Six significant pou created by the late master carver Hugh Tareha have been restored by local Toi Māori practitioner Nathan Foote, marking a poignant moment in Hawke’s Bay’s cultural landscape. These pou, crafted from what Tareha affectionately called “Canadian kauri” – believed to be cedar – represent some of the final works by the renowned Māori artist who passed away suddenly in May 2022 at the age of 63.

The timber used for these pou has an interesting journey of its own. The wood originally traveled from North America as support beams for machinery ordered by PanPac, who later gifted the materials to Tareha for his artistic work. After completion of the restoration work, these pou are now ready for reinstallation at their designated sites.

Hugh Tareha, born around 1961 and a descendant of paramount Ahuriri chief Tareha Te Moananui, began his carving journey in the 1980s. As a member of the Ngāti Parau iwi, he became known for his ability to blend spiritual concepts with physical form in his artwork. His impressive portfolio includes numerous works that have become landmarks across Hawke’s Bay, including distinctive figures carved from tree stumps beside State Highway 50 at Waiohiki golf course, where he was based as a resident artist at Waiohiki Creative Arts Village.

Throughout his career, Tareha created works that captured the attention of both locals and international visitors, including legendary American rock guitarist Joe Walsh of The Eagles. Despite his renowned status, Tareha was known for his humble nature. As his brother-in-law Denis O’Reilly poetically described him, “He had the calloused hands of a carver, and diamonds on the soles of his shoes.”

A Legacy at Ahuriri Estuary

Tareha’s connection to Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) runs deep through his artistic and cultural work. For over 20 years, several pou originally carved by Tareha and installed in partnership with the Department of Conservation have stood sentinel around the estuary. However, the harsh estuarine environment has taken its toll on these guardians, leading to a proposal for their replacement.

Before his passing, Tareha, along with kaumātua of Ngāti Pārau Hapū, had been working with the Department of Conservation to create six replacement pou. These new works were to be based on the traditional moteatea composed by Tamatea Pokaiwhenua and Kahungunu, specifically “Te Pepeha o Tamatea Pokaiwhenua,” which celebrates the abundant and diverse foods that flourished in and around the Ahuriri estuary in the 1400s.

The proposed six pou represented the traditional foods mentioned in the ancient chant:

• Karoro (Sea Gull)
• Patiki (Flounder)
• Pāua (Pāua)
• Pūpū (Cats eye)
• Kiore (Rat)
• Aruhe (Fern Root)

This concept reflected Tareha’s deep understanding that Te Whanganui-a-Orotū was traditionally known as the food basket of the region, celebrated for its abundance and variety of sustenance.

The Restoration Project

The restoration work was undertaken by Nathan Foote, a master carver in his own right, who brings 20 years of experience to the project. Foote, trained at the prestigious New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, has created notable works including pou at Atea a Rangi and Frimley School, as well as contributions to Te Whare Te Manukura at Taikura Rudolf Steiner.

These pou hold particular significance as they are among the last works completed by Tareha before his unexpected passing, which occurred shortly after a salsa practice in Napier. Their installation will serve as a lasting testament to Tareha’s legacy, joining his other celebrated works that include sculptures at Ahuriri Estuary and West Quay, installations at the EIT Otatara campus, carvings at Waiohiki and Pukemokimoki marae, and the distinctive waharoa at Napier Port’s kororā sanctuary.

The completion of these pou by Foote ensures that Tareha’s vision for honouring the cultural and ecological heritage of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū will continue to educate and inspire future generations, while his artistic legacy remains deeply embedded in the landscape he knew and loved so well.

Installation Sites

The six restored pou will be installed at two significant locations around the Ahuriri Estuary, with three pou at each site. The Humber Street site, which receives the most visitor traffic, will feature:

• Te Karoro tangi tararau mai I runga o Tapu Te Ranga (Sea Gull) – The tallest pou positioned at the back
• Te Patiki tahanui o Otiere e (Flounder) – The middle-sized pou positioned slightly forward
• Te Paua patoto mai I runga o Tuhinga (Pāua) – The smallest pou at the front

The West Quay site will house the remaining three pou:

• Te Pupu tangi mai I runga o Matakarohirohi (Cats eye) – The tallest
• Te Kiore pekenui o Rimariki (Rat) – The middle-sized
• Te aruhe maomaonui o Pukekohu (Fern Root) – The smallest

This thoughtful arrangement ensures that the ancient moteatea of Tamatea Pokaiwhenua and Kahungunu continues to tell its story of abundance and cultural heritage to all who visit these sacred sites along Te Whanganui-a-Orotū.

