whenua issue 7

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HOngongoi 2013 issuE 7 KEEPING IT COASTAL WHANAU DAY SHARE HOLDER JOSIE BIGHAM’S EXHIBITION-’HINEWAITO’ NEW MANAGEMENT STAFF - OPERATIONS FARMS AND + 2013 SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS

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Whenua magazine issue 7 - Keeping it Coastal Whanau Day

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: WHENUA Issue 7

HO

ng

on

go

i 2013

is

su

E

7

KEEPING IT

COASTALWHANAU DAY

SHARE HOLDER JOSIE BIGHAM’S EXHIBITION-’HINEWAITO’

NEW MANAGEMENT STAFF -

OPERATIONSFARMS AND +

2013 SCHOLARRECIPIENTS

Page 2: WHENUA Issue 7

The All Blacks taking on France in the shadow of te Maunga Taranaki is a fantastic metaphor for the Taranaki story.

Attracting a test match of this calibre, or any international event for that matter, comes down to a uniquely Taranaki approach that reflects many of the positives of life in the region like no other. The event happened because we as a community – local authorities, sporting bodies, businesses and sponsors, whanau and individuals – refuse to accept that Taranaki is just a regional corner of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through a rich and often divided history Taranaki has the foundations for a very bright future, but we are often asked how a rugby match can help us achieve that future.

The match attracted thousands of visitors to the region, many for the first time.

This bought money in, but it also exposed these visitors to the many attractions, amenities and lifestyle advantages that Taranaki has to offer.

It broadcast Taranaki to viewers around the world, who discovered a beautiful region and a great stadium filled with a passionate audience. They even got to see the magnificent maunga that stands over Yarrow Stadium and the region.

An event such as this also helps our region’s businesses to attract and retain skilled staff from around the world, and build a stronger connection with their current and future customers, who will see Taranaki as a credible region in which to do business.

It also sends a signal to our children and mokopuna that Taranaki is truly a fantastic place to live, work and play. This might be enough to encourage them to stay and build a life here, to come home for good,

or as they grow and leave the region to know that they are welcome back and that there is a great future here for them.

But perhaps most importantly, hosting events like this challenges what people think of Taranaki. Those outside the region will see it as a vibrant and go-ahead region, while those that are lucky enough to call Taranaki home will be justifiably proud, and take the belief that with a vision and some hard work anything is possible in the region like no other.

The benefits of major events

VentureTARANAKITe Puna Umanga

To find out how Venture Taranaki can help your business, call us on 06 759 5150, email us at [email protected] or visit www.taranaki.info

Photo Rob Tucker

Page 3: WHENUA Issue 7

Tena koutou te whānau whānui o Parininihi ki Waitotatara.

As Treaty Settlements within Taranaki move closer to resolution I recently wrote in my Taranaki Daily News column that the settlement process was supposedly to help put in place a foundation for Māori to overcome welfare dependency through economic development.

The settlement process was not established to transfer the target of Māori welfare dependency from the state to iwi.

Though PKW Incorporation is not an iwi entity as such, it is still seen as a vehicle for improving the social and cultural wellbeing of its shareholders who are themselves iwi members. This can at times be challenging especially given the history associated to the leases we now own and manage. Let alone dealing with the commercial imperatives like the incorporation’s farming businesses that require large capital investments.

Despite this challenge we recognize that we share a common interest with the iwi organisations within our Taranaki rohe to support our shareholders to realize rangatiratanga, in essence to manage and control their own destiny. Building and sustaining a successful agri-business is in itself a means to do that not necessarily the end result.

The end result will always be about our people, our identity as descendants of the tipuna who left us the legacy associated to our lands, awa, maunga and moana.

It is a cultural imperative that I like to think we are building our organisational capacity around and that the people who come and work for us will also reinforce.

To that end in this Whenua edition we introduce you to a number of new members of our team across our organisation and investments. They bring a mix of skills and experience that will help strengthen our capacity. It is even more pleasing that we have a young Māori farmer, Tristan Horo within the mix, a trend we hope to replicate in the future.

We also showcase where some of our investment is happening in our attempt to build our future workforce, support our culture and arts within Taranaki, and strengthen our leadership base.

Grants and scholarships are an immeasurable way of making investment in our human infrastructure. PKW Trust is becoming more proactive in making sure we get a return on that investment and testing the thinking of our scholars about important issues facing us helps give us insight and keeps us in touch with the thinking and understanding of our future leaders.

Nevertheless having the opportunity to showcase the amazing legacy our kuia Aunty Josie Bigham has established within her own whanau reminds us that our past will always part of our future.

No reira

The All Blacks taking on France in the shadow of te Maunga Taranaki is a fantastic metaphor for the Taranaki story.

Attracting a test match of this calibre, or any international event for that matter, comes down to a uniquely Taranaki approach that reflects many of the positives of life in the region like no other. The event happened because we as a community – local authorities, sporting bodies, businesses and sponsors, whanau and individuals – refuse to accept that Taranaki is just a regional corner of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through a rich and often divided history Taranaki has the foundations for a very bright future, but we are often asked how a rugby match can help us achieve that future.

The match attracted thousands of visitors to the region, many for the first time.

This bought money in, but it also exposed these visitors to the many attractions, amenities and lifestyle advantages that Taranaki has to offer.

It broadcast Taranaki to viewers around the world, who discovered a beautiful region and a great stadium filled with a passionate audience. They even got to see the magnificent maunga that stands over Yarrow Stadium and the region.

An event such as this also helps our region’s businesses to attract and retain skilled staff from around the world, and build a stronger connection with their current and future customers, who will see Taranaki as a credible region in which to do business.

It also sends a signal to our children and mokopuna that Taranaki is truly a fantastic place to live, work and play. This might be enough to encourage them to stay and build a life here, to come home for good,

or as they grow and leave the region to know that they are welcome back and that there is a great future here for them.

But perhaps most importantly, hosting events like this challenges what people think of Taranaki. Those outside the region will see it as a vibrant and go-ahead region, while those that are lucky enough to call Taranaki home will be justifiably proud, and take the belief that with a vision and some hard work anything is possible in the region like no other.

