Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga Program and Network
Te Whaiti Nui-a-Toi children
guard and share Whirinaki,
their culture, language and values

Definition of Maori concepts and words used in our kaupapa.

Ohu:

A specific group taken out of the main group, accepting the responsibility of a big challenge which should they win through, becomes the effort of the group alone- a humbling experience for brave people who will be in deep water right over their heads. You can't be appointed to it, you must be a volunteer. It is pivotal in advancing the cause of the people. (explanation by Peter Ruku Te Korako - Waitaha)

An ancient word that originates in the time of Hotu Matua and Hotu Manawa and has been lost from general usage in our area. We were alerted to it beacuse it was promoted as a core strength of Ngati Whare in the frontpiece of a book Te Whaiti 1950 written by Tama Te Teira. This gave an overview of our history and acknowledged our ancient Marangaranga ancestry from times before Toi.

Waka:

Canoe used for ocean voyages. Very often the expression "Paddling in the same waka" is used to indicate people working together in a common direction.

The concept of shared leadership is very evident on the waka of our ancestors that underwent long oceam voyages throughout the pacific. "Three spars lashed in a triangle stand strongest against the wave and wind.

• The Ariki (Observer) in the prow calling on the wisdom of Kete Tu Atea to open the hidden trails. Reading the signs in wave,wind, fish and bird. Bravely taking the first blast of the waves and storm.
  
• The Tohunga (Priest) near the mast with the heavy karakia from Kete Tuauri and its taonga. His strength constantly challenged by the storms and the even darker winds that pierce the mind to spread the poisons of jealousy and hate.
  
• The Kaihautu (Helmsman) in the stern with his strong hands on the steering oar. The Knowledge of Kete Aronui guiding him through the passage of life beyond the horizon.

Summarised from Song of Waitaha - The Histories of a Nation Page 70 www.waitaha.com

NOTICES AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

Our gift to you - download Free Whirinaki Matariki Wall Calendar

What Andree a sustainability writer discovered about Kaitiakitanga

Coming Easter 2010 Biomimicry Exploration - Norbert Hoeller, Auckland
David Bellamy - Moa's Ark revisited tour Whirinaki 25 4-10 Oct 09
The Maori Youth Hikoi to Bioneers Conference, San Francisco 16 Oct 08
VIDEO "Redesigning our Future" - Youth Forum with Michael Braungart

Papakainga Development - Matekuare Whanau Project underway
Minginui Community Gardening - underway thanks to Community Max
Whirinaki Ecological Technology (We-tech) Our pest control innovation

Check out our school's Energy Monitoring / Weatherstation project
Our drama production, kapakaka and other creative initiatives


Ngati Whare Iwi Treaty Settlement signed, incl partnership with DOC
WEMZ - The Whirinaki Ecological Restoration Zone - a project with DOC
DOC partnerships information kiosk, Mangamate, Sanctuary(proposed)
Take a photo tour through our valley see restoration work needed
Ready to start - our Whirinaki Centre, Nursery and Recycling Projects
Our project to upgrade our water supply in Minginui Mar 07
Thanks TPK for facilitating Govt support for Minginui initiatives
Our network's submission to govt on Rural Community Opportunities

Toxin Bioremediation Project started in Whakatane May 09
Celebrate what our friends at Hokianga Harbourcare are doing
Our Network's Mycorestoration Research Project - Fungi and mushroom
Our Lopez friends help Raglan with an affordable housing project

Thanks MfE for a big toxin cleanup on our millsites - July 07
Blocked - our Community Digital Strategy - Whirinaki Interactive 12/06
Prince Andrew adopts our Kiwi, Princess Beatrice on Mokoia Is Mar 07
Our network on the Kiwi Youth Voice learning journey to US. Mar 07
Our network at Youth Voice Digital Earth Summit on Sustainbility Aug 06
We welcomed Hunter Lovins 7-9 July 06, VIDEO view NZ tour resources
Thanks Waikato University for help with broadband 05
Thanks Housing Corp, house painting and marae restoration teams
Go Tramping in Whirinaki. See Kaka, Kiwi, Weka, Robin, Blueduck
Report Living Organisation workshops. Tipu Ake presented worldwide 05
Report Hikoi to Indigenous Knowledges Conf , Well, NZ. June 05
Thanks to UNITEC Architecture Students for help with town plans 04
Report on Sustainable Resources Conf, Colorado 04
Report on PMI Global Forum, Los Angeles Tipu Ake paper 04
Report on Sharing Indigenous Wisdom Conf, Wisconsin, June 04
Int and local visitors attend Tipu Ake Retreat March 04 See report
MPs Horomia and Mallard open our new merged area school Jan 04
Trip to Whaingaroa Env Gp Raglan, Jan04 learnings, VIDEO view