WMI Mailer No 81 March 2026

Mailer

This is Your Life – Mike Kawana

If you have attended a special opening, cultural event, or te reo Māori class at UCOL over the past 30 years, chances are you have witnessed the impact of Mike Kawana.

A tireless advocate for the revitalisation of te reo Māori and tikanga, Mike has played a pivotal role in reawakening the so-called “sleeping giant” that is Rangitāne. His journey began at Te Aute College, where early signs of leadership and a deep affinity with te ao Māori were already evident. In 1981, he served as kai-wero for the 100th jubilee of Te Oreore Marae. After qualifying as a butcher at Trentham, Mike’s path shifted toward one rich in cultural leadership, creativity, and service.

An accomplished singer, songwriter, entertainer, dart player, orator and performer, Uncle Mike embodies the humility and mana that define Rangitāne. Through decades of dedication, he has inspired generations and continues to guide cultural activities and events in his role as Cultural Leader at Rangitāne o Wairarapa Inc. But this is only half the story of our Rangatira.

The team at Rangitāne o Wairarapa wanted to do two things: first, to give Mike his flowers while he is here with us; and second, to learn more of the stories and experiences that even those close to him might not know, and to celebrate him properly while doing so.

From that whakaaro, Mike Kawana: This Is Your Life was born.

Working with his whānau to gather his old mates, colleagues, teachers and kaumātua was the easy part. Keeping the kaupapa a secret from Mike was not.

Nearly ten months of covert hui with peers, mokopuna, venues, staff and whānau finally came together on 8 January at the Copthorne Hotel. Mike was gently coaxed there by Kaumātua Council Chair Maria Rimene, under the guise of a kaumātua high tea.

The arrival was meticulously planned. Three hundred people sat in silence, waiting for the karanga. Led by Ngāti Hāmua and Ngāti Te Korou, followed by a haka pōwhiri from Te Rangiura o Wairarapa and a 300-strong ope in support, the doors opened. Mike was welcomed and cloaked in a korowai by his children and mokopuna. Following the ōkawa of whaikōrero, the This Is Your Life segment began, guided by MCs Hone Hurihanganui and Paora Ammunson, Mike’s colleagues in te ao Māori.

The first to speak were Mike’s siblings, who reflected on their early life together and shared how his leadership and connection to ao Māori were evident from a young age. Former Te Aute College classmates followed, many now serving in similar roles within their own iwi. They spoke fondly of tough but formative days, including memories of sneaking bread at night to toast on dormitory heaters.

Stalwarts from Rangitāne o Wairarapa offices in Tāmaki-nui-ā-Rua and Wairarapa spoke next, acknowledging the immense influence of Mike’s mahi on generations that have followed, in reo Māori, kapa haka, and in simply being there when support was needed.

Pou Whakahaere Mihirangi Hollings delivered a kōrero that intentionally wove in the voices and sentiments of her generation, reflecting collective gratitude.

Mike’s sub-committee, made up of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa board members and Bayden Barber, spoke as Ahorua, the term Mike and Paora use to describe the unity of Rangitāne and Kahungunu in Wairarapa. Their kōrero reflected decades of work toward interiwi cooperation, showing how both iwi can function as one when the time calls for it.

Te Rangiura o Wairarapa shared their longstanding relationship with Mike, one that stretches back to their beginnings and beyond.

The group performed a waiata written especially for him, also part of their 2026 Takitimu Festival bracket, giving the audience its first public performance. His kaumātua and the Pioneer Club reflected on longevity and humility as defining attributes of Mike’s life, values that have kept both groups central to his journey.

The final speakers were his children and mokopuna, more than fifty of them, who sat alongside their papa, some having travelled from Australia to be there. The audience was treated to a medley of Mike’s original songs, expertly remixed by his nephew Tawaroa. Mikey Junior spoke on behalf of the whānau, describing his father as a “humble leader”, someone who always chose people over praise, lifting others up and saying, “Don’t look at me, look at us.”

When Mike was finally given the floor, nearly three hours later, he responded with characteristic humility. He praised those who attended, those who spoke, and especially his wife, Erena. With laughter, he recalled hearing the karanga in the Copthorne hallway and stepping aside, wondering who it could possibly be for. He thanked the MCs, particularly Hone Hurihanganui, acknowledging the role Hone played in his ao Māori journey, and expressed disbelief that such a kaupapa had been kept secret.

