POU TORU | Ākonga, Students and Inclusive Education

Te Akatea, Huia Kaimanawa and Te Arahou o Aotearoa (MAC) have been engaging with Hapū and Iwi throughout January and February.

Our engagements with Hapū and Iwi leaders are critical, as we all work to understand the evolving political landscape.

Of particular significance was the pōwhiri, led by the kaumatua of Ngā Pōtiki, to welcome Urukahinga Rei and Te Ringakaha Tia-Ward. Both were wrapped in aroha and support from their whānau and Te Arahou o Aotearoa (MAC), as they were handed over to Huia Kaimanawa.

Te Akatea continues to strengthen our regional connections with the establishment of Kāhui Kaikōtuitui and the establishment of a Te Akatea Aka at the top of Te Waipounamu, expanding our relationship with several iwi from Kai Tahu.

Earlier this month the Manukura of Te Akatea, Bruce Jepsen, met with ERO and looks forward to strengthening Te Akatea’s relationship with them in 2024.

Te Arahou o Aotearoa (MAC), is working on a regional model of hapū and iwi across the motu particularly in Taranaki and Te Waipounamu. We look forward to sharing how that is progressing in our next pānui. 

Phil Palfrey, John Bangma, Hayley Read, Tracy Fraser