With Hawke’s Bay experiencing extreme heat conditions (temperatures reaching 30-33°C) and Level 3 water restrictions in place, we wanted to highlight some essential safety information for our members during the Christmas period and summer months ahead.  

EMERGENCY CONTACTS 

Fire Emergency: 111 Police Emergency: 111 Medical Emergency: 111 Healthline (24/7): 0800 611 116 Poison Centre: 0800 764 766 HBRC Pollution Hotline: 0800 108 838 Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 Water Safety Issues: Contact local council 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Regional Contacts 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: www.hbrc.govt.nz 

• Hastings District Council: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz 

• Napier City Council: www.napier.govt.nz 

• Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: www.chbdc.govt.nz 

National Resources 

• Fire & Emergency NZ: www.fireandemergency.nz 

• Check fire permits: www.checkitsalright.nz 

• Civil Defence Get Ready: www.getready.govt.nz 

• Water Safety NZ: www.watersafetynz.org 

• NZ Food Safety: www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home 

• NZ Transport Agency: www.nzta.govt.nz 

• MetService Weather: www.metservice.com 

• Health NZ: www.health.govt.nz 

Weather Information 

• MetService: www.metservice.com 

• NIWA: www.niwa.co.nz 

• HBRC Weather: www.hbrc.govt.nz/environment/climate/weather 

#HawkesBaySummer #StaySafeHB #WaterWiseHB #FireSafeNZ #BeachSafetyNZ #SummerReadyNZ #HeatSafetyNZ #DrinkResponsibly #ArriveAliveNZ #HawkesBayLife 

Keep our Hawke’s Bay community safe and healthy throughout the summer season. Please share these important messages with your family, friends and neighbours. Let’s look after each other and enjoy a safe summer! 

For more information or to report concerns, contact your local council or the relevant emergency services. 

MANA AHURIRI TRUST 2025 TRUSTEE ELECTION

Confirmed Candidates 

Nominations for the 2025 Trustee election closed at midday on Friday 26 September 2025, with 7 nominations received for the 4 vacancies on the Trust.  An election is therefore required and will be conducted by postal and online voting.

The candidates in alphabetical order are:

• EDEN, Peter
• HAPUKU TE NAHU BAKER, Albert
• HAWAIKIRANGI, Te Kaha (TK)
• HIHA, Suzie
• TE TOMO, Morehu
• TOATOA, Marina
• WATSON, Meihana

Voter packs, together with information about the candidates, will be sent to all registered and verified adult members of the Trust on Monday 20 October 2025.  Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 21 November 2025.

New members wishing to participate in this election must register on or before 5pm on Thursday 6 November 2025.  Registration forms are available from the Trust’s registrar by emailing registrations@manaahuriritrust.com or by phone to 0508 006 262.

Ngā mihi.

Congratulations to all candidates standing for Te Whanga Māori wards in the 2025 Local Elections. Information and videos on candidates can be found below. 

Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Manawa, Ngai Te Rangi. 

Tena koutou katoa. 

I live in Te Whanga Ward and am standing as a Maori Ward candidate for Napier City Council local elections, 2025. My decision to stand reflects a deep commitment to our people and confidence in Napier’s future. It would be a privilege to serve tangata whenua and the wider Napier–Ahuriri community. I am committed to inclusive leadership and a future-focused vision for our city. My priorities include championing equity and inclusion, strengthening community wellbeing, upgrading essential infrastructure, and ensuring local voices are heard in decision-making. I’m excited to connect with residents and share ideas for the term ahead. 

Maori wards strengthen democracy through fairness, partnership, and better representation, supporting stronger relationships with whanau, hapu, iwi, and leading to more informed, inclusive decisions. Maori wards aren’t just good for Maori—they’re good for everyone, encouraging a more connected future for all. 