Mike reminded everyone that any praise he received was simply a reflection of the collective mahi of those around him. He was presented with taonga made by people close to him, each blessed with karakia by the emerging generation of young kai-karakia of Wairarapa. This whakanuia was a powerful and uplifting way to begin 2026.

Water case heads to Court of Appeal

Wai Manawa Whenua has lodged an appeal to the Court of Appeal following the recent High Court decision in its freshwater case against the Crown, saying the ruling raises significant constitutional questions about whether assurances given by the Crown to Māori can be legally enforced.

The Wai Manawa Whenua coalition represents Māori landowners, hapū and iwi collectives, and national organisations including the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA). Wai Manawa Whenua is made up of 100 groups, Māori Trusts, and Incorporations, hapū and iwi. There are 150,000 Māori landowners represented in this claim.

The High Court found that assurances given by the Crown during the Mixed Ownership Model (MOM) litigation in 20131 were limited to that programme and did not mean the Crown was legally obligated to recognise Māori rights and interests in freshwater. The Court also found that the remedies sought by Wai Manawa Whenua would interfere with Parliament’s role in developing policy and the introduction of legislation.

“This ruling raises serious concerns because it suggests that commitments made by the Crown in these circumstances may be treated as political promises rather than legal obligations,” said Kingi Smiler, Chairman of Wai Manawa Whenua. The issues Wai Manawa Whenua are raising concern the long-term protection of our waterways for all New Zealanders and the recognition that Māori authority, where ancestral ties and responsibilities as kaitiaki to keep the water health, endure.

The appeal also comes at a time when legislative protections like Te Mana o te Wai are removed by this Coalition Government, while many waterways across Aotearoa remain over-allocated and degraded.

An undertaking of this scale, venue, kai, refreshments, and presentation, could not have happened without the support of Wairarapa Moana. Your continued commitment to supporting kaupapa Māori in a Te Ao Māori way was clearly felt throughout the evening. Te Rangiura o Wairarapa Kapa Haka, our emerging kai-kōrero, and now this whakanuia for Mike are all expressions of that aroha in action.

This kaupapa acknowledged not only what Mike has given to Wairarapa, but also the shared values that Wairarapa Moana upholds, investing in people, culture, and intergenerational leadership. As descendants of Wairarapa, we see and deeply

Why is Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) part of this case?

At WMI, we take our responsibilities as kaitiaki of our whenua and waterways seriously. We are committed to supporting other Ahuwhenua Trusts and Incorporations in their journey of protection and development of their whenua. For many, access to water will be important to them realising the aspirations of their whānau. The current system of water allocation, “first in first served” has locked out many Māori landowners over many decades.

WMI is also actively supporting our whānaunga, Pouākani hapū, in their claim to the Waikato Riverbed and water flowing across it, within their rohe. The Pouākani case is currently awaiting a decision by the Court of Appeal.

1 In 2013 the New Zealand Māori Council led a case to halt the sale of 49% of the Crown’s shares in Mighty River Power. This is known as the MOM Case (Mixed Ownership Model Case). The Supreme Court in allowing the sale to proceed relied on assurances by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Bill English, that the Crown would address Māori rights and interests in freshwater.

appreciate that commitment. Tēnei te mihi nui ki a koutou. We close with a whakatauākī written by Mike that refers to Manukura, the once-in-a-lifetime white kiwi born at Pūkaha, and fittingly reflects the life and legacy of our Rangatira.

Hākoa he rerekē tō tēnā tō tēnā, he ōrite te hanga; hākoa he ōrite te hanga, he tapu tō tēnā tō tēnā.

Despite our differences, we are made the same; Despite being made the same, each of us is extraordinary.

Twenty-five

years with

Celebrating

25 years of service

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) makes Michael Allan one of our longest serving WMI team members.

In February this year, WMI reluctantly accepted it was time to let Michael retire, spend more time with his wife Jane, and of course the moko.

To celebrate and acknowledge his outstanding contribution, we brought together some of the WMI team from the past and the present, at a small function in Taupō.