The benefits of major events

VentureTARANAKITe Puna Umanga

To find out how Venture Taranaki can help your business, call us on 06 759 5150, email us at [email protected] or visit www.taranaki.info

Photo Rob Tucker

Page 4: WHENUA Issue 7

02 / WHAKAMANA

AARON SMALE

Aaron Smale is an award winning writer and photographer who is currently the Associate Editor at Mana magazine. He has worked for various publications and has an MA in Creative Writing from Victoria University. He has won Qantas/Canon Media Awards for magazine feature writing about Māori issues and Social Issues. In 2010 he was named the Cathay Pacific Travel Photographer of the Year for a series of images taken in Cuba. Aaron is married with two children. He is of Ngāti Porou and pakeha descent.

ACUSHLA O’CARROLL

Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātiawa

Also known as Dee, she is busy with te reo wānanga, and planning an world trip with her partner. This trip is a reward for the hard work on the PhD, and to celebrate her 30th year!

BONITA BIGHAM

Bonita Bigham (Ngāruahine and Te Ātiawa) was born and bred in South Taranaki. She is actively involved within her community as a South Taranaki district councillor, iwi board member, marae trustee and school board member. Bonita lives in Manaia, is a freelance communications consultant and she loves to weave stories, taniko and people together.

CONTRIBUTORS

UPDATESNIKAU LINDEN

In Issue 5 we showcased a number of Recipients that were awarded scholarships. Whenua is pleased to report that 2012 Charles Bailey recipient Nikau Hindin has recently become a recipient of the 2012/2013 Ngārimu VC & 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship awards. The scholarships are awarded annually to commemorate Second Lieutenant Ngārimu and the 28th (Māori) Battalion.

Associate Education Minister, Dr Pita Sharples says, “these recipients have used education as the doorway to realise their potential. Their identity, language and culture have been critical ingredients in their success.”

Congratulations Nikau.

Whenua is building a network of contributors and we are pleased to introduce the following....

Page 5: WHENUA Issue 7

WHENUA MAGAZINE

Editor Dion TuutaDeputy Editor Amokura PanohoArt Direction Kristy RamagePhotography Quentin BedwellGraphic Design iStudios Multimedia

PARININIHI KI WAITOTARA

Postal PO Box 241, New Plymouth 4340Physical Taranaki House,109 Devon Street West, New Plymouth 4310Telephone +64 (6) 769 9373Fax +64 (6) 757 4206Email [email protected]

ISTUDIOS

77B Devon Street East, New Plymouth.Telephone +64 (6) 758 1863Email [email protected]

NEW DRY STOCK OPERATIONS MANAGER

Introducing the most recent management appointment of Andrew Gibson.

04

REPORT FROM HALF YEARLY AGM

An important shareholder notice.

06

NEW FARM MANAGERS

Meet Tristan Horo and Matt Brittan the lastest additions to the farm management team.

07

KEEPING IT COASTAL WHANAU DAY

Bonita Bingham reports on a successful day in Opunake.

1504 05

PORT NICHOLSON FISHERIES UPDATE

Business has been so busy a new general manager has been appointed. Aaron Smale gives an update.

12

07 12

1815

20

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT NOMINATIONS

05

EXHIBITION ‘HINEWAITO - JOSIE BIGHAM

20PĀKIHI

ĀWHINA

WHAKAMANA

CONTENTS

Celebrating a century of creation-one whanau, six generations with kuia Josie Bigham (Cover Picture).

A brief report on the hui held in April.

22

MĀTAURANGA

RANGATAHI MĀORI AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Part two report on research from Acushla O’Carroll.

24

AUDITPROCESS11A brief explanation of whats involved for the incorporation.

WHATEVER IT TAKES18Sam Rapira shares insights about making sacrifices to stay inTaranaki.

2013 SCHOLARRECIPIENTS22The three PKW trust major scholarship winners present the essays that supported their applications.

NCEA NOTICE19The latest information for the next funding round.

Page 6: WHENUA Issue 7

AS PKW INCORPORATION CONTINUES TO GROW SO DO THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK FOR THE ORGANISATION. THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED ROLE OF DRY STOCK OPERATIONS MANAGER IS A PRIME EXAMPLE.

Andrew Gibson may be a third generation dairy farmer but he’s more than happy to leave the milking up to someone else now. Nine years ago he made the switch to becoming a stock agent and hasn’t regretted the move.

Having worked for RD1 covering the lower North Island area for the last three years he has had regular dealings selling cattle to Shane Miles (PKW Dairy Operations Manager) and Ranald Gordon (PKW Assets Manager) and is

familiar with the incorporation’s dairy business.

With PKW’s dairying business continuing to grow in scale and complexity as a result of the move to managed farms the dairy support side of the farming business has been growing its own dedicated management to drive the business and seek out new opportunities to develop value. Having an excellent eye for livestock, Andrew jumped at the opportunity to take on the new role.

“Basically my job is to ensure that PKW’s calf rearing units provide high quality stock for PKW’s growing portfolio of dairy farms and making sure that all dairy

cows grazed out come back to the dairy units in good condition and within acceptable target weight ranges,” says Andrew.

“I’m enjoying this new role and being part of the PKW team as it’s a really good staff environment.”

Becoming more familiar of what the incorporation represents and the aspirations of the committee of management and shareholders is all part of the learning curve for Andrew but something he feels is a good opportunity for him.

“I can see their vision and the growth plan they are undertaking. My job has evolved because of their aspirations and I am keen to learn more about the history and hopefully make a worthwhile contribution to the business.”

04 / WHAKAMANA

NEW DRY STOCKOPPERAT IONS MANAGER

Page 7: WHENUA Issue 7

THE 2013 HALF YEARLY MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS WAS HELD 10AM ON 27 April 2013 at TAIPOROHENUI MARAE FOLLOWING A TRADITIONAL POWHIRI FROM NGĀTI HAMUA HAPU.

The half yearly meeting of shareholders is a well-established tradition within Parininihi ki Waitotara and is used to update shareholders and their whanau on progress and news within the various business activities PKW undertakes.

Approximately 30 PKW shareholders and their whanau members took the opportunity to meet with members of the Committee of Management and to review the Incorporation’s performance for the six months from 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012.

PKW Chair Hinerangi Raumati gave a presentation outlining the key strategic themes PKW was working towards achieving including active management of PKW’s lands,

implementing a more efficient corporate structure, and developing people to deliver on PKW’s strategy.

Hinerangi also gave examples of the collaborative work PKW had undertaken during the year with a range of groups including Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri and the Iwi Collective Partnership in lobster, Todd Energy in terms of understanding the energy sector and more close to home – Ngāti Tu hapū – where PKW helped protect the significant wāhi tapu of Kaupokonui from potential damage from quarrying.

