Whakanuia

Whānau gathered at Puketōtara on November 2 for this year's annual general meeting with some coming from as far as Dunedin and Kaikoura in Te Wai Pounamu.

Marianne Parker joins our kāhui whakahaere as Secretary along with returning Chair, Te Rau Arena and Treasurer Belinda Nathan. Duane Allen and Rukuwai Tipene-Allen remain as kaikōrero for Te Whiu and Wahineiti respectively.

In addition to the key kaupapa of financial and Chairperson's report we heard from Tupu Tonu Chair and Chief Executive of Waitangi Trust, Ben Dalton. Ben shared his thoughts on future-focused approaches to Tiriti redress and opportunities for hapū. He commended Te Whiu on being in a position to come together and discuss key issues. Chairman Te Rau Arena reiterated this when discussing Puketōtara, Te Kura-a-Iwi o Te Waimate and the necessity for us to be present in key kaupapa including Te Puketī Forest Trust and the council's Waipapa Spatial plan working group.

Puketōtara farm sub-lessees Kena Alexander and Rob Quinn also introduced themselves to hapū members and updated them on the current status of the farm and their vision for the future.  Henry Murphy (jnr) will lead work on what type of entity would best serve our hapū to prepare for Tiriti o Waitangi redress so we are in a state of readiness should this be necessary in the coming years. Kena Alexander will also investigate how we might engage researchers to complete the narrative on Puketōtara and the Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) blocks at either end of Puketōtara farm.

Whānau present were very pleased with the collaborative hospitality on display as Rob Quinn had organised the large marquee and a lamb on a spit for lunch after formalities concluded at 12:30.