Michael Allan joined WMI in 2001, as a strategic and financial advisor. His roles have been many and varied. Special Projects, Strategic and Financial Advisor, Chair of Audit and Risk, General Manager Operations, Mentor / Coach, to name a few.

In the early 2000s Michael assisted WMI with the development and implementation of our irrigation strategy, and its expansion in 2012.

There have been numerous other major projects, where WMI has relied on Michael’s expertise and skill to get the job done, like arranging the clearing of 700 hectares of forestry (which were under lease at the time) in less than six months to beat the introduction of a $13,000-per-hectare deforestation penalty. Ford Rd today, is a high performing Dairy Support Unit, critical to the overall WMI farming operation.

Michael was part of the WMI team that won the Ahuwhenua Trophy in 2005 for Sheep and Beef, and more recently the Ahuwhenua Trophy for Dairy in 2024.

In recent years he has been assisting us with a number of subdivisions in the Mangakino Township, and property management.

He has played a key role in managing our banking relationship, and the development and implementation of our banking strategy – he leaves us rated in the top echelon of New Zealand agri-business for credit rating.

From time to time, Michael has also fronted shareholder Annual General Meetings, usually reporting on our financial results and helping to explain the numbers.

Lyn Harrison spoke on behalf of WMI about Michael as a person. Kind, caring, approachable, a great mentor, courteous, respected, were some of the words used. Manaakitanga and whanaungatanga are his core values. Most importantly, he has a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh.

In his own speech, Michael acknowledged the visionary and strategic leadership provided by WMI Chair King Smiler, past and present Committee of Management members who have given life to the WMI vision and values, Operations and Farm Managers, the Taupō and Masterton offices, and the overall WMI team. He described the current operations farm team as the “A team.”

Reflecting on his 25 years with WMI Michael said “My journey became the teacher, learning happens while you are living, not when you are standing still, and the struggles created the greater wisdom, and the knowledge gained.”

Referring to the whakatauki, Ka mua, ka muri, Michael said he was proud of the stones he has laid, and leaves knowing that they will support WMI going forward.

Hei konei e hoa. Thank you for everything you have brought to WMI, our shareholders and whānau over the past 25 years. Our thanks also to your beautiful wife Jane, who has been at your side every step of the way — together, supporting WMI and its shareholders.

Mātauranga 2026

Scholarships are available to descendants of an original Wairarapa Moana owner. Criteria are applied to all funding.

All inquiries for study in 2026 are welcome.

Call the Masterton office:

06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email: info@wairarapamoana.org.nz or check out our website https://www.wairarapamoana.org.nz/ wairarapa-moana-trust/education/

Ngā Kete o Te Wānanga –Future Leaders Tertiary Scholarships

Students undertaking study in postgraduate, undergraduate and diploma programmes.

Ngā Mahi Ā-Rehe –Trade Training & Apprenticeship Scholarships

Available to those studying and working towards a trade or an apprenticeship.

Applications open on Monday 2nd March 2026 and will close 12pm Thursday 2nd April 2026

Poutama – One off Grant

Grants are provided to undertake a course of further training or employment opportunities that will assist with the next step in their career.

Te Kete Uruuru Tau – Agri-business Scholarship

Two special scholarships are available to various fields within agri-business.

Scholarship Partnership between Wairarapa Moana and Victoria University

Wairarapa Moana Scholarship recipients continue to receive matched funding from Victoria University should they choose to advance their studies at this major institution.

Farm update

Infrastructure investment

“Always-on” maintenance schedule plus ongoing investment equals busy farm teams

On the road as well as out and about on our Wairarapa Moana Incorporation farms, a dedicated team focus on a significant amount of infrastructure investment and asset maintenance work.

Most of this work is coordinated by WMI’s Project Manager and operations managers which is a mix of necessary, predictable maintenance to keep our operations running smoothly, as well as the big decisons the team needs to make about what’s needed for the following season.

They also have to keep an eye on planned and unplanned repairs and maintenance across all properties, supported by farm and operations managers. Pre-season servicing alone runs into hundreds of interactions each year, ensuring that chillers, irrigators, effluent ponds, tractors and everything else is ready before milk production begins in July.