Email: whare@taihukiconsult.co.nz
Phone: 021 515 029 

Kia ora koutou katoa o Ahuriri. My name is Kirk Kia-Maia Leonard and have lived here in Napier for just over 50 years. We feel it’s time to go outside the comfort zone and have a go at running for a seat on the Napier City Council. The reason why we are running is because it’s time for mana whenua (first home people) to be included in the decision making and to work alongside our councillors to do what’s best for those that have voiced their issue or concerns from whoever that be whether they are indigenous to this land or not. 

My thoughts are that even if one person here in Napier explains their concerns then we can write that concern down in my booklet and take that concern to the table. By not doing anything about that concern would mean I should not be on the table. 

Email: leonardkirk411@gmail.com 
Phone: 021 100 7166 

Your vote has mana. Your voice creates change. 

This Māori Ward seat is more than representation, it’s a strategic tool to drive real, local solutions grounded in our values and lived realities. 

Your voice, your experiences, your whakaaro, those are the solutions. I bring the skills and kaupapa to uplift them, to turn them into action, and to embed them where decisions are made. 

We are a collective, and with that comes a shared responsibility to deliver better outcomes, not just for today, but for generations to come. 

While councils must deliver core services and infrastructure, we must also be bold. There are untapped opportunities and partnerships, across iwi, hapū, community enterprise, and impact spaces, that can be activated to support those who need it most. 

This is our chance to move from existing to exercising our rangatiratanga, with courage, clarity, and a focus on outcomes that uplift us all. 

Email: shyraihania88@gmail.com 
Phone: 0204 020 8905 

Voting kicks off on September 9th, your voice has mana. Get out and vote whānau, mauri ora.

More information about Māori Wards in Ahuriri here.

Kia ora e te whānau,

It’s Election year in our rohe. You will be voting on a new mayor, new Māori Ward counsellors for the first time and for representatives for the Regional Council.  Following is a summary of what’s happening and what you need to do to have your say.

Essential Voter Information for Napier Local Elections 2025 

Key Dates to Remember 

• Maori Electoral option closes July 10, 2025 

• Voting documents delivery: September 9-22, 2025 

• Voting period: September 9 – October 11, 2025 

• Last day for postal votes: October 7, 2025 

• Election Day (voting closes): October 11, 2025 at 12 noon 

What You’re Voting For 

• Mayor of Napier (1 position) 

• City Councillors (11 positions across 4 wards) 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council representatives 

How to Vote 

1. Check you’re enrolled: Ensure your details are up-to-date at vote.nz 

2. Receive your voting papers: Delivered by mail between September 9-22 

3. Complete your ballot: Follow the instructions carefully 

4. Return your vote: By mail (before October 7) or at a secure ballot box (by October 11 at noon)

Ward Information

• Te Whanga Māori ward: 2 councillors (voters must be on the Māori roll) 

• Ahuriri general ward: 3 councillors 

• Napier Central general ward: 3 councillors 

• Taradale general ward: 3 councillors
•  

Eligibility to Vote 

• New Zealand citizen or permanent resident 

• 18 years or older 

• Lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more 

• Lived in Napier for at least 1 month 

Need Help? 

• Visit: https://www.napier.govt.nz/our-council/local-elections/ 

• Call: https://www.napier.govt.nz/contact-us/ 

• Email: info@napier.govt.nz 

Important Reminders 

• Voting is by postal vote only 

• Maori Electoral option closes July 10, 2025

• Local councils make decisions that directly affect your daily life 

• Research candidates before voting 

Ngā mihi nui.

Kia ora e te whānau, 

He Tuku Mauri ki a Matariki 

Nau mai, haere mai ki te ahunga o te tau hou Māori. 

I te ata hāpara, ka huihui tātou ki te whāngai i te Hautapu, he tuku kai, he tuku whakaaro, he tuku aroha ki ngā whetū o Matariki. 

Welcome, come and join us in marking the beginning of the Māori New Year. 

At dawn, we will gather to take part in whāngai i te Hautapu, the offering of food, thoughts, and love to the stars of Matariki. 

Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025  

Time: 6 am – 7 am Location: Pukemokimoki  

Marae Address: 191 Riverbend Road, Maraenui, Napier 

Ngā whakaritenga o Te Hautapu/ Itinerary 

5:55am – KARAKIA WHAKATŪWHEA 

Lead by Kaumatua 

After the karakia to Pōhutukawa and the honouring of the dead, food is offered to the stars. The steam from the cooked food rises into the sky and feeds Matariki. Once this part of the ceremony has been completed, a series of karakia follow. The karakia are dedicated to the different stars in the cluster. 

The wahine then leads Karanga 

Those who wish to participate in this ceremony part of the Karakia and the karanga, please be mindful of the guidance of our kaumatua who will be leading out in this part.   

The Hautapu ceremony allows us to honor those who have passed while celebrating the continuity of life and whakapapa that flows from our ancestors through to future generations. During this sacred time of Matariki, we gather strength from both the stars above and the spirits of those who guide us from beyond. 

During the Hautapu ceremony, we will honor the sacred thread that connects our past to our present by sharing the names of loved ones who have journeyed beyond. If someone dear to your whānau has crossed into the realm of ancestors, please share their name with us. We will add them to our remembrance, allowing us to collectively celebrate their enduring spirit and the imprint they’ve left on our lives. Together, we bridge the worlds, ensuring their memory continues to guide and inspire our community. 

This is a time for our whānau to come together, to remember, and to set our intentions as we move forward under the guidance of Matariki. Your presence would be a precious gift to our collective journey. 

Nāku noa,

In the shadow of Hawke’s Bay Airport lies a stretch of 1,330 hectares known as Ahuriri Station—land that represents not just property, but a profound cultural reconnection and economic opportunity for the region. As the Mana Ahuriri Trust moves forward with ambitious development plans for this significant parcel, a new chapter in Hawke’s Bay’s story is beginning to unfold.

A Historical Journey Coming Full Circle

For centuries, the area around what is now Ahuriri Station was part of Te Whanganui ā Orotu, a vibrant lagoon ecosystem that served as the lifeblood for local Māori communities. Rich in kaimoana (seafood) and natural resources, this area sustained generations before undergoing dramatic changes following European settlement.

In 1851, the Crown acquired these lands, separating local hapū from their ancestral territories for 170 years. The 2021 Treaty settlement that returned Ahuriri Station to Mana Ahuriri Trust marked a historic reconnection—restoring not just land but cultural heritage and economic potential to its traditional guardians.

Building on Recent Success: The Airport Acquisition

The Trust’s vision for regional development took a significant step forward recently,

“A milestone has been reached for the 50% sale of Hawkes Bay Airport with a price between the crown and the Mana Ahuriri Trust.  While the sale is not yet finalised, the process is well advanced” The New Zealand Herald.

This strategic acquisition could position Mana Ahuriri Trust as a key stakeholder in the region’s transportation infrastructure, creating natural synergies with their plans for nearby Ahuriri Station.

The potential airport investment demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to long-term regional development and their capacity to engage in major commercial ventures that benefit both their members and the wider Hawke’s Bay community. It also creates opportunities for integrated planning between these neighboring properties, potentially enhancing both developments.

A Comprehensive Vision for Ahuriri Station

Mana Ahuriri Trust’s development plans for Ahuriri Station are ambitious and multifaceted, designed to create intergenerational benefits while addressing pressing regional needs:

Housing Development

With plans for over 1,000 new homes, the residential development at Ahuriri Station aims to address housing shortages in Hawke’s Bay while creating a community where cultural values are embedded in design and planning. This housing will serve both Trust members and the wider community, with potential for innovative housing models that promote affordability and sustainability.

Industrial and Commercial Opportunities

An industrial precinct forms another cornerstone of the development vision, designed to create employment opportunities and economic resilience. This could include warehousing, technology hubs, or green manufacturing facilities—industries that would complement existing regional strengths while diversifying the local economy.

Cultural Heritage Protection

The development plans incorporate careful protection of wāhi taonga (treasured sites), including areas near the historically significant Pakake battle site. This cultural heritage component ensures that the area’s rich history remains visible and honored within any new development.