PKW Chief Executive Dion Tuuta followed this up with a presentation on the performance of the various business units within PKW including Whenua, Farming, Lobster and Other Investments.

Shareholders noted the 2012/13 drought was expected to impact negatively on PKW Farms Ltd’s milk production for the year. Dion noted that PKW Farms had budgeted

to produce 2.7 million kgs of milk solids for the year and while the 2012/13 dairy season had begun extremely well the drought was eroding early gains.

PKW Trust Chair Hinerangi Edwards updated shareholders on the Trust’s range of educational activities and introduced presentations from PKW scholars Matariki Williams, Laura Ruawai-Hamilton, Lisa Fairclough and PKW’s inaugural PKW-Ravensdown scholarship recipient Te Reimana Marumaru. Each scholar gave an overview of their area of study and thanked shareholders for the grant and support they had each received.

The next opportunity for shareholders to meet with the Committee of Management will be at the Annual General Meeting set down for Saturday 2 November. Venue yet to be announced.

REPORT FROM1 /2 YEARLY AGM

05 / WHAKAMANA

Page 8: WHENUA Issue 7

IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDERS NOTICEElection to the Committee of Management

Call for Nominations

06 / WHAKAMANA

In accordance with section 22(1) of the Māori Incorporation Constitution Regulations every member of the Committee of

Management “shall hold office for a term of 3 years expiring at the end of the annual general meeting held in the third calendar year

after the calendar year in which the member was elected….”

The member of the Committee of Management who is retiring by rotation in 2013 and is eligible for re-election is Hinerangi

Edwards.

Nominations must be received at the:

PKW Office PO Box 241

New Plymouth 4340

NO later than 5.00pm on 30 August 2013.

Please note no nominations shall be received after this date.

Nominations for candidates for the Committee of Management must be in writing and signed by both the shareholder proposing

the nomination and the proposed nominee.

Nominees must provide an electronic photograph and 200 word (maximum) candidate profile setting out why they are seeking

election to the Board and the relevant skills and experience they will bring to the Committee.

All nominated candidate profiles will be collated and sent to shareholders for their consideration in October as part of the

postal voting process.

Page 9: WHENUA Issue 7

INTRODUCING NEW FARM MANAGERSTR I STAN HORO And MATT BR ITTAN

07 / PĀKIHI

When meeting Tristan Horo and his wife Maree you are immediately struck with how young they are. However their youthful looks belie the fact that they have a family of five children themselves and a good ten years of farming experience.

Though Tristan grew up in Rahotu his parents Leeanne and Murray Horo weren’t farmers themselves. Not quite sure what to do with himself when he left school Tristan started relief milking in Oeo which turned into a full time farm hand job.

Moving to Coromandel to do some fruit picking, he met his wife Maree who is from Paeroa and went back to being a farm assistant in Waihi. They spent a couple of years in Mangawhai, Northland before returning to Bell Block in Taranaki where Tristan has been a farm manager for the last six years.

“We’ve been on a journey to establish our farming career. We love the lifestyle and think it is pivotal to the health and well being of our family”, says Tristan.

Not knowing much about PKW Incorporation Tristan did his homework when he started hearing about the moves they were making in the dairy industry.

“It interested me that they had a clear strategy of taking back the ownership and running of our whenua and I thought I’d love to be part of the effort to get more young Māori rangatahi back on board with farming”.

Settling into the Glen Road farm as one of the newest PKW Farm Managers, Tristan and Maree are happy to have a large home for their children to roam around in. They include Haze 10, Jos 8, Ella 6, toddler Benny 2 ½ and baby Desmond who is nearly 5 months.

Tristan jokes that maybe one out of the five might be a future farmer and its Benny who is showing the most promise as he follows his father around the property.

The farm itself is 140ha with 490 cows, a 50 aside herring bone shed and 2.5 labour units, that includes Tristan.

TRISTAN HORO

Maree expects she will be required to help out when needed.

“The climate can be very wet during winter and spring”, says Tristan.

“Reducing the use of urea on the farm when growing grass and looking at efficient and economic ways of making the farm as productive as possible are the areas I want to be able to make a difference with.”

Becoming part of a larger farming business that has a growing reputation for being a good employer and investing in their staff is something Tristan feels he will take full advantage of.

“I want to be able to become more proficient in Te Reo so that I can utilise that in my role, especially within the local community. It will be part of my giving back for the opportunities that have been given to me. To help set the benchmark for what our aspirations should be as a Maori farmer, a Maori business.”

This Page At home with Maree, Tristan, Benny and baby Desmond. Next Page Tristan (Ngāti Haupoto) with young son Benny who enjoys following his father around the farm.

Page 10: WHENUA Issue 7

08 / PĀKIHI

“IT INTERESTED ME THAT THEY (PKW) HAD A CLEAR STRATEGY OF TAKING BACK THE OWNERSHIP AND RUNNING OF OUR WHENUA AND I THOUGHT I’D LOVE TO BE PART OF THE EFFORT TO GET MORE YOUNG MĀORI RANGATAHI BACK ON BOARD WITH FARMING” - TRISTAN HORO

Page 11: WHENUA Issue 7

09 / PĀKIHI

to his team, Matt is confident PKW Incorporation will benefit from their employment.

James will be Matt’s second in charge. He has had seven years experience in farming and has recently returned from Australia. Returning to give his family a better lifestyle and hoping one day to also own his own farm, he saw the opportunity advertised and is pleased it has landed his way.

“I think we have the right mix of experience and enthusiasm to support Matt’s plans”, adds James.

Carl agrees. He will be still living off the farm with his family in Stratford and is keen to make his contribution. With six years farming experience under his belt including AG ITO training, learning by doing is par for the course.

“We are a reasonably young crew and I know that there will be a lot of expectations placed on us to set the benchmark for production. It’s a relatively new farm and we have to still do the basics right like dealing with

the impacts of last summers drought, rearing healthy calves, and all the other things that impact our farm productivity and environmental awareness,” says Matt.

Sarah knows her husband will meet the challenge having had experience in pitching in when needed at their previous sharemilking ventures.

“I watch him be excited about the job and that makes our family happy for our future”, says Sarah.

With the sealed concrete effluent pond completed that has the capacity to hold up to 30 days effluent, meeting the environmental responsibility (kaitiakitanga) of Maori culture embedded in PKW is a priority for Matt.