Last year, WMI teams oversaw the build of a new calf shed on Farm 6. This was a hugely complex project, delivered within just a couple of months to meet the calving season.

Right now, two new 60-bale rotary cow sheds are in development for Farms 7 and 9. Both farms currently operate from some of the oldest original sheds in the Incorporation, so this represents a major step forward in efficiency and productivity. The goal is to have both sheds operational by 1 July to align with calving; this is a tight but critical deadline.

Beyond individual projects, the team manages all capital expenditure across the farms and the Dairy Support Units (DSUs). These include motor vehicles, infrastructure and other improvements required to keep production efficient.

WMI has a substantial programme of work and an ongoing commitment to maintaining assets and investing in long-term performance.

Farm Report

Season continues with great results

“The cows are in great condition and happy!”

The team is pleased to report that our farms are tracking well as the dairy season continues, with conditions delivering strong results across the board. Good rainfall and consistent sunshine have driven excellent pasture growth, and animals are in great condition having had so much fresh grass coming through. This flows on to the way they’re milking and naturally our paddocks are responding to the great conditions too. This means the ecosystem is humming, and that can only mean a positive season for us.

On farm, we’ve made a number of practical infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to effluent systems on Farm 6 and Farm 14. The move to underslung effluent systems allows for easier management of winter milking and more effective nutrient distribution under pivots, spreading effluent more evenly across a wider area. These changes support both efficiency and long-term sustainability which are absolute non-negotiable pillars of how we operate WMI farms.

The busiest part of the season is now behind the team. Calving is done and calves have been weaned and moved on to our Dairy Support Units. The standard of calf rearing across the farms has been excellent and reflects the care and attention given during a busy period.

With calving wrapped up and staffing levels steady, team members have had the opportunity to take some well-earned time off over the summer holidays. Several of the team returned home overseas to reconnect with whānau, coming back refreshed and ready for the next phase of the season.

Overall, our farms are in a good place; they’re productive, well supported, and running smoothly as we head into the remainder of the year. Our next update will include details about some more planned infrastructure work and how we are shaping up for winter. Many of you will remember our last summer and autumn was challenging, with extremely dry weather and a feeding-out schedule that brought on a lot of pressure. We’re delighted that 2026 is already shaping up to be a great year.

Passing of former Trust Chair

There was deep sadness here in Wairarapa as we learned of the death of

Nelson Francis Rangitakaiwaho who passed away on Wednesday 21 January 2026, aged 96.

Nelson was the much loved only son of Rosa Selina Te Maari, nee Busch, and Frank Harold Rangi (Rangitakaiwaho) of Papawai.

Nelson was raised in Pirinoa, along the Whakatomotomo Road and attended Pirinoa School and Wairarapa College in Masterton before pursuing a varied career, from traffic policing to business ownership in many spheres.

A direct descendent not only of Retimana Te Korou, who gifted much of what is Masterton today, but also of Joseph Masters after whom the town is named. Nelson was respected for his wisdom and ability to move easily between Māori and European worlds.

Elected to the Wairarapa Moana Trust in 2001, Nelson served as Chairman from 2002 to 2007, retiring in 2008. During the 2006–2007 period, under Nelson’s chairmanship, the Trust undertook the development of a comprehensive CD and songbook showcasing Wairarapa’s traditional songs, chants, laments, and karakia. Guided by a commitment to revitalising and preserving Wairarapa mōteatea, which culminated in the creation of Nau Mai Taku Kura Mokopuna

In 2008, Nelson presented a proposal to the Trust to develop an exhibition highlighting places, people, and events of historical significance to Wairarapa Moana. This vision was later realised in the Wairarapa Moana Exhibition, held at Aratoi in 2010/2011.

Nelson lay in state at Papawai Marae before being taken home to rest beside his beloved wife, Myra, in Kawerau.

Nelson will be missed but long remembered.

From Wairarapa to the world – backing the next generation of shearers

From 4-7 March in Masterton, top sheep shearers from around the globe arrived to compete in the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championship.

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation sponsors two events each year – the Junior Shearing event, which took place on Wednesday, and the Māori/Pakeha Shearing and Woolhandling Team Event on Saturday afternoon.

