Cultural Korero

Louise Fowler, Cultural Advisor

The 2017 celebration of Matariki for Family Works and Central Office did not focus on Matariki itself. Instead, the opportunity was used to visit Murihiku Marae on Tramway Road – a first time for many – and learn about the art form of Tukutuku.

“Why Tukutuku” you might ask, “why not Matariki”?

This topic was chosen so that staff would be able to learn about and ultimately design and create a Tukutuku panel to celebrate 100 years of PSS service in 2019.

The event started with 52 staff attending Powhiri - Rusty Johnson, Tutor from Te Ara Reo (SIT) supported the manuhiri (visiting group) with Kaikorero (speech). This was followed by our hosts providing a korero about the meeting house (Whare Tupuna) named after Te Rakitauneke who was a noted chief of the south and buried on the Bluff Hill. A most significant piece of information learnt was that the Southland Presbyterian Synod had a relationship with local Kai Tahu iwi and had donated a sum of money when the whare was being built - this has been recorded in a carving on the west wall of the whare.

Following a fine lunch in “Hine o Te Iwi” the roopu then moved back to Te Rakitauneke where Dean Whaanga provided a breakdown of all the Tukutuku panels which decorate this beautiful whare. Staff broke into groups to plan out the events significant to the last 100 years of PSS service in Murihiku (Southland) and their research has been posted on the walls of my office for reference.

Planning for the next stage of creating the Tukutuku Panel for PSS 2019 Celebration will be advised.