eventually he gained title to a substantial block of land with Angus McMaster. It was eventually split with McMaster taking Tuhitarata and Gillies, Otaraia. Through his grandmother, Ruiha Ihakara, John has links to Ngai Tara, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu as well as Ngāi Tahu, with Ngai Tukoko being the prominent hapū. John's great-grand uncle, Raniera Te Iho-o-te-rangi, a chief of Ngāti Rakaiwhakairi, is first on the list of original owners of Wairarapa Moana and many other whānau are also listed. John has links to the Te Maari family through his grand-aunt, Ketia Ihakara, having married Arapata Piripi Te Maari, son of Piripi Te Maari, who was instrumental in stalling the selling of the Wairarapa lakes for many years. He also has ties to the Whakaka Hutana whānau by the marriage of his grand-aunt, Te Rina Ihakara, to Ihaka Whakaka Hutana and through his grandmother's second marriage to Hehe Whakaka.

John came from a farming background, his parents having various farms in the Wairarapa area. He remembers fondly a time at the farm in Pirinoa (Turanganui) where he fell over a bluff. He was found some time later by his father and taken back to the homestead on horseback covered in scratches and scrapes. He was often getting into mischief but claims that it was his sister Nellie who "was the number one mischief-maker in the family".

After attending Pirinoa School in 1915 it became evident to his parents that he had a hearing problem and so in 1916 his mother took him on the ferry to Christchurch and to the Sumner School for the Deaf, now Van Asch College, where he was enrolled on February 5, 1916. He recalls being very frightened by the strange children milling around him and waving their hands around when he arrived there and was most upset when his mother left him to return to the North Island. Eventually he settled in and after a time due to his farming background was put in charge of the school's four cows. His lodgings were a double-skinned army tent with wooden floor situated under a tree which he reports was quite comfortable and gave him a certain amount of freedom that other children did not have. In the school holidays he would walk up the Summit Road, through Lyttelton and round to Rapaki, a journey of some distance and would stay with his cousins, Robert and Raukura Gillies or the Hutana whānau.

He returned to the school c2002 and as the oldest surviving past pupil opened the new museum there. He left school on July 4, 1924, and returned to the Wairarapa where he worked for an Arthur Wilkie, his brother Martin Parker and another brother Alf Parker on their farms before getting a job in a cheese factory. While at the "Waihak'" factory with his brother Hilton, he won awards for his cheeses. He also worked with brother Alf in the Collingwood Cheese Factory at the top of South Island, and later worked in cheese factories at Pigeon Bay and Barry's Bay on Banks Peninsula.

Over the years he also worked at Packer & Jones, a boxmaking factory, Aulsebrooks Biscuits, where he was foreman for a time, and Christchurch City Council Parks & Reserves where he worked until he retired about 1966. John remembers fondly time spent with his mother after she moved to Lyall Bay in Wellington. He recalls gathering seafood with her, her skirts tucked into her underwear, around the rocks not far from his home and on one occasion being bowled over by a rogue wave and returning home really wet and cold. Being a sporting person, John had played soccer at the School for the Deaf, participating in

the Christchurch competition where, his team had considerable success against their bigger opponents.

Being the team's star striker, his coach, Mr Dick, would often tell him to go and make himself scarce before a big match and he would get someone else to do his farming chores. John remembers playing with and against Bill Merritt, later to become a Canterbury and New Zealand cricket player, and Vic Smith, another prominent Canterbury soccer player. When he returned to the Wairarapa he joined the Carterton Association Football Club and played in the 193436 seasons, being a prolific goal-scorer and gaining representative honours for Wairarapa over that period, the highlight being his selection in the Wairarapa team that played against the touring Australian side in 1936.

In "A History of the Carterton Association Football Club" prepared by Robert R Eagle, the author stated: "He came from the well-known Parker family of the Carterton district. His brothers Martin, Stan, Hilton and their families were well known in rugby circles as well as being prolific sports people in other sports throughout the Wairarapa. While interviewing John, I learned JP was deaf! This last remark made this person to be someone very special! No other player in the club has played in its colours with the handicap that Johnny had. How he could have played among his fellow players, opposition or referees without being able to hear them is amazing. No doubt some referee's whistles could go unheeded ... perhaps to JP's advantage".

