Photography by Kendyl Walker – Toi by Kendyl.
Te Tātau o Ngā Pekapeka o Te Wharau restores life, visibility, and wairua to Ngā Tāwhai Reserve
Carterton District Council staff and hapū members gathered at dawn to unveil a Te Tātau o Ngā Pekapeka o Te Wharau [All the hapū connected to Te Wharau], a new tomokanga [entrance] to our Nga Tawhai reserve over Matariki weekend.
Pou Whakairo (carver) Wayne Pitau [Ngāti Maahu] led the dawn, with a call to the manu [birds] and to all manuhiri [guests], followed by a powerful whaikōrero (ceremonial speech)
Through its very design, the Tomokanga embodies the enduring presence of the many hapū who share ancestral ties to Te Wharau, whose legacies remain woven through Te Taiao (the natural world], said Sheree Ngātuere-Dewbery Kaituitui at Carterton District Council.
“The unveiling was held during Matariki – the Māori New Year – a time of reflection, renewal, and remembrance, which added further significance to the occasion,” Sheree said.
“It was an honour to be joined by members of the Te Wharau community and hapū representatives from Ngāi Tāneroa, Ngāti Hinewaka, Ngāi Tumapuhiarangi, and Ngāti Rongomaiaia.
The Te Wharau community hosted shared kai at the Community Hall – a time to whakanoa and whakawātea, [bringing balance and closure] to the ceremony through food and whakawhanaungatanga [relationships].
Sheree said the unveiling and revitalisation of the whenua stands as a powerful representation of the collaborative effort between hapū and Council.
“The kaupapa has restored life, visibility, and wairua [spiritual essence] to the space.
“It reflects not only the intent of our Māori Responsiveness Action Plan but also Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting the aspirations of Te Ao Māori.
“We are sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed their time, support, and whakaaro [thoughts and insights] throughout this journey.