Our involvement with this prestigious competition goes back many years.

“Sponsoring a competition like this in the Wairarapa lets us celebrate the shared values of farming expertise and skill, endurance and strong sense of history that define both our people and Aotearoa’s shearing tradition,” said Kingi Smiler, Chair of Wairarapa Moana Incorporation.

Our whanau will appreciate that Wairarapa Moana has deep roots in Aotearoa’s rural culture.

“We understand how this sector has contributed to the growth and culture of Aotearoa New Zealand, and that was on full display at this year’s worlds event.”

“We choose to support the junior and Māori and Pakeha team event because those represent both the next generation of farming talent in our rangatahi coming through, as well as partnership and the teamwork that exemplifies smooth running farming operations of all kinds,” said Kingi.

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Board member Sonya Rimene attended the event to present prizes for the winners. In her opening address, she also gave a big mihi to the younger competitors.

“You are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is inspiring to witness your sweat, effort and determination,”

said Sonya. “…simply reaching this stage is an achievement worth celebrating. Every one of you rangatahi is a winner. You represent the future and are an essential part of the pipeline that will continue to contribute to the growth and strength of our nation.”

Four New Zealanders finished in the Junior Shearing final, with Ashlin Swann of Wairoa taking third place – but first and second went to Steffan George of Wales and Sean Dunne of Ireland, respectively.

Sonya invoked the spirit of partnership in response to the show put on in the teams event, reminding everyone that the idea behind the Māori/Pakeha Teams is “…respect and strong relationships.”

“What we have in common is whenua,” Sonya said.

The event had three competing teams, and the winners were Tia Potae Jack Fagan, Lucky Garret and Lionel Taumata.

More whanau roots

WMI wants to send out a huge congratulations to our whanau, to the volunteers, to the 5,000 quality sheep and to the farms who provided the sheep, and to all those involved that makes this event truly spectacular.

A nostalgic return to the Golden Shears

For Wairarapa Moana Chairman, Kingi Smiler, attending the Golden Shears World Championships this year was a moment that brought back memories of the Smiler family legacy in the shearing sheds.

Kingi reflected on the days when his uncles, the well-known Smiler brothers Tom Puku, Mafeking and Daddy Smiler, ran shearing gangs across the Gisborne region from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Their work took them from local sheds in Gisborne to farms throughout the South Island where their reputation as good shearers was well known.

The Smiler shearing tradition was continued by family members for many years. Nuku Smiler, a mokopuna of Puku Smiler, showed an early talent from a young age.

Nuku first appeared at the Golden Shears in Masterton in 1970 when he was just 11 years old. Even then he was recognised as something special. At the time he was described as a young prodigy after shearing an impressive 134 lambs in nine hours on a farm in Dipton.

By November 1971, at only 12 years of age, Nuku was already attracting national attention in the media as a “champion junior shearer” from Gisborne, performing shearing demonstrations and showcasing the talent that had grown from the shearing sheds of his whānau.

WMI Board member TeHoripo Karaitiana was privileged to attend the World Golden Shearing with his two children Hineaio and Ihakara and brother Peter Karetai Karaitiana.

It was particularly special as TeHoripo and Peter’s Poua Robert Leggat Karaitiana was a blade shearer as was their uncle Paul who was a NZ Golden Shears Champion in 1960, and their father Bill in 1961 and their uncle George in 1964 and 1967.

TeHoripo and Peter got to spend time in the family gang blade shearing across some of the South Island's most picturesque high-country stations, particularly up in the Rakaia Gorge. Whilst TeHoripo followed the family tradition for a few seasons, Peter or ‘PK’ as he is known in the shearing world, spent many years shearing across the South Island.

TeHoripo reflected that being able to shear alongside his father and uncles was a special time in his life and attendance at the Worlds was a moment of immense family pride. Ihakara and Hineaio where proud to see their Poua and great Uncle’s names in a display at The Wool Shed, “New Zealand’s Museum of Sheep and Shearing” in Masterton.

From L-R: TeHoripo Karaitiana, Ihakara with his poua’s champion medal, Peter Karaitiana.