“With this new system up and running we can map effluent and accurately record application rates around the farm. It’s a worthwhile investment that we have to make the most of”.

“All waterways on all PKW farms will have riparian plantings and it is

When Whenua turned up to interview Matt Brittan he had literally just been in the job for ten days. With a team all set to go it is evident that there will be a smooth transition for Matt as he takes on the management of one of the larger-scale dairy farms in Taranaki.

South Taranaki born and bred Matt has always dreamed of an opportunity to show his worth. Sharemilking for nearly ten years he aspires to one day owning his own farm, but will revel in the opportunity the Tempsky Road farm presents.

Featured in Whenua Issue 4, the 221ha (190ha effective) farm was officially opened in July 2012.

“We haven’t had a normal day yet”, says Matt with a smile, “but it’s all par for the course. Gary Fredriksen the previous farm manager spent time with us as part of the handover and induction but its full steam ahead.”

With James Phillips and Carl Hartigan bringing their respective experience

Matt Brittan

Page 12: WHENUA Issue 7

10 / PĀKIHI

something we are committed to getting completed here as well”, says Matt.

With the herd coming together from four different sources last season, in its first year the farm wintered 570 cows, but this has been increased slightly to 600 cows this season.

The farm is budgeted to produce 230,000kgMS this season, which is 1200kgMS/ha.

The farm has an in-shed feeding system, which is a great tool for mitigating feed deficits, in both a feed efficient and environmentally responsible way.

Shane Miles, PKW Dairy Operations Manager will continue to oversee the farm as it moves into its second season, and is excited about the season ahead.

“Our objective with the farm is to

Previous Page Matt Brittan in foreground, James Phillip (Centre) and Carl Hartigan.This Page Matt with his family Levi (2), Cohen (1) and Sarah.

continue to grow its productivity and profitability in a sustainable manner. PKW have recently acquired back an adjoining piece of land from the lessee, which gives us the ability to eventually milk up to around 750 cows on this farm, but at the moment we want to ensure we consolidate the current operation.”

“We want to keep this system relatively simple. This is the first significant development PKW have done in the last five years. It is a good benchmark for what we do down the track.”

Understanding the aspirations of the PKW Incorporation is something that Matt won’t shy away from either, though he didn’t know much about the importance of the incorporation beyond its role in the dairy sector.

“They are making a significant

contribution to the Taranaki region and investing in people as well as infrastructure and me and my team are really happy to be involved,” adds Matt.

With a lot of technology around the farm including within the 60-bail rotary shed that is quite impressive and intended to make its operation more efficient Matt understands that they are likely to be visited a lot by either PKW management, business partners or even overseas delegations.

“I have worked on a Fonterra research farm where visitors are a normal thing”, says Matt.

“We’ll handle it in our stride.”

“WE ARE A REASONABLY YOUNG CREW AND I KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE A LOT OF EXPECTATIONS PLACED ON US TO SET THE BENCHMARK FOR PRODUCTION. IT’S A RELATIVELY NEW FARM AND WE HAVE TO STILL DO THE BASICS RIGHT LIKE DEALING WITH THE IMPACTS OF LAST SUMMERS DROUGHT, GETTING THE CALVING UNIT RUNNING EFFICIENTLY, ALL THE THINGS THAT IMPACT OUR PRODUCTIVITY.” - MATT BRITTAN

Page 13: WHENUA Issue 7

10 / PĀKIHI

EvEry yEar PKW’s financial statEmEnts undErgo an ExtErnal financial audit – but What is an audit Exactly?

The annual financial audit is a key process that PKW uses to promote transparency and accuracy in its financial reporting to give shareholders confidence in the organization.

A financial audit, or more accurately, an audit of financial statements, is the independent verification of PKW’s annual financial statements. The purpose of an audit is for an independent expert to express an audit opinion which provides shareholders with the assurance that the financial statements are presented

AUDITPROCESS

fairly and give a true and fair view of PKW’s financial position.

Financial audits are performed by auditors who are experts in financial reporting and the appointment of PKW’s auditor is one of the key shareholder decisions made at the annual general meeting.

PKW’s Auditors are Ernst and Young a globally-respected accounting firm with experience in auditing some of the world’s leading and fastest growing companies.

Audit work involves more than just looking at numbers but also involves reviewing the systems PKW uses to make decisions and manage risk. The auditors also look to ensure PKW management is complying with

policies and contractual obligations in line with delegated authorities.

After completing the audit process Ernst and Young report directly to the PKW Audit and Risk Committee on their findings and prepare an audit letter which is included in the Annual Report to shareholders setting out their view of the annual financial statements.

In terms of the auditor’s final opinion PKW always strives to achieve an ‘Unqualified Opinion’. An Unqualified Opinion means that the auditor’s view has not been reserved or limited by any concerns or issues with the financial accounts.

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11 / PĀKIHI

Page 14: WHENUA Issue 7

12 / PĀKIHI

of Port Nicholson Fisheries is the sort who finds any excuse to roll his sleeves up and get out of his office.

Which is hardly surprising given his career path. His credentials for the job are his long years at the coalface of the industry. When your CV includes diving for kina in Foveaux Strait and working on crayfish boats near Chatham Islands, it’s not surprising he enjoys rubbing shoulders with his staff.

“The thing that attracted me to Port Nicholson is that it’s hands-on. You might be tagged the General Manager but I roll my sleeves up and get in and weigh the fish in and help pack the

fish. There’s that good interaction. We do it as a team. I don’t like to be stuck behind a desk in front of a computer all day. That’s not my make-up.”

And it also helps when dealing with the fishermen who are the lifeblood of the company and who have plenty of choices when it comes to buyers of their catch.

“Fishermen are the key to our operation obviously. They expect a certain quality of service from us which if we want to be competitive with everybody else then you have to supply that. It’s not hard. You just treat people how you want to be treated. Customers are the same -

in 2012 PKW bought Port nicholson fishEriEs With its businEss PartnErs ngāti mutunga Ki WharEKauri and thE iWi collEctivE PartnErshiP. sincE this timE thE businEss has bEEn busy – so busy that it has rEcruitEd a nEW gEnEral managEr to ovErsEE thE oPErations. aaron smalE rEPorts.

