Newspaper Article 2020 – Ngati Rakaipaaka reconnect with whakawhanaungatanga

Ngati Rakaipaaka reconnect with whakawhanaungatanga

THE MUSIC was soothing and the sun glistening at Nuhaka’s Kahungunu Marae for their annual iwi Ngati Rakaipaaka Day.

Over 350 attendees arrived throughout the day to enjoy the activities, including face painting, and a bouncy castles for the youngsters, free health checks for all including kaumatua and a free hangi with other hot food.

Organisers say the day met their key values which were about whakawhanaungatanga (kinship and close connection between whanau) and to encourage Ngati Rakaipaaka whanau whanui to reconnect and learn about their Ngati Rakaipaakatangata.

The day celebrated their successes, achievements and getting to know iwi values.

Lots of whanau participated in activities.

One of the organisers Johnina Symes said they were grateful for those who sponsored their event, helping them to run an awesome day.

“Without the support provided, our kaupapa activities would have been very limited.”

Organisers are hopeful the event next year will be even bigger.

“Some more kai stalls, some awards, encouraging more whanau and other communities to attend and live-streaming the day’s event are just some of the ways we want to improve our day moving forward.”

Photo captions –

Haakem Smith and his daughter Remedy Gemmell enjoy a day in the sun at Ngati Rakaipaaka Day,

Luca Wainohu and Rhizar Niania enjoy their time on the bouncy castle.

Iraia Te Hanene Raroa making the most of the bouncy castle.

Jamey Ferguson was a hit with the locals on the keyboard.

Author Lyn Sturm shows off her book about her ancestor Frederick Sturm at Kahungunu Marae.