Sporting prowess has continued in John's whānau. His great-grandnephew Adam Parker rose rapidly through the ranks of Canterbury rugby in 1998, playing for Sydenham before being named in the New Zealand Māori side to play Tonga, and after taking that huge step, England. They were undefeated, and Adam left NZ to take up a contract with the Toshiba Club in Japan soon after. Adam was included in the Japanese squad for the Rugby World Cup 2003. Sonny Parker, another great-grandnephew, played in the NZ Māori Colts curtain-raisers to the Tongan and England games. Sonny then went to Italy to further his rugby career and while there was brought to the attention of Graham Henry, who took him to Wales, where he played for the Pontypridd Club. Having served his three-year residency, he qualified for selection to the Welsh side. Then of course there is grandnephew ... the "little general" himself, Stacey Jones, the big little man of New Zealand rugby league.

John Graham Parker passed away on 2 July 2004, in Christchurch, aged 98.

Wairarapa Moana: The Lake and Its People

Bringing you short snippets from the book to encourage you to read and increase your knowledge of this taonga. Enjoy!

Chapter 15: The Mangakino Township: Problems and Solutions.

The Department of Public Works and the State Hydroelectric Department had begun occupying the land at Pouākani as early as 1942. Once it became known, this encroachment was a source of great consternation as well as a significant impediment to the development ambitions of the Māori land owners.

“The Ministry of Works took the Pouākani Block’s flat, accessible land and left the Māori owners to develop the dry, hilly and more inaccessible surrounding area for forestry and farming:” Waitangi Tribunal Report – Waitangi ki Tararua Report 2010.

“The township had been widely heralded by Robert Semple, the minister-in-charge, as a ‘model town’.”

Find out more ...

WM Facebook Join us on Facebook as we share every-thing from on farm action to trust scholarships, wànanga and waiata, through to our history, news and photos.

https://www.facebook.com/WairarapaMoanaInc

WM Website For information, news and events. https://www.wairarapamoana.org.nz

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

– Murray Hemi

Farming operations through the winter months are focused on animals gaining weight in preparation for the upcoming milking season.

Approximately half the WMI mature cow herd is grazed on the WMI dairy support units over June and half of July to provide sufficient feed, allowing the dairy platforms to increase pasture covers before the start of calving in mid-July. Precise planning followed by close monitoring is required to achieve optimal results during this period. It is pleasing to convey a great result for this period with all cows reaching targeted weights and dairy farm platforms pasture covers reaching optimal levels prior to the planned start to calving.

After consecutive months of rainfall, well above normal long-term averages, June and July returned to rainfall levels which would be considered in the normal range in the Mangakino area. This has been a relief for farm teams who have worked for many months in trying conditions. The WMI properties have been fortunate as much of the country has continued to experience ongoing wet conditions.

Farm maintenance, in the way of fencing repairs and dairy shed preparations, have been the focus over the dry period, with calf sheds also being prepared prior to calving.

All the planning and hard work done by the farm teams have resulted in the WMI dairy platforms achieving a fantastic starting position and are looking visually impressive for the start of the new season.

Farm 8 and a Journey to Success

Starting a season with a new Senior Management full of new ideas can be an exciting but challenging endeavour. Farm 8 faced its fair share of obstacles in the beginning, but their determination helped them overcome these challenges.

One of the biggest challenges Farm 8 encountered was achieving consistency in their operations when the weather played such a crucial role.

With unpredictable weather patterns, it became difficult to maintain a steady production schedule and meet market demands. However, they didn't let this deter them. Instead, they implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of weather fluctuations by investing in monitoring systems and introducing procedures that allowed for better adaptability.

They understood the importance of having efficient processes in place to ensure optimal productivity and profitability. By implementing these new systems, they were able to streamline their operations, improve communication between team members, and monitor key metrics effectively.

Despite these initial challenges, Farm 8's commitment to innovation and their unwavering dedication helped them overcome obstacles that stood in their way. Today, they continue to thrive as a successful farm management operation, setting an example for others in the WMI and industry.