When things get busy on the factory floor, you’re unlikely to find Grant Absalom sitting at his desk reading emails. In fact, the new manager

YEAR I N R EV I EW

HANDS-ON MANAGER

Page 15: WHENUA Issue 7

13 / PĀKIHI

for four years and he worked for Ngāi Tahu Fisheries for six years before that. He worked for nearly a decade in the Chatham Islands in long-line, lobster and other species.

“I was very lucky in that I started at the bottom on the floor bin-washing and just worked my way up through the ranks. That way you get more of the practical side. It puts you in the right frame of mind for running a business. It’s great to have degrees and all the rest of it, but you can’t beat the practical side where you know how the whole business works right through the chain.”

The Chathams is one of the areas

Port Nicholson sources its lobster from. The other two areas are around Gisborne and from Napier down to Wellington. Over the last year the company exported around 220 tons of live lobster. When asked where it’s all going he doesn’t even hesitate with his answer. “China.”

“It’s built around Chinese New Year and festivals and lucky days. I’m learning all about that at the moment. Eventually I’ll get over to talk to the customers in China. It’s on the to-do list. That will be in the next 12 months.”

you’ve got to supply a good quality product consistently. If you give them a crap product you’re going to get a lower return and you’ll always be last on the food chain. It’s a bit of a juggling match but it’s not that hard.”

“It’s always competitive on the beach when you’re talking about beach prices. They’ll say ‘so-and-so is paying such-and-such’. Our beach pricing should be competitive because we’re all selling into the same market.”

Grant has got a good grasp of his competitors too – he’s worked for many of them after all. His most recent stint was with Moana Pacific Fisheries

>>

Grant Absalom with his hands full of export lobster

Page 16: WHENUA Issue 7

Grant doesn’t have to worry too much about the customer end of things as the complexities of the Chinese market is handled by a broker that Port Nicholson has dealt with for years.

“We’ve got a broker who sells for us. He’s been selling for this business for years and years. The customers know him and trust him. He’s a Japanese guy and he’s a good guy to have in the marketplace.”

While Port Nicholson Fisheries is in a joint venture with a number of players, including Paraninihi Ki Waitotara, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri and the Iwi Collective Partnership, Grant focuses on the job he’s been hired to do by the board.

“It’s all about return. We want to grow the business obviously and get our volume up. The more volume we put through the lower our overheads become. We’re hoping to grow it

through iwi channels.”

“It’s been great having Grant join the PNF whānau,” says Dion Tuuta, chief executive of PKW. “His skills, experience and leadership skills are a key asset for the business moving forward.”

“Having Grant on board will strengthen our operational focus and give us the ability to look at ways of growing the PNF business.”

“Fishermen are the key to our operation obviously. They expect a certain quality of service from us which if we want to be

competitive with everybody else then you have to supply that. It’s not hard... You just treat people how you want to be treated.”

14 / PĀKIHI

Page 17: WHENUA Issue 7

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KEEPING IT COASTALNurturing future leaders and highlighting all that’s great about living, learning and

working in Taranaki was highlighted at ‘Keeping It Coastal’ in Opunake in early June, as Bonita Bigham reports.

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A joint initiative between PKW and Opunake High School, and co-sponsored by Te Puni Kokiri the whanau day brought a wide variety of training providers, community organisations, social services and special guests to the Sandfords Event Centre on a chilly winter Sunday.

About 450 members of the coastal and wider Taranaki community attended the event, coming from all around the maunga.

PKW community development manager Allie Hemara-Wahanui says one of the best outcomes for PKW had been the opportunity to collaborate with Opunake High School on the project.

“We wanted to support them in nurturing and growing tomorrow’s leaders,” she says.

“Strong leadership is essential for organisations like ours to continue to grow and succeed.”

Local role models and community leaders took part in the event, supported by Whanau Ora champions

Brendon Pongia, former basketball Tall Black and television presenter and Piri Rurawhe from Ratana, who inspired and entertained the audience with personal stories of overcoming challenges and perseverance.

New Plymouth based Air New Zealand Fashion Week designer and WHIRI label owner Keri Wanoa provided a popular and insightful overview of her inspiration and passion for fashion design, including the realities of long hours, hard work often for little financial reward.

Professional boxer Sam Rapira shared his story of starting in the sport in his 20s and realising that he had found his niche. Sam, who has since won his second professional fight, spoke of commitment, dedication and the importance of having whanau support.

Both Sam and Keri talked about following their dreams and that it’s never too late in life to change directions.

They also emphasised their choice to stay in Taranaki to raise their tamariki in a whanau environment, despite much of their business and training activities

being in Auckland and told the audience that the benefits of living in Taranaki far outweigh any negatives.

A total of 25 exhibitors took up the opportunity to showcase their organisations, not just to profile what they do, but also promote the range of careers that exist within their particular industries.

Allie says it’s often easy to forget the vast range of jobs that can exists within one organisation, like PKW which has a farming focus but also employs people as administrators, financial specialists, consultants and herself with a totally community-based work stream.

From her perspective, ‘Keeping It Coastal’ achieved its aim of reminding people of that.

“Raising people’s awareness about the employment and training pathways was a priority.

“The fact that so many parents and grandparents not only came, but stayed throughout the day and took the time to talk to so many exhibitors tells us we succeeded,” says Allie.

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Opunake High School principal Maria Potter, who was onsite all day during ‘Keeping It Coastal’ says the event highlighted to her and the school whanau that opportunities really do exist on the coast.

“Sometimes we can tend to think that we’re quite isolated, but the fact that we had the range of exhibitors here shows that there are ways and means around that.”

Maria says it was also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and see new faces that they don’t normally get to see at school events.

“Collaborating with PKW on this was a wonderful opportunity and it’s something we would like to build on.”

Maria says being able to work on such a progressive and positive project with PKW has set a solid foundation for the school’s relationship with the incorporation, which she sees as a leading example of Maori achievement.

About 45% of the student population at Opunake High School identifies as

Maori, most of whom whakapapa to iwi around the maunga, so a relationship with PKW supports and reinforces the importance of the proactive approach the school has towards tikanga and reo, both of which are integrated into its daily curriculum.

All Year 9 and 10 (formerly 3rd and 4th form) students study Māori as a compulsory core subject and Māori societal structures provide the social framework within the school.

Form classes have been replaced by whanau groups bringing students of all ages together, the old traditional house system has been overhauled with each student belonging to a hapu and the whole school comes together as an iwi.

School as semblies begin with karakia and the school waiata and Māori achievement rates at NCEA level are well above national averages for m any years.