Kahungunu regional Kapa Haka

Te Rangiura o Wairarapa has taken out the Tākitimu Te Kahu o Te Amorangi regional kapa haka competition to qualify for Te Matatini 2027.

Te Kahu o te Amorangi, the Kahungunu regional event, was hosted by Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea at Te Waipukurau a Ruakūhā – Russell Park. It has been 16 years since the biennial event was last held in Tamatea and this year’s overwhelming success is testament to the organisers and the thousands of whanau, friends and visitors who braved the rain to support the kaupapa.

There were 13 kapa competing at Te Waipukurau a Ruakūhā, for four places at Te Matatini 2027. The event began on Friday 13 February with pōwhiri. The entertainment kapa commenced on Saturday, followed by the competitive kapa, all performing in front of 19 specialist judges.

This year’s theme was a Piri Sciascia whakataukī ‘He toi whakairo, he mana tangata’ which translates to ‘Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity’.

Four kapa from Te Kahu o te Amorangi qualified and will represent Kahungunu at Te Matatini 2027 in Waikato. They are Te Rangiura o Wairarapa, who placed first, Te Kapa Haka o Kahungunu, second, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Ranginui, third, and Matangirau fourth.

As this year’s regional competitions progress, we continue to focus on the kaupapa and acknowledge the preparation, commitment, and collective effort of all those involved.

For many kapa haka the regionals are a significant event where months of hard work culminate in a single performance to gain a place on the national stage at Te Matatini 2027.

To all the kapa competing this year, throughout Aotearoa, we wish you the very best. Your dedication, sacrifice, and collective effort continue to elevate kapa haka and carry the pride of your iwi, hapū and whānau.

Pitopito Kōrero

Wairarapa Moana descendant, Tā Kim Workman, has been awarded the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC) 2025 Distinguished Criminologist Award for his significant, sustained contributions to criminology and justice in the region, recognised alongside other 2025 winners for Indigenous Justice, Book Awards, and Crime Prevention at their December 2025 announcement. Workman, a prominent justice advocate, was specifically cited for his deep understanding and advocacy in Indigenous justice, highlighting the unintended consequences in how the country approaches these issues.

Masterton shearer, Paerata Abraham, was one of a gang of shearers that smashed a three-stand record by almost 100 lambs in a remote West Otago woolshed during the last weekend of January. The attempt took place at Wohelo Station, Moa Flat, south of Roxburgh, where Paerata, Leon Samuels of Roxburgh, and Shane Ratima of Hunterville were chasing a three stand, eight-hours strongwool lambs record of 1976. The record had been set in 2019 by King Country shearers Kaleb Foote, Cole L’Huillier and Daniel Langlands near Piopio.

Te Waka Wairua o Kurahaupō, arrived at its temporary home at Masterton’s Aratoi museum just before dawn on Friday February 20 after a 132-kilometre overnight inland journey from Levin. The waka, a modern-day reimagining of the ancestral craft that Rangitāne o Wairarapa ancestors sailed on to Aotearoa, will be on display in a custom-made exhibition space in the museum’s courtyard until July and will function as a prelude to the Rangatānetanga Iwi exhibition opening in May. The waka was built in 1990 to mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

In November 2025, the Crown reached a landmark settlement with the descendants of the Nelson Tenths owners (represented by Wakatū Incorporation) to resolve a 180-year-old dispute over stolen land. The deal includes the return of 3,068 hectares of land and a $420 million payment to compensate for the shortfall in land that was not protected as promised. This settlement concludes one of New Zealand's longest-running property disputes, focussing on the failure of the New Zealand Company and the Crown to protect Māori land rights during the 19th-century settlement of Nelson.

If you wish to have the best view over Wairarapa Moana from the road, call into the Otauira Reserve, on the Remutaka Hill Road, just as you leave Featherston. It has recently re-opened to the public after road resurfacing. It is well worth the stop and an excellent vantage point to see the moana.

Heta Te Miha and Huria Kinihe Te Kaoho family reunion

Whānau from around Aotearoa and some from Australia arrived at Kohunui Marae to celebrate the first gathering of descendants of Heta Hemi Te Miha and Huria Kinihe Te Kaoho.