When it comes to achieving success, there are key aspects that play a crucial role. One shining example of this is Peter Borges, who found his place with Wairarapa Moana Farms. His journey showcases the importance of holding on to talented individuals such as Magnes Paula and Cleide Paula and mentoring his new staff Raquel Mascrenhas and Glounton Valdez.

In order to thrive, it is essential to ensure that the basics are covered. This means focusing on excellence in every aspect of your work. By paying attention to detail and consistently delivering high-quality results, you can set yourself apart from the competition.

Mentoring plays a vital role in nurturing talent and fostering growth within an organisation. By providing guidance and support to new staff members, you can help them develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Peter Borges' success story serves as a reminder that by prioritising excellence, holding onto talented individuals, and investing time in monitoring, organisations can pave the way for long-term success and create a thriving work environment for all. And this effort does not go unnoticed, achieving a grade-free season, but you have also been recognised by Miraka as one of the top 6% of

farmers achieving the On Farm Excellence Award. This is a remarkable accomplishment that speaks volumes about your dedication and hard work.

Furthermore, being recognised for the exceptional work by Wairarapa Moana, showcasing the commitment to excellence in farming. These achievements are a testament of expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results.

Farm 8 dedication to maintaining high standards and surpassing expectations is truly inspiring.

Congratulations Peter and your team on these welldeserved recognitions! Your accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others in the industry and highlight the incredible impact that can be achieved through hard work and determination. Keep up the amazing work!

WMT Update

Work is ongoing to wind-up Wairarapa Moana Trust and to transition to the new delivery model. In the meantime, the existing grants and scholarships have continued to be managed and delivered as per normal.

Shareholder Bank Accounts

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.

To update your shareholder details please contact Amethyst Tauese by email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz or call 0800 662 624 or 06 370 2608.

Amethyst is available Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 2.30pm.

50 Unclaimed Dividends

If you are able to provide any information that can help us to make contact with these shareholders or their descendants, please contact the office on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

ROSEANN MCTAGGART

EDWINA HUI MOEAU

MELISSA NGAWAINA MATENGA

TAINI MORERE KOROTEKE WRIGHT

TAHU EDWIN TANERAU

HADDY MATTHEWS

LINDA WAIMARIE COWAN

RAYMOND AND REBECCA CLAYTON

WHĀNAU TRUST

OLGA RUHINA HIROTI

TAI MANIHERA

WHETU BENNETT

MARAMA BENNETT

RARANGI MASON

WARIHI REWI

HIKURANGI WAENGA

EMMA THOMPSON

JANET MANAKITANGA WOLLAND

NGARANGI HAWEA

NANCY MANIHERA

HUPRINI KARAITIANA

RONA MARAMA NATHAN

LOLA DOREEN IVIL

HOWARD DAVID CAMPBELL

RERENUI WAENGA

MAATA (MARTHA) SARGEANT

JAMES CLENDON RIKI

WAIORIKI PAEWAI

COLIN CHARLES TUI MATENGA

WARREN HILTON PARKER

BARRY GEORGE SCOTT

JAMES STUART SCOTT

MICHAEL MATENGA

JOSEPHINE KERRY TE RANGI TAUMATA

MANINI PARAONE

DENNIS HOHAIA MCCLELAND

TOM PERA NAMANA

TAREWA HEMI

PRISCILLA WHATARAU

ATARETA TAURETO BROOKER

LILY HAANA HUTANA

ARIHI HINEHAIA WHITI

HENRY IHAIA HUTANA

CHRISTOPHER IAN PAPANUI

MIRIAM PUPUKE

MATEKINO TUHOE

EDISON TE KANAE AND MYRA WINEERA WHĀNAU TRUST

RANGITEKAHUTIA SONNY OTENE

TUI FAITH MANIHERA

MAURA MATENGA

PATRICK MANAHI MEIHANA

Do you have a story, a news item, a pānui you’d like to share? Contact us…..we can help. The next Mailer is

Contact us on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or info@wairarapamoana.org.nz

If you have any queries please contact Ngaere Webb, Amethyst Tauese, Roxanne Te Pou, Cheryl Wilmshurst or Charmaine Kawana at the Masterton office.