Allie says these are s ome of the reasons PKW chose to work with the school.

“After an event like this the challenge is to identify where to from here and this is a conversation we intend to have with Opunake High School.”

Allie is also grateful to the wider community which saw value for themselves and their whanau by attending.

“The success of this event is a credit to the community.

“While we can organise the venue, exhibitors and advertising, the success is always measured by whether the community participates or not – and they certainly came.”

Page 15 Piri Rurawhe (Whānau Ora Champion), Dion Tuuta (PKW CEO), Maria Potter (OHS Principal), Celebrity Guest Brendan Pongia with Neihana Tapiki (OHS Deputy head boy) and Anita Marriott (OHS student). Above Left Brendan Pongia and Neihana Tapiki. Above Right the Sandfords Events Centre in Opunake provided a great venue for exhibitors and visitors alike.

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Making the sacrifices needed to keep his family in Taranaki is all part of the commitment professional boxer Sam Rapira and his partner Jessica have made and it was an important part of his message like the one he has tattooed on his chest, that he shared when speaking at the Keeping It Coastal event in Opunake.

When Allie Wahanui-Hemara, PKW Trust Community Development Manager asked Sam Rapira to share his story about being born and bred in Taranaki and what he has done to establish a professional boxing career while living here, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I hadn’t been to Opunake before and I found the community really welcoming,” said Sam who took his family along for the day.

“The message I wanted to share is that it is worth making those sacrifices to give your family the opportunities to live here. You weigh up what the benefits are against the cost of commuting to places like Auckland and as long as you understand what’s involved then you can plan accordingly.”

Being the No.1 ranked amateur light-heavyweight in New Zealand for 2012, captaining the NZ boxing team 3 times, working as Shane Cameron’s sparring partner for his world title fight with Danny Green, taking a Bronze medal win at the Serbian International tournament and being the 2012 Taranaki Sportsperson of the Year are just a few of the achievements Sam has under his belt.

Winning is also an important part of his plan and with his first professional win under his belt, Sam is busy preparing for his next boxing event while continuing as the resident personal trainer and Boxmaster trainer at City Fitness in New Plymouth.

“I want to be known as a winner and to be able to show our young people what success looks like”, said Sam.

“That’s why I am keen to support events like this and I think that PKW Trust are on the right track as I thought the day was really well put together. Seeing someone like Brendon Pongia mixing it up with the locals was also a highlight.”

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Anita Marriott (OHS student) gets into the spirit of the day with Sam Rapira.

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Whatever it Takes - Sam Rapira Profess iona l boxer, Ngāpuhi , Te Rarawa

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GRANTS FOR NCEA STUDENTSLast year PKW Trust awarded 11 grants to rangatahi, tamariki and mokopuna who were studying unit standards towards their National Certificate in Education Achievement levels 1, 2 or 3. The NCEA grant is a reimbursement of the fees of that certificate.

We know there are more than 11 rangatahi in the entire PKW Whanau doing NCEA so come on whānau don’t be afraid to apply.

Opens Monday, 2 September 2013Closes Friday, 27 September 2013

PURPOSE To support whānau whose tamariki/mokopuna are studying unit standards towards the National Certificate in Education Achievement Level 1, 2 or 3.

CRITERIATo be eligible you must be: · Any age · Currently enrolled in a New Zealand School or Kura · Whakapapa to Taranaki · Endorsed by a living PKW Shareholder · Provide confirmation that NCEA fees have been paid

INELIGIBLE · Reimbursement of non-NCEA fees for example; school donations, field and sport trips, stationary, lost library books etc · Students whose fees are paid for by a government agency eg: Study Link, WINZ, Tertiary Education Commission.

APPLY BYGo to our website to complete the online form. You must register first before completing the application form.

MORE INFOContact Allie, Community Development Manager on06 7699 373 or [email protected]

PKWNCEA GRANT

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Taranaki category at the Taranaki Art Awards, sponsored by PKW and Tui Ora Ltd.

“It was as a result of participating in the Taranaki Art Awards over the last few years that the idea gained traction to create this exhibition. It has become a wonderful opportunity to reconnect to those of our whanau who have gone and show how grateful we are for their influence on those of us who are here now.”

Included in the exhibition was a crocheted blanket that adorned the gallery wall. (Pictured left)

“My sister Dora was a prolific crocheter,” says Aunty Josie. “She would also make these sack aprons with crochet flowers for us to use at the marae.”

Another rainbow inspired crochet blanket made by Hinewaito was a visitor favourite.

“That blanket is at least 45 years old and is a very special taonga for us,” says Bonita.

Remembering times when kuia at the many marae around Taranaki wore skirts that were crocheted, Aunty Josie learned the hard way that you only crocheted enough to show around the hems of a panikote (skirt).

“I actually made a whole crochet skirt but it was so heavy so I never used it,” she laughed.

With hands that have plucked many a bird to gather feathers and unraveled tangled skeins of wool showing the signs of aging, Aunty Josie was happy to let the next generations showcase their talents.

Bonita wanted to acknowledge her mum’s influence on all their lives.

“Mum is the link for us, between her mother and grandmother who we never knew and her mokopuna tuatoru she has yet to meet, so we wanted to honour her as the matriarch of our whanau.”

Timed to coincide with Puanga, the Maori New Year, HINEWAITO Celebrating a Century of Creation – One whanau, Six generations was made possible by funding from the South Taranaki District Council Creative Communities scheme.

HINEWAITO Celebrating a century of Creation – one whanau, six generations

Featuring a collection of artworks that exceeded all expectations to actually showcase seven generations of art from her whānau, from her mother Apihaka and grandmother Ngarere Kipa who lived at up at Katere in Waiwakaiho, to her great great grandchildren Teejae and Carly, Hinewaito Bigham (Ngaruahine and Te Atiawa) graciously allowed herself to become a living centrepiece for an exhibition recently.

Whenua caught up with nearly 85 year old Hinewaito, also known as Aunty Josie, shortly after the exhibition opened in May at the Lysaght Watt Gallery in Hawera. Sitting quietly within the gallery she proudly admired the exhibition that had been curated by her daughter Bonita Bigham and granddaughter Lara Ruakere.

“We had to wear taniko headbands when we went to school, no hairclips in those days”, she said, holding the remnants of taniko tipare (headbands) woven by her mother Apihaka.