Some whānau had never been to the Wairarapa before, and some had not visited for years. The three days were a true celebration of whanaungatanga. We were spoilt by the Kohunui komiti who catered such beautiful kai. Ngā mihi Jane, Denise and team.

We focused on whakapapa, visiting our tīpuna burial site, Heta’s whare up Warrens Road and our south Wairarapa land blocks. The whānau were blown away by the rugged beauty of the southern coastline, Ngawi, Te Kopi and Mātakitaki. Some even got to the top of the Cape Palliser lighthouse before realising the effort and toll on the knees getting down.

Mainly we connected with each other. Our whānau have been scattered for too long, some are only just finding out who they are and where they fit in. We intend to keep up the momentum.

Christine Marshall noted “It really feels like we have known each other for the longest time, and I am so grateful we were able to spend time together,” and Jay commented “It is with so much wairua, aroha, whanaungatanga to be with you all. We are blessed from our tīpuna.”

Big mihi to Christine for her kai karanga and Stoney Taueki for his kai korero; just awesome!

A smaller group travelled the following weekend to attend the 21st celebration of the Te Tauraka Waka a Māui Marae at Maitahi (Mahitahi / Bruce Bay). We wanted to represent Huria Kinihe Te Kaoho, our tīpuna wahine of Kāti Māhaki.

Cousin, Owen Miller, summed it up nicely “The area is just spectacular, mountains, sea, the ngāhere and we had good weather unlike the rest of the motu. The people from the marae were awesome, young and old, aroha everywhere you went. The whare itself (Kaipo) is simply out of this world; we have whanau carvings representing our whakapapa everywhere which made you feel so close to the marae and its people, a real sense of belonging, calmness, mana, happiness and so much joy that we were represented by our own people. This place is magic... wherever you look, apart from the namu namu (sand flies) dive bombing you, but again it's simply magic.”

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 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 she can update your details on the Share Register.

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

JAMES HIMONA ESTATE

James received his interests as a part Successor to Mepara Te Kahu, along with Simon Himona; Mabel Flutey; Peter Himona; George Himona; Lemnos Himona; Thelma Himona; and Huia Himona.

Our records indicate that upon the death of James, his wife, Glenys, was appointed Administratrix of the Estate. Glenys later married a Carl Hansen.

We believe that James had two children, Carl and Natalie.

VIOLET DOREEN RUKA

Violet received her interests for life or until remarriage from her husband Lionel Ruka.

The children were noted on the vesting order: Darnell Doreen Walsh; Shane Jason Ruka; Angela Tracey O’ Flaherty; Tania Pearl Woods; Evelyn Alice Ireland; Lionel Wyvon Ruka; and Judy Pheona Ruka.

Last known address was Australia.

HURIA JEANETTE MILLER

Huria Miller was a child of Roihi (Rose) Heta Te Miha and James Neil Miller. Huria is known by several surnames: King; Kingi; Askew; Hohaia; and Mokoraka.

Huria’s siblings: Rongomaitara aka (Ramai) Hayward; Victoria McIntosh; Myrtle Hera Miller Hine; Rangimarie Miller aka Scott and Stafford; Heta James Miller; and Tahi Hutana Miller.

It is believed that a daughter known as Maureen Askew may be living in Australia.

PETER COWAN

Peter received his interests from Hapeta Te Hopu Kawana along with John Isaac Cowan and Albert William Cowan.

It is believed Peter may have three children: Sons, Riva Monty Cowan and Codie Peter Cowan; and a daughter, Tanishea Cowan.

WHAIORA ENOKA

Whaiora received her interests for life or until remarriage from her husband Waaka Tahuahi Enoka aka Waaka Tahuahi Enoka Jnr or Waaka Tahuahi Enoka II.

The children were noted on the vesting order: Craig Waaka Enoka; Troy Melvin Enoka; Joelene Romia Enoka; Benita Jay Mareikura; Tapsell James Enoka; and Talmage Manuel Enoka.

