Te Pakanga o Pakake

Ka tangi aroha

Tangi maioha koutou i tu ki Te Pa Tuwatawata Ko Pakake Kokiri wairua ki te kahui Ariki

Piki mai kake mai, ngā karanga hapū o Ahuriri.

This year marks the 200 year anniversary of the Battle of Te Pakake, a pivotal moment in our region’s history that occurred in 1824. This significant conflict took place at a small pa situated on an island near present-day Napier, pitting the local Ngati Kahungunu and their allies against a formidable coalition of northern tribes including Waikato, Hauraki, Ngati Raukawa, Wairarapa, Tuwharetoa and Ngā Puhi.

 

The battle was part of a larger series of intertribal conflicts that reshaped the North Island’s political landscape in the early 19th century. It stemmed from earlier clashes, notably the Battle of Te Roto a Tara, and was fueled by the pursuit of utu (revenge) for fallen chiefs.

 

Despite initial resistance, Te Pakake fell to the invading force, resulting in significant loss of life and the capture of several prominent chiefs. The aftermath of this battle led to major population shifts, with many Ngati Kahungunu seeking refuge in the Ruahine mountains or at Nukutaurua on the Mahia Peninsula.

 

As we commemorate this event, we reflect on the complex history of our rohe, the resilience of our ancestors, and the peace that eventually emerged from this tumultuous period. The Battle of Te Pakake remains a poignant reminder of our shared past and the importance of understanding and honoring our history.

Friday 29th November

Venue: Waiohiki Marae

9:00 AM: Pōwhiri mō Ngāti Kahungunu

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Wānanga-ā-Iwi in
Hau te Ana Nui

Key Note Speaker: Introduction to Pakake
Presentations: Whakapapa, kōrero tuku
iho, and Q&A Panels

7:00 PM: Prayer Dinner in Te Huinga o
Hikawera

Karakia, Kai, and Pō Whakangāhau

Saturday 30th November

Venue: Pakake Pa

6:00 AM: Karakia o te Atapō (Dawn
karakia)

7:00 AM: Parakuihi
9:00 AM: Pōwhiri mō te Motu –
welcoming invited iwi
Key Invites:Kiingitanga, Raukawa,
Tuwharetoa
10:00 AM:Karakia Maumahara
Keynote speakers and Maumaharatanga
12:00 PM: Kai Hakari

Join us in this important commemoration, reflecting on our past while embracing the future with unity and aroha.

RSVP : Please confirm your attendance by November 15th
For more information, contact us at info@manaahuriritrust.org or call 0508 006262

Ngā mihi mahana,

Mana Ahuriri Trust

Kia ora e te whānau,

We want to share some important information about the recent cultural monitoring efforts in Te Whanganui-ā-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) and how they affect our community. Mana Ahuriri Trust, in collaboration with the Napier City Council, has been conducting regular monitoring of our waterways and kaimoana to ensure the health and safety of our environment and people.

What is Cultural Monitoring?

Cultural monitoring is a process that combines traditional Māori knowledge with scientific methods to assess the health of our natural resources. It helps us understand how activities like stormwater discharge are impacting our waterways and the creatures that live in them.

Recent Findings

Recent testing has revealed some concerning results that our community should be aware of:

1. Norovirus: All tested sites showed the presence of Norovirus GI in shellfish. While the levels varied, this indicates widespread contamination.

2. E. coli: All sampled sites exceeded safe levels of E. coli, with Saltwater Creek showing alarmingly high levels – 40 times the safety threshold.

What This Means for You?

Given these findings, we strongly advise the following:

– Avoid consuming kaimoana: Particularly cockles and other shellfish from Te Whanganui-ā-Orotū and surrounding areas until further notice.

– Exercise caution around waterways: Especially Saltwater Creek, the Old Tūtaekurī Riverbed, and the area near the Walkover Bridge (Thames/Tyne).

– Avoid water activities: Swimming, fishing, or any recreational activities involving direct contact with water in these areas should be avoided for now.

Ongoing Monitoring and Community Involvement

We’re continuing our monitoring efforts with the help of our rangatahi and local schools. Upcoming activities include:
– Fish surveys in August and September
– Stream health monitoring with Tamatea High School students

What's Next?

We’re working closely with the Napier City Council to address these issues. A comprehensive report will be prepared in the coming months, which will guide future actions to improve our waterways’ health.

Stay Informed

We’ll keep you updated on any new findings or changes in recommendations. Your health and the health of our environment are our top priorities.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out us.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mana Ahuriri Trust Taiao Team