The exhibition featured sentimental items that were woven, carved, crocheted or painted where practical applications of wool and materials were a commonplace part of her way of life. Other artworks were contributed from within Aunty Josie’s immediate whanau and included a variety of media, from harakeke (flax) to wool, wood and canvas.

Included was artwork from her most recent mokopuna tuatoru (great great grandchild) Teejae (1) who lives in Brisbane, as well as a stunning range of raranga harakeke (flax weaving) works from Lara who lives in Hamilton.

“The chance to bring so many pieces together from at least 100 years of artistic output from within our own whanau is something really special for us,” said Bonita, herself an accomplished taniko weaver, visual artist and recipient of the 2010 Toi Tu

HINEWAITOJOSIE BIGHAMEXH I B I T I ON

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Above Top The Kawe (Harness) was made by Apihaka and used to carry wood. The whanau believe this weaving to be close to 100 years old. Centre and Bottom Different art mediums that make up the exhibition. Top Left page Kuia Hinewaito Josie Bigham.

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Collectively, these make up the sources of revenue for PKW. The first economic objective should be maximising profits. This means ensuring all farms are operating at a high efficiency and enough skilled workers are found. Secondly, existing sites should be improved by obtaining higher quality technology, and if necessary educating the workers to increase productivity. The third priority should be the growth and expansion of the incorporation. This can be achieved by acquiring more land and cooperating with other businesses.

Social objectives include providing employment opportunities, increase education opportunities and improving welfare. The provision of employment is an important objective and is already being met - PKW’s dairy farms offer jobs across Taranaki. Acquiring more land and building more farms is a way of furthering employment opportunities, and is an important objective. Education is supported by PKW through the PKW Trust. Scholarships and grants are available to students undertaking secondary and tertiary study.

This is important as it gives students an opportunity to obtain a high quality education and leads to higher welfare. More opportunities like this should be given where possible. One cultural objective includes preserving and acknowledging the Taranaki heritage. Māori people of Taranaki had their lands confiscated in the 1800s. The lands were returned in 1976, prompting the establishment of PKW. The majority of shareholders of PKW are descendants of those people, and therefore it is important that their culture be acknowledged and preserved. This can be achieved by displaying items in museums,

and educating the public about the people and their culture. The lands with historical significance should be maintained and open for the public to view and appreciate.

PKW’s objectives include plans for furthering itself and its shareholders. Economic, social and cultural objectives face PKW, and some balance is required to ensure progress is made meeting them. These objectives should be prioritized to ensure that progress is made on more important ones. Economic profit followed by growth should be primary, as this leads to higher revenue and increases opportunities. More employment options should be generated, in addition to increases in higher education for students. The culture of ancestral Māori in Taranaki needs to be preserved. This prioritization, should balance its objectives and benefit PKW and its shareholders.

How does your chosen area of study contribute back to PKW and Taranaki whānui?

My chosen area of study is Computer Science. Computer Science involves solving real world problems, with the help of computers and computer programs. It uses logic and computation, with processes to find solutions to problems, whether it be mathematical or a problem in some other domain. Specializations exist in areas such as computer architecture, software systems, graphics, artificial intelligence, computational science and software engineering. In modern society, computer technology is common place. Mobile phones, televisions, appliances and cars all contain computers in some form or another. Computer Science can contribute back to PKW and Taranaki whanui because of the technical innovation the subject makes possible. Computer Science has applications in virtually all areas, such as medical research, physics, chemistry, communications and more.

PKW is largely involved in dairy farming, which is an area which computer science can be applied. Computer models can be created to simulate various effects on dairy farms, such as climate change or could be used for optimization. Other areas Computer Science could be useful is in developing farming management software. Such software could ease the management of stock, milk production, financial information, etc.

2013SCHOLARRECIPIENTSCOREY BARNARDCHARLES BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Corey as the recipient of the premier PKW scholarship is studing Bachelor of Science and was endorsed by his mother Mary Barnard

How can PKW balance its economic, social and cultural objectives?

Parininihi Ki Waitotara (PKW) incorporation has economic, social and cultural involvements in the Taranaki area. Its primary business is the administration of 22,000 hectares of farmland in Taranaki. Revenue is generated through commercial interests, such as dairy farming, forestry and leasing land. Innovation is essential for increasing profits and allowing growth within the incorporation. PKW’s social responsibilities include creating employment opportunities and supporting education and welfare. The lands PKW administers, were confiscated from Maori in the 1800s, who were ancestors to many of PKW’s shareholders.

The culture of the ancestors should be respected and preserved by maintaining the lands and items. PKW faces economic, social and cultural objectives. To balance these objectives, prioritization is needed.

Economic objectives need to be prioritized to maximise profit and stimulate growth. PKW has primary investments in dairy farming, but also expands into other areas, such as land leasing, crayfish, forestry and commercial property tenanting in New Plymouth, Waitara and Stratford.

2013 Scholar recipients: Above Left Corey Barnard. Above Right Aroha Rauhihi.

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with the wider objectives of PKW which go beyond land-based business ventures and economic objectives. That is, the objectives of PKW that are concerned with making inter-generational contributions to Taranaki Māori cultural and social development.

If PKW is serious about taking a long term view, then the organisation will well recognise the relevance of my field of study and the profession to its inter-generational goals.

MARY JONESPOST GRAD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTMasters of Business Administration

How does your chosen area of study contribute back to PKW and Taranaki whānui?

“Mo tātou, a, mo ka uri a muri ake nei – For us and our children after us”

This whakatauaki remains the underlying heart of whānau, hapū and iwi, capturing the very essence of who we are and who we are to become. It is our responsibility to uphold the legacy of our tipuna for if only not to lose sight of our identity. It continues to be my motivation to complete my MBA degree which I hope will equip me with the appropriate skills to be of benefit to my whanau, hapu and iwi. I have particular interest in maximising the use of resources to invest in enterprises as well as community development, in order to create opportunities for whanau whanui, now and in the future.

As this is the final year of my MBA qualification, I will undertake a research project which I intend to focus on “The Development of a framework to sustain Ahi Kaa.” This is in direct response to ‘Māori Diaspora’ - which refers to the substantial increase in outward migration of Māori leaving New Zealand, and more significantly migrating to Australia. This phenomenon began to accelerate during the late 1980’s as many Māori left New Zealand in search of better economic opportunities and a higher standard of living – most often in response to the ‘push factor’ or declining economic and social opportunities available to them in New Zealand.