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

MERI TUHI

JOHN CHARLES MITA

PINE TIBBLE

PIKIHUIA HELENA TOO

RUREA KINGI

PETER WILLIAMS

WAIARIKI NAMANA

BARONIA JOSEPHINE PIRIPI NAMANA

WAIKUHARU TERE PATRICIA COOKE

DIANNE FRANCIS MARSHALL

ANGELINE RURU

LUKE WAAKA

PATRICK BARRY MOORE WAAKA

ZOEANNE JESSICA AVANA

CRYSTAL WALKER

FRANCIS HAUNUI

DESMOND MATIU SMITH

RENEE CUSHLA SMITH

TE ARANGA ADAMS

NADIA LESLIE PEACOCK

ANA HUATAHI REIRI

GENEVIEVE ANN WRIGHT

RANGIWHITIKIA MCDONALD

TRACEY ASHTON

FIONA ASHTON

DEAN ASHTON

JOHN ASHTON

JOANNE TUHI LEONIE

KATARAINA MATIAHA

DEREK TAYLOR

KEEIA TAYLOR

DARRYN TAYLOR

KERI TAYLOR

MONIQUE TAYLOR

CHRISTINE MATIAHA

BRADY DENZIL GREEN

PAUL AHIPENE

VALERIE MOANA REEVES

NENI PENE RIHARA

HORI TOHI MCDONALD ESTATE

NEIL MERLO

TIAKI TAUEKI

KURA TAUEKI

PAKU TAUEKI

AARON STEPHEN BUTLER

DENNIS KIGER

NORMAN DEANE MANURIKI COLE

NADINE SARAH TAIRI LUCAS

TROY DOUGLAS TANIORA

LUCAS

JENNY WAIMOTU

MICHAEL STEVEN CHRISTIE

LUCAS

PUKE RANA WIREMU KARAKA MATENGA

Shareholder search ...

We would like your help to trace descendants of HADDY (HAROLD) MATTHEWS

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

Can you help ...

RIPEKA KAIWHARAKIHI

The office is holding substantial unclaimed dividends for this shareholder, Original Owner 125. There is very little we know about Ripeka, however, we are providing an update as we have gathered more information.

In June 1889, Ripeka Kaiwharakihi gave evidence relating to the subdivision claim – Orangikaupapa No. 6. From this evidence we learn that Ripeka was the widow of Henare Tauroto (who lived at Pipitea) and that Henare had two sons named Ataria and Raniera. Court evidence confirms that Raniera was not the child of Ripeka, but we are uncertain about Ataria.

We know from previous research that Ripeka was alive in 1909 because she was noted in an interim report of Native Land Commission, on Native Lands in Masterton, Featherston, Wairarapa South, Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Castlepoint Counties, presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor General. It was detailed in the report that Ripeka, along with Aporo Hare and Pirihira Muriwai, purchased a block of land, 16 acres 2 roods, Puahi No 3, located in Wairarapa South County.

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

History preserved

In late February 2026 Wairarapa Moana embarked on the important phase of depositing copies of the Wairarapa Moana Mailer with Te Pūranga Kōrero o Wairarapa / Wairarapa Archive.

With eighty issues printed between March 2006 and December 2025, and associated e-copies, Masterton staff Ngaere Webb and Charmaine Kawana met with Heritage Advisor Michelle Clausen to complete a donor form to secure the deposit.

With the deposit of the Mailers completed Ngaere and Charmaine were invited to view the workrooms and the secure, temperature and humidity controlled archival repository. Charmaine, having been the archivist at Wairarapa Archive in the mid to late 1990s was impressed with the use of digital technology, the conservation of the old newspapers, and the accumulated records in storage.

Wairarapa Archive was established in Masterton in 1989 and over the years has re-located several times with the current premises being in Albert Street. The archive holds a collection of over two million photographs, as well as oral histories, copies of Māori Land Court minute books, newspapers dating back to 1883, maps and plans of all sizes and formats, numerous collections of individual and business records, and a comprehensive reference collection.

With all of that in mind, who might use our contribution to Wairarapa Archive in the future? The short response is obvious, the general public and predominantly researchers who are looking to preserve essential pieces of our shared cultural heritage. Simply put, our Mailers will help to preserve ‘our story’.

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 Moana Mailer?

Contact Sam Prescott on comms@ wairarapamoana.org.nz or call 0800 662 624.

Issue No 82

Closing Date for Articles

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Distribution by Post Monday, June 22, 2026

FIND OUT MORE

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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