Environmental Restoration

Addressing both cultural values and climate resilience, wetland restoration forms a key part of the development strategy. These efforts will enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and create natural buffers against flooding and rising sea levels—challenges identified in environmental assessments of the property.

Sustainable Aquaculture

Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of the development vision is the potential establishment of a sustainable fish farm. This initiative would create a modern echo of the traditional food gathering that once occurred in Te Whanganui ā Orotu lagoon, representing both cultural continuity and forward-looking enterprise.

Navigating Development Challenges

The Trust’s plans acknowledge significant challenges that must be addressed for successful development. Environmental studies by Tonkin + Taylor have identified hazards including flood risk, earthquake vulnerability, and sea level rise concerns.

Rather than seeing these as insurmountable obstacles, the Trust is exploring innovative solutions—elevating buildings in flood-prone areas, implementing enhanced stormwater systems, and using wetland restoration as natural infrastructure to mitigate environmental risks.

The financial aspects of the development also require careful navigation. While the Trust has reserves to support development, the full realization of their vision will likely involve strategic partnerships, phased development approaches, and leveraging the Fast Track status that has been granted to expedite the project.

Economic Impacts for Hawke’s Bay

When fully realized, the Ahuriri Station development has the potential to significantly impact the regional economy. Beyond the immediate construction jobs, the industrial precinct could create hundreds of permanent positions across various sectors.

The proximity to Hawke’s Bay Airport creates opportunities for businesses that benefit from transportation links, while the residential development would stimulate retail and service businesses in surrounding areas.

A Model of Integrated Development

What makes the Ahuriri Station development particularly noteworthy is its integrated approach—balancing economic, cultural, environmental, and social objectives rather than pursuing any single aim in isolation.

This holistic vision represents a potential model for development throughout New Zealand, demonstrating how Treaty settlements can serve as foundations for regional transformation that benefits Māori and non-Māori communities alike.

Looking Ahead

As planning continues and development begins to take shape over the coming years, Ahuriri Station stands to become one of the most significant transformation projects in Hawke’s Bay’s recent history.

The project represents more than just buildings and infrastructure—it embodies a vision where economic prosperity and cultural renaissance go hand in hand, where environmental restoration coexists with development, and where historical wrongs give way to future opportunities.

For Hawke’s Bay residents, this development promises new housing options, employment opportunities, and enhanced community spaces. For Mana Ahuriri Trust members, it represents the fulfillment of a long-held vision to reconnect with ancestral lands while creating sustainable prosperity for future generations.

As this ambitious project moves from planning to reality, it will undoubtedly reshape not just the physical landscape around Napier, but the economic and cultural landscape of the wider Hawke’s Bay region.

Note: The development of Ahuriri Station is currently in planning phases. Specific details of the development may evolve as the project progresses.

Mana Ahuriri Trust.

Join us for an inspiring and transformative Rongoā Māori Symposium, bringing together an exceptional lineup of Māori keynote speakers, healers, and experts dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our people. This symposium will provide a unique opportunity for health professionals, academics, and whānau to engage with renowned Tohunga, Tohuna, Kai-Rongoā, Kai-Romiromi, Kohanga Reo Kaiako, Kai-Karakia, Organic Permaculturalists, Health & Science Psychologists, and Māori entrepreneurs who embody the wisdom of our ancestors while addressing contemporary health challenges. 

Our distinguished speakers and workshop facilitators are leaders in their fields, meeting the unmet needs of our communities through holistic healing, indigenous health practices, research, and innovation.  

We are honored to welcome:

Dr. Charlotte Mildon, Jennifer Takuta-Moses, Greta Carney & Jody Hamilton, Kay Robin & Jody Toroa, Dr. Lyn Doherty, Jen Rangiawha, Cordry Huata, Moana Skipwith-Lousi, Tracy Haraki, Dessa Walker, Miri Cracknell, and Raewyn Morrell. 

This symposium is an opportunity to learn, share, and connect, whether you are a practitioner, researcher, health professional, or community member passionate about Māori wellbeing. 

Nau mai, haere mai! We invite you to join us at Waiohiki Marae on Thursday 27th & Friday 28th March 2025. 

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.

Ngā mihi mahana,

Mana Ahuriri Trust