It is critical to understand the extent of Māori out-migration, mainly because in 2008 one in six Māori lived outside New Zealand, and now one in five with

continuing diminishing numbers. With Māori being clearly over represented in out-migration, the impact of the negative push factors need to be seriously considered. This begins as a whānau problem, especially for those whānau such as my own, with a 96% majority residing in Australia, with a lack of representation or at times of illness and tangihanga. The problem is accentuated at the next level of hapū, with diminishing numbers being left managing the marae and representing on governance boards. The problem compounds and becomes more complex at tribal and iwi level due to numerous responsibilities, limited resources, lack of representation and continuing diminishing numbers of tribal members.

The sustaining of ahi kaa has no formal process and would vary widely between whānau, hapū and iwi. Many would be at a loss if suddenly faced with the responsibility of having to reclaim ahi kaa, or re-connecting with their whānau, whakapapa or whenua.

Therefore, the retention of whakapapa, whenua and traditional knowledge is endangered. Hopefully, the development of a framework to sustain ahi kaa could mitigate this problem for many, to enable individuals and whānau, to collate, preserve, easily access, review, re-assess, and retain their whakapapa (ancestry) and whenua tipu (ancestral land) for future generations.

“Whatu ngarongaro he tangata, toitū he whenua”

“Man perishes, but the land remains”

I agree that while the ‘push factor’ drive Māori overseas, and the ‘pull factor’ of perceived opportunities encourages them to stay, it is New Zealand’s ‘push factor’ that discourages their desire to return home.

Less than a year ago, I considered the task of leading my whānau home overwhelming and virtually impossible. However, the creation of a framework to sustain ahi kaa will enable us to capture, articulate, share and realise a collective vision for our whanau, enabling us to gain traction and start moving forward together.

If New Zealand policy makers are unable or unwilling to create ‘pull factors’ to re-ignite the desire for many Māori to return home then it is up to Māoridom to create our very own.

AROHA RAUHIHIPOST GRAD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTGraduate Diploma of Teaching

How does your chosen area of study contribute back to PKW and Taranaki whānui?

As a student of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) at The University of Auckland, my chosen area of study will enable me to effectively contribute to PKW and Taranaki whānui in various ways.

Firstly, successful completion of this qualification will give me a wealth of professional knowledge in ECE. I will develop knowledge related to ECE learning theories, pedagogy, specific content knowledge, curriculum and goals and objectives. This will complement my cultural competencies as a life-long learner of Te Reo Māori who lives in Taranaki and is committed to Taranaki Māori community development.

I am already applying my initial learning’s and cultural skills in a training position within the teaching team of Te Kōpae Piripono. Te Kōpae Piripono is an early childhood and whānau identity-based community development initiative that has an absolute commitment to Whānau Ora for Taranaki Māori. Te Kōpae Piripono was established in 1994 and is recognised as one of the most progressive Māori immersion ECE’s in the country, as evidenced by the awarding of a ‘Centre of Innovation’ grant in 2008. Te Kōpae is committed to whānau development and the maintenance and revitalisation of Taranaki reo and tikanga.

When I am fully qualified I expect to continue to contribute as a member of the Kōpae teaching team and will work towards providing leadership in Taranaki Māori early childhood education in the future.

Taranaki Māori who are highly skilled and qualified in early childhood education and are competent in Taranaki reo and tikanga have an important role to play in enabling our kōhungahunga to become confident and competent learners of the world and achieving their full potential as Taranaki Māori.

Secondly, my role as a well-educated Taranaki ECE teacher and potential leader will be important for future generations of Taranaki Māori. This is entirely aligned

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KIA ORA!HELLO!

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and interacting have increased to the point where relationships can be forged and maintained between whānau, peers and groups for a range of different purposes via SNS such as Facebook.

“I don’t know what I would do without it. When you’re away from home if you’re not in regular contact with whānau and friends you feel disconnected. Social networking allows you to stay in contact with friends and whānau as if you were there with them. You can see what they’ve been up to, and how things have changed since you left, or not. You can talk instantly, keeping your relationships intact”

–Survey respondent

Whanaungatanga as a practice has changed from being a conduit only for whānau members to connect and strengthen ties to moving beyond whakapapa and including people with a common purpose for building a relationship. In this way, whanaungatanga is more aligned with terms such as socialising, hanging out and bonding. Data and analyses presented in the wider study articulate and acknowledge a virtual form of whanaungatanga as a practice in SNS amongst Māori. Drawn from

McNatty (2001) and Edwards’ (2009) whanaungatanga models, a revised model of virtual whanaungatanga was conceptualised. This revised model, while practical in virtual spaces, remains rooted in its foundational principles of whakapapa, kaupapa, wairuatanga, kotahitanga, manaakitanga, aroha and kare ā-roto.

The whanaungatanga concept applied in SNS appears to be much more informal and applied to many more contexts and situations than it might have been when whakapapa was the driving principle and/or when whanaungatanga was only possible in face to face situations. It offers a concept and processes that Māori engage with as they work at relationships in SNS enabling them to form connections and strengthen ties with others in culturally recognisable ways. Despite not having the physical human touch when practising whanaungatanga in SNS, emotions continue to be felt and expressed by users, providing a sense of meaningful interactions. Relationships are cared for and nurtured through the processes of whanaungatanga and without it the myriad social interactions that constitute community life would suffer.

PART TWO

The researcher is currently completing her PhD thesis entitled “Kanohi ki te kanohi, a thing of the past? An examination of whanaungatanga, tuakiri and tikanga in social networking sites”.

Whanaungatanga (attaining and maintaining relationships) as a concept is a customary Māori practice enabling kin to strengthen relationships and ties between one another and entrench responsibilities as whānau (family). Increased use of Internet and social networking sites (SNS) by Māori provides alternative methods for forging and maintaining relationships, making this process more accessible for kin and those who do not have genealogical connections, but are linked through a common purpose to share, engage and interact with each other. The wider study of this article discusses the concept of whanaungatanga from both customary and contemporary perspectives providing analyses into how relationships are attained and maintained through SNS.

Whanaungatanga, to a certain extent, has undergone a shift in meaning and practice. With new technologies available to us, ways of communicating

Rangatah i MAor i and soc ial network ing s ite

NĀ ACUSHLA DEE O’CARROLLNGĀRUAHINE, NGĀTI RUANUI, TE Ā[email protected]

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